How Long Does Microneedling Last for Acne Scars?
Acne scars can be challenging, often sticking around long after breakouts have faded. They can significantly impact skin texture and self-confidence, leading many to seek treatments that offer lasting results.
Microneedling has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and effectiveness in removing scars and rejuvenating the skin. But how long do the results of microneedling last for acne scars?
This article discusses the intricacies of microneedling, exploring its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, duration of results, and factors that influence its longevity.
Microneedling has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and effectiveness in removing scars and rejuvenating the skin. But how long do the results of microneedling last for acne scars?
This article discusses the intricacies of microneedling, exploring its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, duration of results, and factors that influence its longevity.
What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involving fine needles to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting the production of collagen and elastin—essential proteins that maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Initially developed to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, microneedling has gained widespread popularity for treating various skin concerns, including acne scars.
Initially developed to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, microneedling has gained widespread popularity for treating various skin concerns, including acne scars.
Microneedling Treatment Duration and Frequency
The duration and frequency of microneedling play a crucial role in achieving optimal results for acne scars. Typically, a series of sessions is recommended to attain significant improvement. Here’s what healthcare professionals should anticipate:
- ● Initial Sessions: For best results, it’s recommended to have a series of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
- ● Session Duration: Each microneedling session lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes, contingent upon the treatment area and required needle depth.
- ● Post-Treatment Recovery: Post-session, patients may experience erythema and mild edema akin to a sunburn, which generally resolve within a few days.
Expected Results and Longevity of Microneedling for Acne Scars
Microneedling is a widely recognized treatment for enhancing the appearance of acne scars, utilizing the body’s natural healing processes to stimulate collagen production. Healthcare professionals, though skilled in skincare treatment, can benefit from clear insights into expected outcomes and duration of results to refine their recommendations and offer well-informed guidance to patients.
Expected Results from Microneedling

Microneedling presents promising outcomes for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance the appearance of acne scars by rejuvenating skin texture and tone.
Immediate Improvements
Following a microneedling session, patients may notice immediate skin texture and firmness improvements due to increased blood circulation and initial collagen production. However, these changes are typically subtle and may be overshadowed by post-treatment redness and swelling.
Enhanced Skin Texture
As collagen builds over time, patients can expect significant improvements in skin texture. Most individuals report smoother skin and reduced visibility of acne scars within a few weeks after treatment. The full effects may take up to six months to become apparent as the skin continues healing and regenerating.
Reduction in Scar Depth
Microneedling is particularly effective for atrophic scars, which are depressed imperfections caused by acne. Patients often experience a noticeable reduction in depth, leading to a more even skin surface. The degree of improvement varies based on individual factors, such as severity and skin type.
Long-Lasting Results
While microneedling results can be long-lasting, they are not permanent. Patients may see improvements lasting anywhere from several months to a few years, influenced by age, skin type, and lifestyle choices like sun exposure and skincare routines. Occasional maintenance sessions can help sustain these results over time.
Longevity of Results
Comprehending the factors that influence the duration of microneedling results is essential for healthcare professionals in tailoring skincare treatment regimens.
Duration of Effects
The longevity of microneedling results can vary widely among individuals. Generally, improvements may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years after completing a series of treatments. Factors influencing this duration include:
- ● Skin Type: Oily skin may require more frequent treatments due to new breakouts.
- ● Age: Younger individuals often retain results longer than older adults with less elastic skin.
- ● Overall Skin Health: Well-maintained skin tends to hold onto improvements longer.
Maintenance Treatments
The general agreement among practitioners is to do follow-up sessions every 6 to 12 months after the initial treatment series to prolong the microneedle benefits. These maintenance programs stimulate ongoing collagen production and keep the skin looking its best.
Factors Affecting the Duration of Results
the longevity of microneedling results for acne scars. Here are some of the critical factors to consider:
Skin Type and Condition
The skin type and condition play significant roles in the success of microneedling for scar reduction.
Oily vs. Dry Skin
Skin type plays a crucial role in how long microneedling results last. Oily skin may produce excess sebum, which can lead to new acne breakouts that affect the appearance of scars. In contrast, dry skin may benefit more from the hydrating effects of microneedling but may also require more frequent treatments to maintain results.
Skin Sensitivity
Patients with sensitive skin may encounter extended redness or irritation following microneedling, impacting recovery time and outcomes. Recommending practitioners skilled in managing sensitive skin types can be instrumental in minimizing these effects and supporting optimal results.
Treatment Frequency
The duration of microneedling results is closely tied to the number of sessions a patient undergoes. Many professionals suggest three to six sessions, about four to six weeks apart, can support optimal outcomes.
