Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth Clear Skin
Table of Contents
1. What is Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) and How Does it Treat Scars?
2. How is Microneedling Different from Traditional Dermarolling at Home?
3. What is the Role of Collagen and Elastin in Scar Revision?
4. Why is Microneedling Considered an Effective Treatment for Acne Scars?
5. How Does Adding PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) to Microneedling Boost Scar Results?
6. Should I Use an At‑Home Dermaroller or Invest in Professional Microneedling?
7. What Are the Most Common Side Effects, and How Can I Manage Redness and Swelling?
8. How Long Do Microneedling Results Last, and Is Maintenance Required?
9. How Many Microneedling Sessions to Improve Acne Scars?
10. What’s the Best Aftercare Routine That Speeds Up Your Healing Time?
11. What Is the Typical Recovery Timeline After a Microneedling Session?
12. Is Microneedling a Safe and Effective Option for All Skin Types and Tones?
13. Can Microneedling Be Combined with Chemical Peels or Subcision for Tough Scars?
14. Is Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling Better Than Standard Microneedling for Deep Scars?
15. What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars Microneedling Can Improve?
16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
17. Conclusion
18. References
1. What is Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) and How Does it Treat Scars?
Tired of looking at your acne scars? This article discusses Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth Clear Skin.
Discover the power of microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) for smooth, renewed skin.
Microneedling for acne scars involves creating controlled micro-injuries with tiny needles to trigger the skin’s natural healing process, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin to smooth and improve scar texture over time.
This minimally invasive procedure is effective for pitted scars, with gradual results that appear over several weeks to months after a series of treatments. Proper aftercare, including sun protection and the use of soothing products, is crucial for success.
In practice, the device creates micro-channels in the skin surface, breaking up scar tissue and triggering the repair cascade. Studies published in Florida aesthetic dermatology practices confirm microneedling’s ability to reduce the depth of acne scars and improve their texture.
For atrophic scars, including ice-pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, microneedling can deliver meaningful improvements by stimulating collagen induction therapy results.
One of the significant benefits is that the skin remains intact, mainly (the epidermis is not removed), so downtime is minimal compared to ablative lasers. The gradual process also means you can expect changes month by month as new collagen fills in depressed scars and smoothing begins.
2. How is Microneedling Different from Traditional Dermarolling at Home?
Professional microneedling utilizes sterile, precision equipment with controllable needle depth, consistent pressure, and advanced protocols.
These professional microneedling devices outperform dermaroller-type tools that you might purchase for at-home use. A key difference: when a trained provider uses a device, they adjust safe needle depth microneedling to match tissue and scar type, whereas at‑home dermaroller devices often have fixed or uncontrolled depths, increasing risk and reducing effectiveness.
At‑home microneedling acne scars may sound convenient, but at‑home microneedling acne scars risks include improper depth, poor sterility, a higher chance of infection or PIH (post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation), especially in darker skin types. Experts warn that at-home microneedling for acne scars should be approached with caution.
Dermaroller vs. Dermapen: Scars also play a role. Professional Dermapen devices allow for vertical penetration and better control compared to dermaroller tools, which drag across the skin, increasing trauma and potentially worsening scars.
In short, choosing professional microneedling devices means better precision, safety, and predictable microneedling effectiveness for acne scar removal. Home use might be tempting, but the outcomes are less specific and the risk is higher.
3. What is the Role of Collagen and Elastin in Scar Revision?
When acne damage occurs, the standard collagen-elastin matrix is disrupted, and scar tissue replaces the smooth dermal tissue.
Microneedling collagen induction for acne works by triggering the skin’s wound-healing cascade: first, inflammation, then proliferation (new collagen & elastin), and finally, remodeling. This renewed matrix helps fill in depressed scars, smooth the surface, and restore a more normal texture.
Elastin provides skin with resilience and bounce; collagen lends strength and structure. In scar revision, boosting collagen and elastin through controlled injury helps remodel the scar underside from within, rather than simply resurfacing the top layer.
This more profound effect makes microneedling for rolling scars or microneedling for boxcar acne scars meaningful in longterm improvement.
