Microneedling can improve the look of many scars, especially rolling and boxcar acne scars, by using fine needles to trigger the skin’s own repair process and build new collagen. It is a course, not a single appointment: UK hospital guidance normally describes 4 to 6 sessions at least 6 weeks apart, with gradual change over about three months or more. Below we explain how it works, which scars respond, what a session involves, how to recover and who needs a different route.

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TL;DR

  • Microneedling creates tiny controlled channels in the skin, which prompts collagen production and gradually smooths the texture of many scars.
  • Rolling and boxcar acne scars tend to respond best. Ice pick scars are harder to shift.
  • Expect a course of several sessions, spaced at least 6 weeks apart, with results building over months rather than days.
  • Some people should not have it, including anyone who is keloid-prone, has an active skin infection, has a tan, or has taken isotretinoin.
  • Our Microneedling Facial starts from £150, and every treatment begins with a consultation to check it suits your skin and scar type.

Table of Contents

How microneedling helps scars

A scar is skin that repaired itself in a hurry. The collagen laid down is often denser and more disorganised than the tissue around it, which is why scars can look pitted, raised or textured differently from nearby skin.

Microneedling uses very fine needles to make micro-channels in the dermis. A systematic review of scar treatment explains that this breaks up compact, thickened collagen and sets off the wound-healing cascade, which stimulates fresh collagen production. The process is sometimes called collagen induction therapy, and the American Academy of Dermatology describes it as minimally invasive and safe for all skin tones when suitable for you.

A wider 2025 review of 70 studies lists the main mechanisms behind the effect: collagen and elastin production, new blood vessel formation, a temporary rise in skin permeability and better barrier function after treatment. In simple terms, the skin is nudged into rebuilding itself more evenly.

What the research found

The evidence is encouraging:

  • A 2020 review of 58 studies covering 1,845 patients found that microneedling, with or without radiofrequency, improved scar appearance from baseline, with no serious adverse events.
  • A 2021 review of nine randomised trials found microneedling effective for atrophic acne scars, alone or combined with other treatments.
  • In a prospective study of 120 patients with facial and non-facial scars from acne, trauma and surgery, every scar improved by at least 50 percent after an average of 2.5 treatments. Over 80 percent of patients had 50 to 75 percent improvement, and 65 percent had more than 75 percent.

That last study also found no significant difference in response between facial and non-facial scars, or between acne scars and traumatic or surgical ones. Patients of a broad range of skin tones took part. These are results from clinical studies with specific devices and protocols, so individual outcomes vary, and a clinician should set expectations for your own skin.

Which scars respond best

Not every scar behaves the same. The review of scar treatments reports that boxcar and rolling acne scars showed the greatest improvement, while icepick scars were often more stubborn. Improvement has also been reported in scars from surgery, trauma, chickenpox and smallpox, and in hypertrophic scars.

Scar type What it looks like How it tends to respond
Rolling acne scars Shallow, wave-like dips with sloping edges Among the best responders
Boxcar acne scars Round or oval dips with sharp edges Respond well, especially when shallow
Icepick scars Narrow, deep, pitted marks Often the hardest to improve
Surgical or traumatic scars Flat, textured or slightly indented lines Improvement reported in studies
Chickenpox scars Small pitted marks Improvement reported in studies

A 2017 review adds that microneedling is most commonly used for acne scars and skin rejuvenation, with mild, self-limited side effects.

Facial scars specifically

Facial scars are the most common reason people search for this treatment. Skin on the face heals well and shows texture changes clearly, so many people notice a softer, more even surface as a course progresses. The study above found facial scars responded just as well as scars elsewhere on the body.

If your scars are on the cheeks, forehead or jawline from past acne, a consultation can establish which type you have, because that decides how realistic your goals are and whether microneedling should be paired with something else.

Microneedling alone or combined with other treatments

Microneedling is often one part of a plan. The 2021 review noted efficacy as a stand-alone treatment or alongside other treatments. Radiofrequency microneedling is another variation: a 2025 review of 16 studies with 481 patients concluded it is likely effective for acne scarring on its own, with transient redness the most commonly reported side effect.

In practice, a clinician may suggest supporting treatments to improve overall skin quality alongside microneedling, such as a chemical peel for surface texture or a skin booster for hydration. At Future Proof Medical we offer a range of skin treatments, so your plan is built around your skin rather than a single procedure. We always agree the plan with you at the consultation before anything begins.

What happens during a session

The process is straightforward. The Chelsea and Westminster NHS leaflet describes a day-case procedure that includes a scar assessment, numbing cream applied for around 60 minutes, and treatment lasting up to 20 minutes.

A typical clinic visit follows this order:

  1. Consultation and assessment. We look at the scar type, your skin, your medical history and what you want to achieve.
  2. Skin preparation. The skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied and left to take effect.
  3. Treatment. A sterile, single-use needle head is passed over the area in controlled passes.
  4. Soothing and aftercare. A cooling or calming product is applied and you receive written aftercare advice.

Most people describe a sensation of pressure or mild scratching once the numbing cream has worked. Skin is usually pink to red straight afterwards.

Preparing for your appointment

Sun exposure matters. The same NHS leaflet states that treatment cannot be carried out on suntanned skin and advises avoiding fake tan, sunbathing or unprotected sun exposure in the 7 days before treatment. Tell your practitioner about any medication, particularly acne medication, and about any history of cold sores or skin infections.

How many sessions and how long until you see results

The same NHS guidance says that 4 to 6 sessions are normally needed for scars, at least 6 weeks apart, and that it can take up to 3 months or more than one treatment to notice an improvement.

The waiting is part of the biology. Collagen remodelling takes time. In a pilot study summarised in a 2017 review, patients collectively reported a 51 to 60 percent improvement in scar appearance and 80 to 85 percent overall satisfaction after six sessions over 3 months.