Regular treatments can contribute to cumulative collagen production, which may help patients maintain their results over a more extended period. These guidelines can be adapted based on each patient’s unique needs and response to treatment, allowing healthcare providers to tailor recommendations accordingly.
Regular treatments can contribute to cumulative collagen production, which may help patients maintain their results over a more extended period. These guidelines can be adapted based on each patient’s unique needs and response to treatment, allowing healthcare providers to tailor recommendations accordingly.
Maintenance Treatments
Following the initial treatment series, many providers find that recommending maintenance sessions every six months to a year can help patients sustain their results.
However, it’s important to remind patients that skipping these follow-up sessions could gradually reduce visible benefits over time. These intervals can be adjusted based on each patient’s unique skin response and treatment goals.
However, it’s important to remind patients that skipping these follow-up sessions could gradually reduce visible benefits over time. These intervals can be adjusted based on each patient’s unique skin response and treatment goals.
Post-Treatment Care
Emphasizing proper aftercare is essential to help patients maximize the longevity of their microneedling results. As healthcare professionals, guiding patients to follow aftercare instructions can significantly enhance their outcomes.
Here are some general guidelines to share with patients:
Here are some general guidelines to share with patients:
- ● Minimize Sun Exposure: It is essential to advise patients to protect treated areas from UV rays, as sun damage can impede healing and diminish treatment efficacy.
- ● Recommend Gentle Skincare Products: Harsh products should be avoided to prevent skin irritation and interference with recovery.
- ● Encourage Hydration: Emphasize the importance of adequate hydration for supporting overall skin health and optimizing healing processes.
Overall Health and Lifestyle
Maintaining microneedling results over time requires a balanced approach that includes lifestyle changes and consistent care. Healthcare providers can support patients by recommending protective habits, like daily sun protection and a gentle skincare routine, to prolong treatment effects.
Nutrition
A balanced diet abundant in vitamins and minerals supports skin health and collagen production. Nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity and promoting healing, which are vital considerations for healthcare professionals advising patients on nutritional strategies.
Lifestyle Factors
Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and high stress levels can negatively impact patients’ skin health and healing capacity. Encouraging patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle can improve treatment outcomes and extend the longevity of results.
Age
Age is a significant factor affecting the duration of microneedling results. The skin’s resilience and faster healing capacity in younger individuals often lead to longer-lasting results. Conversely, older patients may experience shorter-lasting outcomes due to reduced skin elasticity from natural aging processes.
Combination with Other Treatments
Combining microneedling with other treatments can enhance its effectiveness and prolong results:
- ● Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This treatment involves injecting concentrated platelets into the skin before microneedling to boost healing and collagen production.
- ● Chemical Peels: Using chemical peels alongside microneedling can address pigmentation issues while improving overall skin texture.
- ● Topical Serums: Applying targeted serums, such as the Ascellos™, can enhance hydration and accelerate healing following microneedling. This serum penetrates more effectively post-treatment due to the microchannels created by the procedure, allowing active ingredients to reach deeper layers of the skin.
Practitioner Skill Level
The skill level of the practitioner performing microneedling plays a critical role in patient outcomes. Experienced healthcare providers understand how to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique skin type and concerns, selecting the appropriate depth and technique to enhance effectiveness and safety. Ensuring a high standard of care helps achieve the best possible results while minimizing risks.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While microneedling is generally safe, being aware of potential side effects as healthcare professionals is essential, allowing for realistic expectations to be set, providing informed guidance, and promptly addressing adverse reactions.
Here are some potential side effects and risks associated with microneedling:
Here are some potential side effects and risks associated with microneedling:
- ● Common Side Effects: Redness, swelling, and minor bruising are typical post-treatment and usually resolve within a few days.
- ● Infection Risk: Although rare when performed under sterile conditions, there’s a slight risk of infection. For healthcare providers, ensuring the procedure is performed in a controlled, sterile environment and following strict protocols is critical to minimizing this risk and ensuring patient safety.
- ● Pigment Changes: Some individuals, especially those with darker skin tones, may experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Proper aftercare and sun protection can mitigate this risk.
- ● Allergic Reactions: If serums or topical products are used during the procedure, there’s a potential for allergic reactions. Discussing allergies with the practitioner beforehand is essential for those without severe comorbidities.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?
Not all patients are ideal candidates for microneedling, so a thorough assessment is essential. Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate acne scarring and overall healthy skin.
Healthcare professionals must discuss individual skin types, concerns, and existing conditions with the patient to determine if microneedling is the right choice or if alternative treatments may be more effective.
Healthcare professionals must discuss individual skin types, concerns, and existing conditions with the patient to determine if microneedling is the right choice or if alternative treatments may be more effective.
