Erasing Acne Scars: How Microneedling Restores Skin
For those burdened with the lingering marks and uneven texture left by severe acne, microneedling Houston procedures can offer transformative improvement. This collagen-boosting treatment uses tiny needles to repair scarred skin and reduce the appearance of depressions, hypertrophic scars, and enlarged pores caused by acne.
Acne Scarring – What Causes It?
Acne scars form when severe acne damages the deep dermal layer of facial skin. Inflamed blemishes like cysts or nodules destroy collagen and elastic fibers that support the skin. As the damaged skin heals, it leaves behind visible scars or indentations.
Types of Acne Scarring
There are several classifications of acne scars that can affect skin texture:
- Ice pick scars – Narrow, deep pits in the skin
- Boxcar scars – Broad depressions with angular edges
- Rolling scars – Wide depressions from bands of scar tissue
- Hypertrophic scars – Raised, thicker areas of collagen
Microneedling can improve many types of atrophic, depressed scars by rebuilding lost collagen.
How Microneedling Improves Acne Scarring?
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin which stimulates wound healing and new collagen production. This collagen-rebuilding process smooths and fills in areas damaged by acne scarring.
The microneedling technique involves:
- Rolling a device with fine needles over the skin. The needles penetrate to controlled depths in the dermis layer of skin.
- The micro-injuries from the needles trigger the body to send collagen-producing fibroblasts to the area as part of the healing response.
- Over 4-6 weeks following treatment, new collagen synthesis fills in divots and scars, smoothing and tightening skin texture.
Treatment Process and Recovery
Microneedling sessions are performed in a medical office under sterile conditions. Here is what to expect:
- The face is cleansed and numbing cream applied.
- The doctor rolls the microneedling device over treatment areas, going over some spots multiple times.
- Procedure time takes 20-60 minutes depending on treated areas.
- Immediately after, skin appears red as if moderately sunburned. Pinpoint bleeding may occur.
- Swelling subsides within 24 hours. Redness fades over 2-5 days.
- 3 days of downtime is typical as skin fully recovers.
- Makeup can usually be worn after 2-3 days.
- Light peeling may occur over a week as skin regenerates.
Number of Treatments Needed
Most patients require 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Deeper scars often need more sessions for optimal improvement. Maintenance every 6-12 months helps sustain results.
Boosting Treatment Effectiveness
Some tips to get best acne scar reduction from microneedling include:
- Avoiding sun exposure between treatments.
- Using a good mineral sunscreen daily to protect vulnerable new skin.
- Following post-treatment guidelines to support healing.
- Adding skin-rejuvenating ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
- Spacing series of treatments over several months for cumulative benefits.
Combining Microneedling With Other Acne Scar Treatments
Microneedling can be combined with these other effective acne scar therapies for enhanced results:
- Chemical peels – Refresh the top layer of skin and improve penetration of other products.
- Laser skin resurfacing – Laser energy boosts new collagen production.
- Dermal filler injections – Hyaluronic acid fillers plump up depressed scars.
- Topical scar gels – Silicone-based gels hydrate and smooth scarred skin.
Results – Gradual But Dramatic Changes
While some improvement happens after the first session, a full series of treatments is needed to realize the potential of microneedling in Houston. When performed properly over successive treatments, dramatic reductions in acne scarring and smoother, glowing skin can be attained with minimal downtime or complications.