Essentially, you’re helping your own body rebuild the scaffolding under the skin, allowing it to lift those depressions and smooth out the rough texture. Thus, microneedling vs fractional laser acne scars becomes a matter of whether you want deeper remodeling (sometimes via lasers) or safer, controlled induction.
However, the underlying principle remains the same: rebuild collagen and elastin to repair the scar.
4. Why is Microneedling Considered an Effective Treatment for Acne Scars?
Microneedling effectively addresses textured and pitted scars (for example, ice‑pick, rolling, and boxcar scars) by promoting collagen induction therapy results. Clinical data indicate a reduction in scar depth and an improvement in skin texture over time.
Compared to simple surface treatments, microneedling penetrates the dermis to stimulate regeneration, resulting in microneedling for shallow acne scars and microneedling for acne scars.
Because the epidermis remains intact mainly, the risk of prolonged downtime is reduced, yet the remodeling effect still occurs. Additionally, because microchannels enhance topical absorption, using the best serum for microneedling in the immediate treatment phase can significantly boost outcomes.
Some protocols combine serums or growth factors to accelerate healing and collagen building.
From a practical standpoint, for scar correction, microneedling costs for acne scar solutions tend to be lower than those for aggressive laser resurfacing, and the side-effect profile is favorable.
Being able to target rolling scars, atrophic scars, and depressed scars makes this a flexible and effective option for many patients.
5. How Does Adding PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) to Microneedling Boost Scar Results?
Combining microneedling with PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) leverages the healing growth factors from your own blood to enhance collagen induction and accelerate healing.
Many Florida clinics offer microneedling with PRP benefits for reducing the appearance of acne scars.
The benefits include improved skin quality, faster healing, a more robust collagen response, and, therefore, better remodeling of scar tissue.
When PRP is applied during or immediately after microneedling, the microchannels allow for deeper penetration of the growth-factor-rich plasma.
You’re supporting the healing process and helping to accelerate results. This makes it ideal for more severe scars or when you want an enhanced outcome (for example, reducing ice pick scars more effectively or treating larger rolling scars).
While the cost may increase (microneedling with PRP for acne scars is higher than standard microneedling alone), many patients feel the extra investment is worthwhile for the added benefits. The bottom line: if budget and scar severity allow, microneedling PRP acne scars is a smart enhancement.
6. Should I Use an At‑Home Dermaroller or Invest in Professional Microneedling?
If your goal is meaningful scar correction (microneedling for acne scars), professional treatment is strongly recommended.
At-home microneedling may offer minor surface improvements for acne scars, but it cannot reliably penetrate to the dermal depth required for scar remodeling. As noted above, at‑home devices carry risks of at‑home microneedling acne scars, such as infection, uneven results, or worsening PIH.
Professional sessions utilize sterile equipment, adjustable safe needle depth microneedling, expert technique, and follow a proper microneedling treatment protocol, including numbing, skin pre-treatment, and aftercare. You’ll receive guidance on the microneedling healing process and microneedling aftercare routine to maximise benefit and minimise risk.
If you choose an at-home dermaroller, you must accept that results are limited, and safety should be prioritized. Keep needle lengths shallow, use only sterile tools, and follow strict hygiene practices.
For severe acne scars, consider investing in professional microneedling devices and consulting a trained provider.
7. What Are the Most Common Side Effects, and How Can I Manage Redness and Swelling?
After a microneedling session, you can expect mild to moderate redness, slight swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and crusting in some cases. The skin often looks like a mild sunburn for 24‑48 hours.
Clinics in Florida list this as the typical microneedling recovery phase for acne scars. Within the first few days, you may feel sensitivity and notice some peeling as part of the microneedling healing process.
To manage redness and swelling, apply cooling compresses and follow the best serum for microneedling as recommended (soothing, hydrating serums). Avoid exercise or sweating on the day of treatment and protect the area from sun exposure.
We, at Planatation Med Spa, will outline a microneedling aftercare routine tailored to your skin. Most swelling resolves quickly; if it persists, contact your provider.
Rarely, side effects such as PIH (post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation), infection, or scarring may occur, especially in darker skin tones or when home devices are misused. It’s essential to follow safe needle depth microneedling and proper aftercare to minimize side effects.
Microneedling side effects, such as acne scars, can be prevented with correct planning.