- ● Individuals with Acne Scars: Microneedling is particularly beneficial for those suffering from acne scars, especially atrophic scars, which are depressed areas caused by previous acne lesions. The treatment stimulates collagen production, significantly improving skin texture and scar visibility.
- ● Individuals with No Serious Comorbidities: In the treatment area, ideal candidates should have healthy skin without active infections or severe skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis. A comprehensive consultation allows healthcare professionals to assess each patient’s suitability, ensuring a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to their skin needs.
- ● Adults of All Ages: Microneedling is safe for adults of all ages, but younger individuals with active acne may need to wait until their condition is under control before undergoing treatment. Older adults can benefit from the collagen-stimulating effects that microneedling provides.
- ● Non-Smokers: Individuals who do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after treatment are more likely to achieve better results. Smoking can impair circulation and slow the healing process, negatively affecting the efficacy of microneedling.
- ● No Blood Disorders or Certain Medications: Candidates with blood disorders or blood-thinning medications may not be suitable for microneedling due to a higher risk of bruising and bleeding. Healthcare providers should thoroughly review each patient’s medical history during consultations to identify factors affecting treatment safety and outcomes, ensuring optimal care and guidance.
- ● Not Pregnant or Nursing: Pregnant or nursing individuals are typically advised against undergoing microneedling due to potential risks associated with hormonal changes and increased skin sensitivity during these periods.
Deliver Results Patients Trust with RegenOMedix™
Microneedling offers a promising solution for improving acne scars with minimal downtime. This treatment can help patients achieve smoother skin texture and a more even complexion, enhancing their confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. Healthcare professionals can improve efficacy by tailoring the treatment to specific scar types and skin characteristics.
Combining microneedling with additional therapies and following post-care practices supports successful outcomes. For healthcare professionals, choosing a reliable microneedling device ensures safety, promotes patient trust, and reflects a commitment to excellence.
The FDA-cleared NanoPen® Pro™ by RegenOMedix™ is a best-in-class microneedling pen that meets these standards. Designed to improve outcomes for various dermatologic conditions—including acne scars, signs of aging, and other skin concerns—the NanoPen® Pro™ delivers reliable, safe, and efficient results.
Improve your practice and build patient confidence by integrating the NanoPen® Pro™ into your microneedling treatments. Contact us at RegenOMedix™ today to discover how this innovative device can support your commitment to superior care and optimal patient outcomes.
Combining microneedling with additional therapies and following post-care practices supports successful outcomes. For healthcare professionals, choosing a reliable microneedling device ensures safety, promotes patient trust, and reflects a commitment to excellence.
The FDA-cleared NanoPen® Pro™ by RegenOMedix™ is a best-in-class microneedling pen that meets these standards. Designed to improve outcomes for various dermatologic conditions—including acne scars, signs of aging, and other skin concerns—the NanoPen® Pro™ delivers reliable, safe, and efficient results.
Improve your practice and build patient confidence by integrating the NanoPen® Pro™ into your microneedling treatments. Contact us at RegenOMedix™ today to discover how this innovative device can support your commitment to superior care and optimal patient outcomes.
References
Gowda A, Healey B, Ezaldein H, Merati M. A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 Jan;14(1):45-54. Epub 2021 Jan 1.
Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, et al. Microneedling. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Merati M, Woods C, Reznik N, Parker L. An Assessment of Microneedling with Topical Growth Factors for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Nov;13(11):22-27. Epub 2020 Nov 1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54.
Zhou C, Vempati A, Tam C, Khong J, Vasilev R, Tam K, Hazany S, Hazany S. Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Look at the Psychosocial Impacts of Acne Scarring. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 Mar 25;16:731-738.
Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, et al. Microneedling. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Merati M, Woods C, Reznik N, Parker L. An Assessment of Microneedling with Topical Growth Factors for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Nov;13(11):22-27. Epub 2020 Nov 1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54.
Zhou C, Vempati A, Tam C, Khong J, Vasilev R, Tam K, Hazany S, Hazany S. Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Look at the Psychosocial Impacts of Acne Scarring. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 Mar 25;16:731-738.

Bruce Bertman, CEO of Zizion Group LLC & Networld Online, Inc.
Bruce Bertman, CEO of Zizion Group LLC and Networld Online, Inc., is a distinguished marketing professional with a career spanning work with AT&T, IBM, Inacomp Computer Centers, and numerous charitable organizations. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, he leads Zizion’s global medical device distribution operations and represents the company at international events. As a business innovator and speaker, Bertman launched three companies and guided hundreds of clients to sales success. As CEO of Networld Online, he’s a respected digital marketing leader and visionary who empowers clients and partners to succeed.