Atrophic scars (depressed of flat scars) whether caused by acne, chickenpox, or trauma, can linger long after the initial issue has resolved, leaving physical reminders that often affect confidence.
Microneedling is an effective treatment that can significantly reduce the appearance of scars, restoring smoother, healthier-looking skin. We particularly help many people with acne scars.
How Does Microneedling Treat Scars?
Microneedling pens have tiny, sterile needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger your skin’s healing response, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin. This process helps to smooth out the surface of the skin, reducing the appearance of scars over time.
Why Do Acne Scars Form?
Acne scarring often results from inflammatory acne, such as deep nodules and cysts. When these breakouts penetrate deeply into the skin, they damage the surrounding tissue.
As your skin attempts to heal, it produces collagen to repair the damage. However, if too much or too little collagen is generated, visible scars can form. The temptation to pick or squeeze spots further exacerbates this damage, increasing the likelihood of scarring.
Types of acne scars can include:
- Ice pick scars: Small, narrow, deep pits that resemble puncture marks.
- Rolling scars: Wavy, uneven indentations caused by bands of scar tissue beneath the skin.
- Boxcar scars: Broad, oval, or round depressions with sharply defined edges.
Can Microneedling Treat Other Types of Scars?
Yes, microneedling is also effective for treating scars caused by trauma, chickenpox, or surgical incisions.
Popular request is to treat cesarean scars, after a C-section, the incision will form a scar that's usually 10 to 20 cm long and horizontal, just below the bikini line. For best results a microneedling treatment plan should be started within 6 weeks after surgery.
Important: Individuals prone to keloid scarring should not use microneedling, as it cannot treat keloid scars. Keloid scars are raised scars that grow larger than the original wound and can be painful or itch.
Before and After
Treatment Options for Scar Removal
At your consultation, a practitioner will assess your scars to determine the most suitable approach. The three main options include:
Microneedling Pen
The microneedling pen creates precise microchannels in the skin, stimulating collagen remodeling and promoting natural healing. It is particularly effective for treating smaller, well-defined scars or areas where the skin is thinner, such as over bony structures, where shallower needle depths are required.
Microneedling Pen with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
To enhance results, microneedling can be paired with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), where your own plasma, rich in growth factors, is applied to the skin. This combination accelerates healing, stimulates collagen production, and improves scar reduction. PRP is a popular choice for patients seeking a completely natural treatment option. However, its effectiveness relies on the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, making it most suitable for individuals in good overall health.
Microneedling Pen with Exosomes
For older patients or those whose health is not currently at its peak, microneedling with exosomes may be a more suitable option. This treatment utilizes a highly concentrated growth factor serum, which can be more effective than PRP in cases where the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells is compromised. Exosomes provide powerful regenerative properties to enhance skin repair and rejuvenation, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking optimal results.
RF Microneedling with ENDYMED INTENSIF
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, delivering heat to deeper layers of the skin. It’s particularly effective for more pronounced or stubborn scars, stimulating collagen from within for a smoother appearance, but not so good when bone structure is close to the skin. RF Microneedling can also be combined with PRP or Exosomes.
Can microneedling be performed with active acne?
No. You must wait until your acne is not active. Having a treatment whilst your acne is active could irritate your acne which can often be painful and leave your skin feeling sensitive.
Can I get a discount if I only have a tiny scar?
The majority of the treatment cost reflects clinic overheads and the consumables required for the procedure. These expenses remain the same regardless of the size of the scar being treated, so discounts for small scars are not offered.
However, with your consent, your practitioner can use any remaining appointment time to treat other areas of your face for overall skin rejuvenation. This allows you to benefit not only from scar reduction but also from improved skin texture and health in the surrounding areas.
Does microneedling hurt?
Skin needling for creating microchannels has minimal discomfort as the a maximum depth is below 1.5 mm. It can feel a bit scratchy, but your practitioner will vary the settings during treatment areas to maximise comfort.
For needling deeper than 1.5 mm your practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. For certain treatments a local anaesthetic block may be injected to ensure maximum comfort.
What preparation is required for microneedling?
Following a good skincare regime prior to starting your treatment plan will achieve best results. During your treatment you should:
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. Aspirin / Ibuprofen 1 week before and after each treatment.
- Stop the use of retinol (vitamin A) creams 3 days prior to treatment.
After a microneedling what must I avoid?
After your needling treatment, to reduce the risk of infection, you must avoid for 12-24 hours:
- Touching the treated areas with your fingers,
- Wearing make-up.
What to Expect from Microneedling for Scars
Scar treatment plans require 5 sessions, spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. While individual results may vary, many people start to notice visible improvement typically after 2-3 sessions.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
Microneedling is a highly effective treatment for various types of scars and skin tones. It is especially beneficial for individuals with olive or darker skin, as it has a lower risk of pigmentation changes often associated with laser or chemical peel treatments.
For most individuals, microneedling significantly reduces the appearance of scars, often leading to a noticeable improvement in quality of life. Whether it’s the ease of applying makeup on a smoother skin surface or having scars that are only noticeable upon close inspection, the treatment can make a meaningful difference in how you feel about your skin. However, it is important to realise that complete removal can not be guaranteed.
During your consultation, your practitioner will carefully evaluate your scars, skin type, and overall health to recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible results for your unique needs.
Scar Needling Prices
If you’ve been living with facial scars that affect your confidence, microneedling offers an effective solution to smooth out your skin and renew your sense of self-assurance. With professional guidance and a carefully tailored treatment plan, clearer and more even skin is within reach.
| Treatment Options | From £ |
|---|---|
| RF Microneedling with PRP | 500 |
| RF Microneedling with Exosome | 475 |
| RF Microneedling only | 400 |
| Microneedling with PRP | 400 |
| Microneedling with Exosome | 375 |
| Microneedling only | 300 |
Scar Needling Packages
Save money by purchasing a package of 5 treatments, which you can use anytime within 12 months. Ask your practitioner.
