Acne scars can be a lasting reminder of past breakouts, affecting how you feel about your skin’s appearance. It’s common to look for ways to achieve a smoother complexion and feel more comfortable in your own skin. As a practice that offers comprehensive services—from eye care to aesthetic treatments—we understand the importance of feeling your best.
The number of microneedling sessions you may need for acne scars often ranges from 3 to 6, depending on your skin and the type of scars you have. To make this process easier, we’ll create a personalized plan to help address your unique skin concerns.
As a trusted eye doctor in McAllen who also provides these aesthetic services, our team at Bethel Vision Care takes a complete approach to your wellness.
How Microneedling Works for Acne Scars
Microneedling is a procedure that uses fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in your skin. This process prompts your body’s natural healing response to kick in. This helps with production of new collagen and skin tissue, which can improve your skin’s overall texture and tone.
What Types of Acne Scars Does It Help?
This treatment works well for atrophic acne scars—the kind that form a depression in the skin. While other treatments like microdermabrasion can help with acne, microneedling is often used for:
- Icepick scars—deep, narrow scars that look like small holes.
- Boxcar scars—wider depressions with more defined edges.
- Rolling scars—broad depressions with a sloping, wave-like appearance.
The Role of Collagen & Elastin
Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give your skin its structure and firmness. When a breakout of acne damages your skin, this can cause scars to form. Microneedling helps encourage your body to replenish collagen, which can smooth out the skin’s surface over time.
The Typical Number of Sessions
The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the depth of your scars and on your skin’s response to treatment. It’s a gradual process, and improvements tend to appear over time rather than all at once. We can adjust your treatment plan as we see how your skin progresses.
For Mild to Moderate Scars
For scars that aren’t very deep, a series of 3 to 6 sessions is often suggested. Each treatment builds upon the last one to help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars. This consistent approach can lead to noticeable changes.
For More Severe Scars
Deeper or more widespread scarring might benefit from additional sessions—sometimes even more than 6. Your treatment plan can be adapted based on the progress you see along the way. The goal is always to find the right frequency for your specific skin needs.
How Often to Schedule Your Sessions
Sessions are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This gap is important because it gives your skin the time it needs to heal and produce new collagen.
Your Microneedling Treatment Journey
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your appointment can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. The process is straightforward, and we’re here to guide you through each step. Your comfort is a top priority.
Before Your Appointment
We may advise you to stop using certain medications or skin products a few days before your session. A topical numbing cream is often applied about an hour before we begin. This helps minimize any discomfort during the treatment.
The Treatment Process
The procedure itself is often quick, usually taking about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. A small, handheld device is gently passed over the treatment area, creating micro-punctures. We may also apply a serum to your skin to help with hydration and healing.
What to Do After Your Session
After your treatment, your skin may look and feel like it has a mild sunburn for a few days. However, we’ll give you instructions for aftercare to support the healing process. These usually include:
- Avoid cleansing your skin for the first 24 hours.
- Use a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as protecting your skin from UV damage is key to healing.
- Avoid exfoliating products for at least 3 to 5 days.
Results Timeline & What to Expect
Patience is part of the microneedling process. While some changes might be visible soon after your first session, the most noticeable results appear over several months. Your skin needs time to generate new, healthy tissue.
When Do You First See Changes?
You may notice a smoother, more radiant complexion within just a couple of weeks. These initial improvements are often related to your overall skin texture and tone, and they’re a sign that the treatment is working.
How Long to See Full Results?
It can take up to six months after your final session to see the full effect on your acne scars. Collagen production is a gradual process that continues long after your treatments are finished. Your skin will keep improving for months to come.
Do Acne Scars Come Back After Microneedling?
The improvements from microneedling are long-lasting because the treatment helps your skin rebuild its own structure. The treated scars do not reappear. However, new breakouts could potentially cause new scars, so a consistent routine with quality skincare products is helpful.
Enjoy More Radiant Skin
The journey to smoother skin is a personal one, and the number of microneedling sessions you need depends on your specific situation. Here at Bethel Vision Care, we’re happy to provide a range of services that help you see and feel your best. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your skin goals and create a plan that’s right for you.