8. How Long Do Microneedling Results Last, and Is Maintenance Required?
Results from microneedling are gradual; you may see an immediate glow, but actual improvements build over weeks as collagen remodels beneath the skin.
Many patients show visible changes by 4‑6 weeks, with continued improvement for up to six months after the last session. Because collagen production slows with age, maintenance treatments may be necessary to maintain a smooth texture and promote scar improvements.
While microneedling for acne scars is often described as a permanent acne scar treatment in the sense of providing lasting improvement, it’s essential to understand that skin aging, sun damage, or future acne can impact outcomes. Thus, incorporating good skincare, sun protection, and occasional maintenance sessions ensures long‑term benefit.
There is no guarantee of “one and done” but rather a journey of sustained renewal.
9. How Many Microneedling Sessions to Improve Acne Scars?
Most providers recommend a series of treatments for optimal results, typically 3‑6 sessions spaced 4‑6 weeks apart.
The exact number depends on the scar type (ice-pick, rolling, or boxcar), its severity, the individual’s skin type, and their individual response. For deeper scars (rolling or boxcar), you typically need more sessions than for shallow scars.
Each subsequent session builds upon the previous one, gradually filling in scar depressions and smoothing texture.
Patients often ask about the number of microneedling sessions they will need, and the answer is: it’s not just one; you’ll need a strategic course aligned with your scar type and healing trajectory.
10. What’s the Best Aftercare Routine That Speeds Up Your Healing Time?
An intense aftercare routine is vital for ensuring the microneedling healing process goes smoothly and you maximise collagen induction.
Immediately after treatment, avoid using active skincare products (such as retinoids and exfoliants), wearing heavy makeup, and exposure to the sun. Use gentle cleansers, the best serum for microneedling (for example, hydrating peptides or growth‑factor serums as recommended by your provider), and always apply broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher) when outdoors.
Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas, or steam for at least 24‑48 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or bleeding. Follow the microneedling aftercare directions for acne scar treatment from your clinician.
Within a week, your skin will shift from healing to rebuilding. Don’t pick at any crusting or scabs; allow them to resolve naturally.
11. What Does the Typical Recovery Timeline Look Like After a Microneedling Session?
Immediately after treatment, your skin appears red and warm (similar to a sunburn). Some pinpoint bleeding or micro‑crusting may be visible.
Day 1‑2: redness persists, lighter swelling may occur; use soothing products and avoid the sun.
Day 3‑5: Crusting resolves, mild peeling may begin.
By Day 7: most visible signs of treatment are gone; you may apply light makeup if approved.
Weeks 2‑4: collagen remodeling begins, you’ll notice a smoother texture, and less visible scar depth.
By weeks 4‑6: visible improvement in microneedling before and after acne scars emerges; results continue for months.
Understanding the microneedling session timeline for acne scars helps set realistic expectations.
12. Is Microneedling a Safe and Effective Option for All Skin Types and Tones?
Yes, with proper assessment and technique, microneedling can be a safe treatment for all skin types, including those with darker skin tones.
Clinics in Florida emphasise safety for all skin types. However, special caution is required: individuals with darker skin have a higher risk of PIH, so safe needle depth microneedling, appropriate spacing, and proper aftercare are critical.
If you have active acne, eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, you may need to wait until these conditions are under control before undergoing treatment.
13. Can Microneedling Be Combined with Chemical Peels or Subcision for Tough Scars?
Absolutely.
For more stubborn scars, such as deep ice‑pick or tethered scars, the best results often come from combination therapies. For example, subcision can release tethered scar bases, followed by microneedling to stimulate collagen filling.
Similarly, microneedling combined with a chemical peel vs microneedling alone can enhance overall texture improvement.
Clinics often recommend layering treatments (chemical peel, microneedling, RF microneedling for scars) under a customised microneedling treatment protocol.
14. Is Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling Better Than Standard Microneedling for Deep Scars?
RF microneedling for scars combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to deliver heat and mechanical injury more deeply into the dermis.
Clinics say RF microneedling is especially effective for boxcar, rolling, and mixed-type deep acne scars. The deeper thermal injury may result in more dramatic remodeling compared to standard microneedling.
Still, the cost is higher (microneedling for acne scars costs increase), and downtime may be somewhat greater.
