Microneedling can visibly soften depressed acne scars, and it works best on rolling and boxcar types. It does not erase scars completely. Most people need a course of several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, with results building over the following months. At our clinic, micro-needling is £300 per treatment. Below we explain how it works, who it suits, what recovery looks like and how to plan a course.
TL;DR
- Microneedling stimulates collagen in the dermis, which is why it improves the texture of depressed (atrophic) acne scars.
- Rolling and boxcar scars tend to respond better than ice-pick scars, according to published studies.
- The American Academy of Dermatology describes a typical plan of 3 to 5 treatments every 2 to 4 weeks. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine says up to six may be needed.
- Combining microneedling with peels or other treatments often gives stronger results than microneedling alone.
- Active acne breakouts, a history of keloid scarring and some medical conditions mean treatment should wait or be adjusted. A consultation sorts this out before you start.
Table of Contents
- How microneedling improves acne scars
- Which acne scars respond best
- What results to expect
- Combining microneedling with other treatments
- Is it suitable for darker skin tones?
- Who should wait or avoid treatment
- Recovery and side effects
- What it costs at our clinic
- Book an acne scar consultation in London
- FAQ
- Sources
How microneedling improves acne scars
Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. The body responds by repairing them, and that repair process is what refines the surface.
A 2025 review of acne scar treatments explains that microneedling acts within the dermis. It increases blood flow and releases growth factors, which promotes collagen and elastin production, helps fibroblasts migrate and reduces inflammation. Post-treatment analyses in that review found higher levels of type I, III and VII collagen, plus thicker skin and a different distribution of elastin fibres in the upper dermis.
In plain terms: the skin rebuilds some of what the scar has lost. That is why the treatment suits scars that sit below the surface, and why it does not suit raised scars in the same way.
The evidence base is wide. A 2020 systematic review of 33 articles found that every one reported improvement in acne scar appearance after microneedling. A 2022 meta-analysis covering 12 studies and 414 participants found that no form of microneedling caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which matters when you are treating skin that is already marked.
Which acne scars respond best
Atrophic scars, the kind that dip below the surrounding skin, make up 75% to 90% of acne scar cases. They fall into three main shapes:
| Scar type | What it looks like | How common (of atrophic scars) | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling | Broad, shallow dips with sloping edges | 15% to 25% | 47.42% improvement at 6 months in one 2021 study |
| Boxcar | Round or oval dips with sharp edges | 20% to 30% | 65.40% improvement at 6 months in the same study |
| Ice-pick | Narrow, deep, pitted marks | 60% to 70% | 9.68% improvement in that study, not significant |
The prevalence figures come from the 2025 Zhang review. The improvement figures come from a 2021 study of 30 patients using a dermaroller.
Studies do not all agree. A 2022 study reported that ice-pick and box scars responded better than rolling scars. Treatment depth, device, number of sessions and scar severity all vary between studies, so use these figures as a guide to the range, not a promise.
A 2024 review concludes that microneedling’s efficacy is most evident in depressed scars such as rolling and boxcar. Very deep, narrow ice-pick scars often need a different or additional approach, which is where a combined plan comes in.
Pigmentation is a separate issue. Red or brown marks left after spots are not true scars, and they often fade with skin rejuvenation treatments. At consultation we look at which of your marks are texture changes and which are colour changes, because they are treated differently.
What results to expect
Microneedling improves scars. It does not remove them entirely. The research gives useful ranges:
- The American Academy of Dermatology says acne scars may need 3 to 5 treatments every 2 to 4 weeks, and that studies of this plan found scars faded by 50% to 70%.
- A 2017 systematic review found that all patients treated with microneedling saw some improvement, in the range of 31% to 62%.
- A 2020 review reported that 50 to 100% of patients were satisfied with microneedling or fractional radiofrequency microneedling.
Those figures differ because scars differ. A shallow rolling scar and a deep pitted scar are not the same problem, and a realistic outcome depends on yours.
How long until you see a change
Results arrive slowly, because collagen takes time to form. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine says it can take up to six weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair, and that the process continues over the following months. The AAD says improvement shows within a few weeks and full results take several months. It adds that a dermatologist may recommend a maintenance session once a year to hold results.
That timeline shapes how you plan. If you want your skin at its best for a specific date, start the course months ahead and not weeks.
How many sessions
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine notes that for acne scars and other scarring, up to six procedures may be necessary, and that combination treatments are often recommended. Your practitioner will set a number after assessing your scars, skin type and how your skin heals.
Combining microneedling with other treatments
Microneedling on its own helps. Paired with the right partner treatment, the evidence suggests it can help more.
A 2024 network meta-analysis of 24 studies and 1,546 participants found that microneedling combined with chemical peels gave the best results for degree of improvement, patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy among the options compared. The same analysis found that side effects such as redness, pain and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation showed no significant differences across the treatments assessed.
The 2025 review points the same way: combination therapies outperform microneedling alone, including microneedling with trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid or fractional CO2 laser energy. An earlier review found that combinations with PRP, subcision and several peels gave greater improvement than microneedling or fractional radiofrequency microneedling alone.
Our price list includes several treatments that sit naturally alongside micro-needling in a bespoke plan:
- Mild Skin Peel, £120, for surface texture and tone.
- Medium / Deep Peel, £350, for more visible texture concerns.
- Vampire Peel (PRP), £450, which uses your own platelet-rich plasma.
