Microneedling vs. Dermal Fillers for Depressed Acne Scars

Acne scarring is one of the most common skin problems, affecting about one in five people with acne. These scars are typically unnoticeable, but they may make you feel self-conscious, depending on their size and location.

At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, R. David Reeves, MD, and his team have years of experience treating acne scars. Here, we explain why acne scars occur and explore two of the most common treatment options: microneedling and dermal fillers.

Why do acne scars form?

Acne occurs when your skin pores become clogged with oil, dirt, and bacteria. Most of these clogged pores become small whiteheads or blackheads, but they can also cause larger, more noticeable types of acne, such as papules, pustules, and cysts.

Acne causes skin inflammation, regardless of type. This inflammation causes the affected pores to swell and triggers a breakdown in the pore wall. Combined, these processes leave crater-like scars in their wake, resulting in noticeable skin changes.

Our bodies respond to these scars by increasing collagen production — a protein that smooths and plumps the skin. However, in some cases, this excess collagen makes acne scars even more noticeable.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with acne scars. Several treatments can smooth your skin and effectively turn back the clock.

Microneedling vs. dermal fillers for acne scar treatment

At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, our team provides two types of acne scar treatment: microneedling and dermal fillers. Let’s explore each.

Microneedling

During microneedling, your provider uses a handheld tool called a derma roller to make small puncture wounds in your skin. This causes your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, proteins that improve the appearance of acne scars.

Microneedling is an outpatient procedure and starts working right away. It’s relatively painless and can transform your skin. That said, the American Academy of Dermatology says this approach is best for depressed or crater-like acne scars rather than raised ones. That’s because if you have raised acne scars, it means there’s already too much collagen in the area. 

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are cosmetic injectables that “fill” lost facial volume or areas of sagging skin. Often, they’re used to manage jowls, hollow cheeks, and thinning lips, but can also improve the appearance of certain acne scars.

Similar to microneedling, we typically recommend dermal fillers for depressed or crater-like acne scars. If you have raised acne scars, we can suggest an alternative treatment.

Which treatment approach is right for me?

At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, we tailor acne scar treatment to each person’s needs. 

Before making a recommendation, we review your medical records, ask about your goals, and examine your skin. Tell us if you take prescription medication or supplements and if you have any underlying medical conditions. Certain drugs and health problems can interfere with your results, so we must be aware.

After gathering the necessary information, we develop a personalized care plan. Either way,  you may need to undergo more than one treatment session for optimal results.  Microneedling and dermal fillers are both cumulative treatments, so the results add up over time.

Schedule your acne scar treatment today!

Acne scars can affect your confidence, but you don’t have to suffer. Minimally invasive outpatient treatments like microneedling and dermal fillers can transform your skin and significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars.  Call us today at our clinic in The Woodlands, Texas, or book your appointment online.