Whether “better” depends on the severity of the scar, your budget, and tolerance. For moderate shallow scars, standard microneedling may suffice; for deeper texture issues, RF microneedling might be worth the investment.
15. What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars Microneedling Can Improve?
Microneedling is best suited for atrophic (indented) scars, which are often left behind when tissue volume is lost.
Standard types: ice‑pick scars (narrow, deep), boxcar scars (round or oval depressions with sharp edges), and rolling scars (undulating, wave‑like depressions).
Microneedling for rolling scars and microneedling for boxcar acne scars has good evidence. For shallow acne scars or at-home microneedling for shallow acne scars, you may also see benefits.
Raised/hypertrophic scars respond less to standard microneedling; these may require combination treatments (such as subcision, laser, or filler).
Knowing your scar type helps you ask about the right treatment plan (how many microneedling sessions, safe needle depth microneedling, whether RF or PRP is needed).
16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth Clear Skin
Q1. Does microneedling effectively treat acne scars?
Concise Answer: Yes, microneedling can significantly improve acne scars by stimulating collagen production and smoothing depressed areas.
Detailed Answer: When performed by a qualified professional, microneedling triggers your skin’s natural healing cascade, creating micro‑injuries that prompt collagen and elastin renewal, which helps fill in and soften depressed acne scars over time.
Many studies and clinical practices in Florida have shown meaningful texture improvement for atrophic acne scars when using microneedling. Results are evident after several sessions, especially for rolling and boxcar scars.
Q2. Does Microneedling Hurt, and What Anesthetics Are Used for Pain Management?
Concise Answer: Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and topical numbing cream is commonly used before the procedure.
Detailed Answer: Providers apply a topical anesthetic 30‑45 minutes before microneedling to reduce sensation. Patients typically describe the feeling as a sandpaper‑like or light prick rather than sharp pain.
Areas with thinner skin or those using deeper needle depths may feel more sensitive, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated overall. Clinics in Florida confirm minimal discomfort during professional microneedling treatments.
Q3. What are the Best Serums to Apply Immediately After a Microneedling Treatment?
Concise Answer: Use hydrating, soothing serums with growth factors or peptides rather than potent actives for the immediate post‑treatment phase.
Detailed Answer: After microneedling, your skin is especially receptive due to the microchannels. Applying a gentle hydrating serum, preferably one recommended by your provider, supports healing and enhances collagen induction.
Growth‑factor serums, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and calming ingredients are preferred. Avoid potent actives, such as retinoids or exfoliants, until your skin has fully recovered.
Integrating the best serum for microneedling into your aftercare routine maximises results and optimises the microneedling healing process.
Q4. What Skincare Products Should I Absolutely Avoid Immediately After Treatment?
Concise Answer: Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, strong acids, scrubs, and tanning or sun exposure for at least a few days post‑treatment.
Detailed Answer: Immediately following microneedling, your skin is in a vulnerable state. Using harsh products (such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, strong acids, and physical scrubs) can disrupt healing, increase irritation, or trigger PIH (especially in darker skin).
It’s essential to adhere to gentle, soothing skincare and rigorous sun protection as part of the microneedling aftercare acne scar treatment plan provided.
Q5. How Long Must I Wait Before Applying Makeup After Microneedling?
Concise Answer: Wait at least 24 -48 hours before applying makeup, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
Detailed Answer: After professional microneedling, your skin requires time to begin healing and to avoid introducing bacteria or irritants. Many clinics in Florida recommend waiting 24 -48 hours before applying makeup, using clean brushes or tools, and ensuring the makeup is non-comedogenic and mineral-based, if possible.
Some may extend that period depending on the depth or if RF microneedling was used.
Q6. What are the Risks of DIY Microneedling for Acne Scars?
Concise Answer: DIY microneedling carries higher risks of infection, improper depth, uneven results, and PIH, especially for acne scars and darker skin types.
Detailed Answer: At‑home devices often lack precision, sterility control, and consistent needle length. Users may exceed safe needle depth, treat active acne, or perform over compromised skin, leading to complications.
The risk of microneedling side effects, such as acne scars, increases, and DIY cannot reliably match the outcomes of professional microneedling devices used in controlled settings. Experts advise caution.