- Medical Skincare Prescription, £50, to support skin between sessions.
Which of these suits you depends on your scars and skin. We would not recommend stacking treatments without an assessment first. If you are also weighing skin quality treatments, our guide to polynucleotides versus skin boosters explains how they differ.
Is it suitable for darker skin tones?
Yes. Microneedling works beneath the surface without removing the outer skin layer, which is why the 2024 review describes it as safe across all skin tones, including darker complexions. The 2025 review reports lower rates of post-procedural pain and hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. The AAD also states it is safe for all skin tones.
As with any skin treatment, technique matters. Needle depth, pressure and aftercare are all adjusted to your skin, and the aftercare includes strict sun protection.
Who should wait or avoid treatment
Some situations mean treatment should be delayed or changed. A 2024 review advises against microneedling during an active acne breakout, and notes that certain medical conditions or medications can rule it out.
Tell your practitioner before treatment if any of these apply:
- Active spots or inflamed, cystic acne in the area.
- Cold sores, skin infections or open wounds.
- A history of keloid or raised scarring.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Blood-thinning medication, a bleeding disorder or slow wound healing.
- A known nickel allergy. The 2020 review describes a patient who developed scarring after an allergic reaction to nickel in the needles.
- Any recent peel, laser or skin surgery, or recent sunburn.
- Any mole or lesion that has changed. Have it checked by a GP first.
If you take or have recently taken prescription acne medication, mention it. Your prescriber and your practitioner can agree timing together.
Recovery and side effects
Downtime is short. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine says the skin may sting and some redness remains for a couple of days.
The AAD describes the skin feeling sunburned, with mild discomfort, burning or swelling that usually settles within a few days to a week. Lighter skin tones tend to look red, and darker skin tones look darker for a short time. You can go back to work or school straight away, but should wait 24 hours before applying make-up.
Practical aftercare:
- Keep the skin clean and avoid touching it with unwashed hands.
- Use the gentle products your practitioner recommends and skip active ingredients until told otherwise.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF every day and avoid strong sun.
- Leave scabs and flaking alone.
- Contact your clinic if you notice unusual swelling, pus or increasing pain.
The 2020 review lists transient pain, redness and swelling as the most common effects. It identifies so-called tramtrack scarring as the most feared complication, and links it to aggressive treatment. This is a reason to choose a medically trained practitioner who sets depth carefully, uses single-use sterile needle cartridges and follows a graded plan.
What it costs at our clinic
Our published price for Micro-needling is £300 per treatment, from our price list. Because acne scars usually need a course, your total depends on the number of sessions your plan includes and whether you add a peel or PRP. We confirm that plan at consultation, before you book treatment.
The NHS does not routinely offer microneedling for acne scars, so most people arrange it privately.
Our perspective
In our experience, the best acne scar results come from a plan built around the individual, not a single device used on everyone. Scars differ in depth and shape, and skin differs in how it heals. That is why we begin with an assessment, and why a course of micro-needling is often combined with peels or PRP where it suits you.
We are CQC-registered and members of the ACE Group, which is dedicated to patient safety. Every treatment is carried out by a medically trained professional, and we aim for natural, personalised results. We also look at the wider picture, including skincare, sun protection and how your skin behaves between visits, because scar improvement depends on more than the hour in the treatment room.
If you are unsure where to start, begin with a consultation. You can ask every question about timing, sessions and recovery before committing to anything.
Vishul
Book an acne scar consultation in London
We offer micro-needling, skin peels, Vampire Peel (PRP) and medical skincare in our London clinics, with in-person and virtual consultations available. We will assess your scar type, talk through realistic outcomes and build a bespoke plan.
See every treatment and price on our price list, or visit our website to book. If it is your first aesthetic appointment, our guide to London aesthetic consultations explains what happens and what to ask.
FAQ
Will microneedling help with acne scars?
Yes, for most depressed scars. A systematic review of 33 articles found improvement in acne scar appearance in every one. Rolling and boxcar scars usually respond best, and deeper ice-pick scars may need a combined approach.
Can acne scars be 100% removed?
Not reliably. Studies report improvement ranges such as 31% to 62% in one review and 50% to 70% with the AAD’s suggested plan. Aim for smoother, softer, less noticeable scars, not a blank slate.
How much does microneedling cost?
At our clinic, Micro-needling is £300 per treatment, as listed on our price list. Acne scars normally need several sessions, so we set out your full plan and cost at consultation.
Does microneedling age you faster?
The research points the other way. A 2025 review describes microneedling increasing collagen and elastin and reducing inflammation in the dermis. The practical rule is to protect treated skin from the sun while it heals.
Does microneedling hurt?
Most people feel a prickling or stinging sensation, and the skin can feel sunburned afterwards. The AAD says this usually fades within a few days to a week.
Sources
- Advances in the treatment of acne scars (2025)
- Efficacy and outcome of microneedling (dermaroller) in atrophic acne scars (2021)
- Efficacy of microneedling and CO2 laser for acne scars (2024)
- Microneedling as a treatment for acne scarring: systematic review (2020)
- Microneedling monotherapy for acne scar: systematic review and meta-analysis (2022)
- Comparing the efficacy and safety of microneedling and its combinations (2024)
- Microneedling for the treatment of scars: an update (2020)
- An objective assessment of microneedling therapy (2022)
- A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring (2017)
- Microneedling, British College of Aesthetic Medicine
- Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more, American Academy of Dermatology
