When is microneedling recommended for atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars are depressions formed when skin tissue is lost during healing. Microneedling creates controlled tiny punctures in the scarred area, which can stimulate a wound-healing response and gradually improve surface texture. It is generally considered for indented acne, injury, or surgical scars rather than raised scars or an active wound. Improvement is gradual and may require a course of sessions; the amount of change varies with scar depth, age, location, and skin type.

A clinician should examine the scar and check for active acne, infection, eczema, irritation, or a tendency to form thick scars before treatment. Tell them about medicines, recent tanning, cold sores, and previous scar procedures. Follow the preparation and aftercare plan, keep the area protected from sun exposure, and avoid picking or applying irritating products while the skin recovers. Read more about [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/).

Postpone treatment if the area has an open wound, spreading redness, pus, a flare of dermatitis, or an active infection. Contact the treating clinician if swelling, warmth, pain, bleeding, blistering, or colour change is worsening rather than settling, or if healing seems delayed. Urgent assessment is appropriate for rapidly spreading redness with fever or severe pain.

Ask whether your scar is atrophic and healed enough for microneedling, what improvement is realistic, how many sessions may be considered, and which aftercare products are suitable for your skin. Also ask about alternatives if the scar is deep, raised, pigmented, or still changing.