Q7. How Much Does Microneedling for Acne Scars Cost Per Session?
Concise Answer: Typical microneedling acne scar cost per session in Florida can range broadly but is often in the mid‑hundreds to low‑thousands, depending on device and adjuncts.
Detailed Answer: For example, one Florida clinic lists microneedling’s average cost at ~$450 for the face and neck. However, adjuncts, a larger area, RF microneedling, or PRP add cost, so the actual cost per session varies.
A complete course (3‑6 sessions) represents the full investment. Always get a consultation to clarify microneedling cost and acne scar solutions for your plan.
Q8. How Does Microneedling Compare to Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Scarring?
Concise Answer: Microneedling is less invasive, with shorter downtime, while fractional laser resurfacing may offer more dramatic results for severe scars, but with an increased risk and recovery period.
Detailed Answer: Laser resurfacing (ablative or fractional) often removes or disrupts large portions of skin and requires longer healing, whereas microneedling preserves the epidermis and stimulates from within.
Microneedling vs. fractional laser for acne scars: Lasers may be preferred for very deep or aggressive scarring; microneedling may suffice for moderate scars, offering a lower risk and cost.
Q9. What are the Contraindications or Situations Where Microneedling Should be Avoided?
Concise Answer: Avoid microneedling if you have active acne, an infection, open wounds, certain skin diseases (e.g., eczema, rosacea flare), or have recently used isotretinoin.
Detailed Answer: Because microneedling creates micro‑injuries, existing skin inflammation or infection increases the risk of complications.
Providers usually postpone treatment until the acne is controlled, the skin is free of open lesions, and the healing capacity is optimal. Safe practice also considers skin type, medications, and recent therapies.
Q10. Is Microneedling Actually Permanent for Atrophic Acne Scars?
Concise Answer: Microneedling offers long-lasting improvements, but no treatment can guarantee complete permanence due to the effects of aging, sun damage, and future acne episodes.
Detailed Answer: While microneedling for acne scars yields actual collagen remodeling and improvements that persist, the skin continues to age, and environmental factors may introduce new changes.
Consider microneedling a durable solution rather than a one-time, permanent fix. Maintenance and protection help preserve outcomes.
Q11. Did Microneedling Help with Your Ice Pick Scars, or Is It Better for Rolling Scars?
Concise Answer: Microneedling tends to work better for rolling and boxcar scars than very narrow ice‑pick scars, which often require additional treatments.
Detailed Answer: Ice‑pick scars are deep and narrow, often requiring subcision, punch excision, or laser. Microneedling can help with shallow and moderate ice-pick scars, but for significant results, many clinicians recommend combining treatments.
Rolling and boxcar scars respond more predictably to microneedling alone.
Q12. Is it Possible to Develop New Breakouts or Acne After a Session?
Concise Answer: It’s not common for microneedling to cause new acne breakouts if the skin is prepared correctly and aftercare is followed; however, misuse or inadequate hygiene may increase the risk.
Detailed Answer: Because microneedling temporarily disrupts the skin barrier, improper aftercare or treating active acne may introduce bacteria or provoke irritation.
Ensuring acne is under control before treatment, using sterile devices, avoiding pore-clogging makeup, and maintaining clean skincare help minimize breakout risk.
Q13. Has Anyone with Dark Skin Experienced Hyperpigmentation (PIH) After Microneedling?
Concise Answer: Yes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a recognized risk in darker skin types when microneedling is mismanaged or aftercare is inadequate.
Detailed Answer: While microneedling is generally safe for all skin types, patients with skin of colour need extra precaution. Safe needle depth, gentle protocols, diligent sun protection, and careful post‑treatment management are essential.
Clinics emphasise this when treating dark skin to reduce microneedling side effects of PIH.
Q14. Do At‑Home Micro‑Needling Tools Actually Damage Your Skin Over Time?
Concise Answer: Yes. If misused, at-home microneedling tools can cause damage to the skin by creating inconsistent injuries, infections, or scarring.
Detailed Answer: Home devices often lack proper depth control, a sterile environment, and clinical judgment about timing/depth. Improper use can harm the skin’s healing capacity, increase scar risk, or cause PIH, especially in acne scar treatment.
That’s why many dermatologists recommend professional treatment over broad at-home use.
