Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly used to improve the appearance of certain types of acne scars, particularly atrophic (depressed) scars such as rolling and boxcar scars. It is generally not effective for raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars and is usually not performed over active inflammatory acne.
How microneedling works
Microneedling uses a device with fine, sterile needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response, which increases the production of collagen and elastin—proteins that help keep skin firm and resilient.
As new collagen forms over time, depressed acne scars may become less noticeable and the skin’s texture can become smoother.
Benefits for acne scars
Microneedling may help:
- Improve the appearance of rolling and boxcar acne scars.
- Smooth uneven skin texture.
- Reduce the visibility of enlarged pores in some people.
- Improve overall skin quality by encouraging collagen remodeling.
- Treat multiple areas of the face with relatively little downtime compared with some more invasive resurfacing procedures.
Who may benefit
Microneedling is often considered for people who:
- Have mild to moderate atrophic acne scars.
- No longer have active inflammatory acne in the treatment area.
- Want gradual improvement with a minimally invasive procedure.
- Are looking for a treatment that can be appropriate for a wide range of skin tones when performed correctly.
The best candidates are determined by a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional after evaluating the type and severity of the scars.
What to expect
Results develop gradually because collagen production takes time. Most people require multiple treatment sessions, often spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with improvement continuing for several months after the final session.
After treatment, it’s common to experience:
- Mild redness, similar to a sunburn.
- Slight swelling or skin tightness.
- Temporary sensitivity.
These effects usually resolve within a few days, although recovery varies from person to person.
Combination treatments
Microneedling is sometimes combined with other treatments to improve outcomes, depending on the type of scar. These may include:
- Topical medications applied immediately after treatment.
- Chemical peels.
- Laser treatments.
- Subcision for tethered rolling scars.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), although evidence for adding PRP is still evolving and results have been mixed across studies.
Important considerations
Microneedling should be performed by a trained professional using sterile equipment. It may not be appropriate for people with active skin infections, active acne in the treatment area, certain inflammatory skin conditions, or a tendency to develop keloid scars.
Following aftercare instructions—including gentle skincare and consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen—is important to support healing and help reduce the risk of complications.
While microneedling does not completely remove acne scars, it can significantly improve their appearance for many people when included as part of a personalized acne scar treatment plan.