A realistic timeline looks like this:

  • First days: redness and some swelling. Skin can look temporarily smoother because of the swelling, but that is not your result.
  • Weeks 2 to 6: skin settles and early texture changes may start to show.
  • After each session: collagen continues to build between appointments.
  • Months 3 to 6: the more visible change usually develops as the skin remodels.

Because of that slow build, photographs taken straight after a session say little. We recommend taking your own before photographs in the same light and comparing at consistent intervals.

Recovery and aftercare

The NHS post-treatment leaflet sets out what is normal. Skin may feel warm and look red, like mild sunburn. Redness should ease within one to two days, and tightness or tenderness may last one to three days.

Its aftercare advice is clear:

  • Use cooling gel for the first 24 hours.
  • Then apply a simple moisturiser three to four times a day.
  • Avoid hot water, saunas, swimming and sweaty exercise for 72 hours.
  • Keep out of the sun for 7 days, and protect the skin afterwards.

The leaflet also notes that pigment can change, temporarily or permanently, so tell your practitioner straight away if an area looks darker or lighter than expected. Contact the clinic, or your GP or NHS 111 if you cannot reach us, if you develop signs of infection such as increasing pain, heat, swelling or pus.

Side effects in the research

Serious problems are uncommon. The 2020 scar review found no serious adverse events overall. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a temporary darkening, was the most commonly reported effect, and the feared “tramtrack” scarring was reported in only five studies. That is why technique, correct needle depth and proper skin assessment matter, and why we treat the consultation as part of the treatment.

Who should avoid microneedling

Good candidate selection is what makes microneedling safe. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against it if you:

  • heal slowly or poorly
  • have or have had a keloid
  • have a weakened immune system
  • are being treated for skin cancer in the area, or receiving radiation
  • have a tan or recent sun exposure
  • have a skin infection, or painful or pus-filled pimples
  • have taken or are taking isotretinoin

If any of these apply, speak to your GP or dermatologist before booking. If you are prone to raised scars, mention it at your first appointment so we can talk through the safest options for you. The consultation exists to catch exactly these points.

Can you microneedle a scar at home?

Home devices are widely sold, but they are a different thing from clinic treatment. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine says skin needling at home is possible, but home rollers have the shortest needle lengths and cannot produce the same benefits as practitioner-only treatment. It stresses cleaning both skin and device with antiseptic solution to lower infection risk.

Home skin roller beside antiseptic solution

The needle length is the key difference. Home tools tend to use roughly 0.25 to 0.5 mm, which stays near the surface. Professional devices for atrophic scars work deeper, which is where scar collagen is remodelled. Our advice is to leave scar work to a trained clinician and use home tools, if at all, only for general skin upkeep with a clean device and short needles.

How soon can you treat a new scar?

A fresh wound needs to heal fully before any needling. Treatment is generally for settled, mature scars, and your clinician will want the skin closed, calm and free of infection. If you have had surgery, follow your surgeon’s advice on timing and ask them before booking any treatment near the scar.

What microneedling costs with us

Our Microneedling Facial starts from £150 per treatment. Because scars need several sessions, the total depends on how many your skin needs, and we agree that with you at your consultation so there are no surprises. Related treatments we offer include a chemical peel from £90, a skin booster from £220 and poly nucleotides from £180, which your clinician may discuss if they suit your goals.

Cosmetic microneedling is generally not provided on the NHS for appearance-based concerns, so most people arrange it privately. The British Association of Dermatologists notes that microneedling is usually not an NHS procedure.

Our perspective

We see microneedling as one of the most sensible ways to work with the skin rather than against it. It asks your own tissue to rebuild itself, and that is why we like it for textured and pitted scars.

What matters most to us is the order of events. We start with a conversation, not a needle. We look at your scar type, your skin and your history, we explain what a realistic improvement looks like, and only then do we plan a course. Our approach is holistic, so we also talk about the things that support healing, including nutrition, sleep and how you are feeling about your skin.

Scars carry a story, and for many people they weigh on confidence far more than they show to anyone else. Our aim is a clear plan, honest advice and a supportive room, led by Nurse Rebeca and Dr. Chris, with safety standards we never compromise on.

the author

Book a scar consultation in Milnrow

If you are in Rochdale, Milnrow or the surrounding area and want to know whether microneedling suits your scars, start with a consultation at Future Proof Medical. We will assess your skin, explain what to expect and build a plan around your goals. Our Microneedling Facial starts from £150.

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You can see every treatment we offer, with prices, on our services page, or find out more about the clinic on our home page.

FAQ

Does microneedling actually help scars?

Yes, for many scars. Systematic reviews covering well over a thousand patients found improved scar appearance with no serious adverse events, and rolling and boxcar acne scars respond best. Results vary between people and scar types, so a consultation is the best way to judge your own case.

How many sessions do I need for scars?

NHS guidance normally describes 4 to 6 sessions at least 6 weeks apart. Improvement can take up to 3 months or more to show, because collagen builds gradually. Your clinician will adjust the number after assessing your scars.

Can I microneedle my own scar?

Home rollers and pens use very short needles that do not reach the depth professional treatment does, and they must be kept scrupulously clean to reduce infection risk. For scars, a trained practitioner using a sterile single-use needle head is the better route.

Is microneedling for scars painful?

Numbing cream is applied for around an hour beforehand, and the treatment itself lasts up to 20 minutes. Most people feel pressure or mild scratching, followed by redness like mild sunburn that usually settles within one to two days.

Who should not have microneedling?

The American Academy of Dermatology advises against it if you are keloid-prone, have a skin infection, a tan, a weakened immune system, or have taken isotretinoin, among other factors. Tell us about your full medical history at your consultation.

Sources