Q15. Can Microneedling Help with Large Pores in the Scarred Areas?
Concise Answer: Yes, microneedling can help reduce the appearance of large pores, primarily when they are associated with scar-related texture issues.
Detailed Answer: Large pores often accompany acne scarring and uneven texture. By stimulating collagen and thickening the dermis, microneedling can help support pore shrinkage and achieve a smoother skin surface.
Many practices report that microneedling for acne scar removal also has a positive influence on pore size and skin texture.
17. Conclusion: Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth Clear Skin
The journey from visible acne scars to clearer, smoother skin is not only possible, it’s achievable with the right approach. Microneedling for acne scars offers a proven pathway via collagen induction therapy results, whether you’re dealing with rolling scars, boxcar indentations, or the aftermath of past breakouts.
When executed under professional care, using safe needle depth microneedling, following an appropriate microneedling treatment protocol, and adhering to an intensive microneedling aftercare routine, the transformation can be remarkable.
Investing in professional microneedling devices, exploring adjuncts such as microneedling with PRP benefits, and understanding the number of microneedling sessions required empowers you as both a provider and a patient.
Yes, microneedling versus laser for acne scars is a meaningful conversation, one you’ll have with full knowledge of costs, recovery, and expected outcome. But the core remains the same: your body’s own healing ability, guided, optimized, and supported.
As you guide your clients through this process, explaining microneedling for dark skin and acne scars, microneedling cost for acne scar solutions, and the recovery timeline of microneedling sessions, you help them understand not just what to expect but also how to believe in the process and commit to it.
With patience, consistency, and proper aftercare, smooth, renewed skin is within reach.
Your patients can look forward to real improvement, absolute confidence, and a fundamental transformation.
We have covered everything about Microneedling for Acne Scars: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth Clear Skin.
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18. References
West Palm Beach IV Therapy Clinic
Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars
El‑Domyati et al. 2015
source: PMC (open‑access)
This early clinical study objectively evaluated microneedling (percutaneous collagen induction) for atrophic post‑acne scars, finding marked improvement in scar appearance and increased collagen types I and III after multiple sessions.
Iosifidis et al. 2019
source: SAGE Journals
Although focused on hypertrophic/keloid scars, this article summarizes the mechanisms of microneedling, scar remodeling, and relevant parameters (needle depth and passes) that apply to acne scarring.
Current Understanding of Microneedling Procedures for Acne and Related Skin Conditions
Măgerușan et al. 2024
Source: MDPI Cosmetics
A systematic review covering microneedling in acne‑prone skin, discussing devices, mechanisms (collagen/elastin stimulation), and safety across skin types, including darker phototypes.
Microneedling in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and New Advances
Jaiswal et al. 2024
source: PMC (open access)
This review covers microneedling’s application in dermatology broadly (including acne scars, stretch marks, and pigmentation) and highlights newer modalities such as automated pens and RF microneedling.
Chawla et al. 2014
Source: PMC (open access)
A split‑face interventional trial showing that microneedling combined with PRP achieved better scar improvement than microneedling with topical vitamin C.
Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) in the treatment of acne scars
Navyadevi et al. 2024
Source: PMC (open access)
Investigates the use of radiofrequency-enhanced microneedling (RF microneedling) for treating acne scars, finding it to be effective and safe.
Kim et al. 2023
source: Yonsei Med J
A Korean randomized split‑face study comparing FMR (fractional microneedling RF) + AFL versus AFL alone found superior outcomes when microneedling RF was added.
Review: Microneedling – Where Do We Stand Now? A systematic review
Ramaut et al. 2018
Source: ScienceDirect
Journal of Dermatological Treatment
A systematic review assessing the efficacy, protocols, and safety of microneedling for scars and skin rejuvenation; includes discussion of needle depths, device types, and outcomes.
Dermaroller Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma in Acne Scars: A Prospective Split-Face Study
(JMSH 2024)
source: Journal of Medical Sciences & Healthcare
Although not yet widely cited, this study compared dermaroller (microneedling) versus PRP monotherapy in acne scars, showing PRP to be superior.
Sharma et al. 2020
Source: Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists
A Pakistani study comparing microneedling with PRP versus microneedling alone, showing enhanced improvement with the combination.
