Microneedling is widely recognized for softening acne scars—but seeing real change takes more than one appointment.
This treatment works by stimulating your skin’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen to rebuild where scarring has left pits or uneven texture. Over time, skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more even.
But here’s what many clients ask first: How many sessions will I actually need to see results?
The answer depends on several things—your scar type, how your skin heals, and the technology used. Some clients see early improvement after a single session, while others need a full series of 3 to 6 treatments for visible smoothing.
In this guide, we break down how microneedling works on acne scars, how long results take, and what you can realistically expect from each session.
Here is the Quick Answer:
Microneedling is a clinically proven treatment for acne scars that works by stimulating collagen and skin renewal. Most clients see visible improvement after 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with results building gradually over time. The exact number depends on scar type, skin health, and how your skin responds. For long-term improvement, consistency and personalized treatment planning are key.
How Microneedling Helps with Acne Scars
Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for softening acne scars, especially pitted or textural types. It works by creating micro-injuries in the skin using fine, sterile needles. These controlled punctures stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing process, triggering new collagen and elastin production.
For acne scars, this collagen remodelling helps fill in depressions caused by past breakouts. Over time, the skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more even in tone and texture.
Unlike topical creams or resurfacing treatments, microneedling reaches into the deeper dermis, where structural damage from acne typically resides. That’s why it’s especially useful for atrophic scarring, including icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
Most patients begin to notice visible changes after their second or third session. However, the full benefits—such as smoother contours and softer scarring—tend to build gradually across a full series of treatments.
At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we often enhance microneedling with serums like hyaluronic acid or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to accelerate healing and target skin regeneration more effectively.
How Many Microneedling Sessions for Acne Scars?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to treating acne scars with microneedling. Your skin type, scar severity, and how your body responds to collagen stimulation all play a role in determining the right number of sessions.
That said, most people need a minimum of 3 to 6 sessions to see visible improvements in texture and depth. These sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow proper healing and collagen remodelling between treatments.
For mild acne scarring, three treatments may deliver noticeable smoothing. But for deeper or more stubborn scars, a longer treatment plan—often up to 6 or even 8 sessions—may be recommended.
What matters most isn’t rushing results but building on each treatment for lasting change. Collagen remodelling is a gradual process. Even after your final session, your skin will continue to improve for weeks as new collagen settles and smooths the skin’s surface.
Your provider will assess your skin at each stage and adjust your plan accordingly, ensuring you get the best results without over-treating.
What kinds of acne scars can be treated?
Microneedling is especially effective for atrophic (depressed) acne scars, which are some of the most common and stubborn scar types. These include:
- Rolling Scars: Wide, shallow indentations with soft edges caused by collagen loss. Microneedling helps smooth their appearance by rebuilding dermal structure.
- Boxcar Scars: Sharper-edged depressions that respond well to deeper microneedling combined with boosters like PRP or growth factors.
- Ice Pick Scars: Narrow and deep, these are more resistant to treatment. While microneedling can soften them, combining with fractional laser or subcision may yield better results.
Microneedling is less effective for raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars, which involve excess collagen. These scar types typically require different approaches such as steroid injections or laser resurfacing.
If your acne scars are mixed, your treatment plan may include microneedling for depressed areas and other modalities to target pigmentation or firmness.
What Results to Expect – And When
Microneedling doesn’t erase acne scars overnight—but it does build results steadily. Understanding the healing phases helps you know when to expect visible changes and how to support them.
After the First Session
You may notice your skin looking fresher, slightly tighter, or more radiant within a few days. However, these early effects are temporary and related to post-treatment inflammation and hydration—not true collagen remodeling.
Weeks 3 to 6
This is when collagen and elastin production begins to take shape. Acne scars may appear slightly softer, and skin tone more even. Clients often describe their skin as smoother or “refined” at this stage, though deeper scars may still be present.
After 3 to 4 Sessions
Most clients see meaningful scar reduction and overall skin texture improvement. Indented (atrophic) scars like rolling or boxcar types respond best in this window, especially when paired with skincare that supports healing.
By Session 6+
Severe or long-standing scarring typically requires 5 to 6 sessions or more. At this point, you can expect clearer skin tone, diminished textural contrast, and a visibly smoother canvas. Combination treatments, such as microneedling + PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or chemical peels, can enhance these outcomes further.
How often should you do microneedling for acne scars?
Microneedling isn’t a one-and-done solution for acne scars—it works best as a structured series of treatments. Most clients benefit from 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on their skin type, scar depth, and healing response.
This spacing allows your skin to fully recover and begin collagen remodelling between treatments. Stacking sessions too close together can actually delay results by disrupting this natural healing rhythm.
At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we customize your microneedling schedule based on:
- The severity and type of scarring (rolling scars vs. ice pick scars respond differently)
- Your skin’s ability to heal and build collagen
- Other treatments being paired with microneedling (e.g. PRP or topical serums)
- Your desired timeline for results—some clients want visible change before a wedding, vacation, or important event
Once your initial series is complete, we may recommend maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months to support long-term skin smoothness and collagen health. Think of it not as a temporary fix, but as an investment in your skin’s long-term clarity and texture.
Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Yes—microneedling is generally safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions, when performed by trained professionals. Unlike some lasers or chemical peels that may trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, microneedling uses mechanical action rather than heat, making it a lower-risk option for melanin-rich skin.
That said, individual skin history still matters. If you have active acne, eczema, psoriasis, or a recent history of isotretinoin use, microneedling may need to be delayed. The same applies if you have a current skin infection, sunburn, or open wounds.
At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, your treatment always starts with a personalized consultation. We assess:
- Skin tone and sensitivity
- History of pigmentation issues or scarring
- Current skincare regimen and medications
- Your goals and timeline for results
We customize the treatment depth and technique based on your skin type to ensure both safety and effectiveness. That’s how we reduce risks while delivering visible improvement, even for complexions more prone to inflammation.
Why Choose Celebrity Laser for Microneedling in Vancouver?
At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, microneedling isn’t just a routine—it’s part of a customized skin recovery strategy built around your unique goals.
We don’t follow generic protocols. Instead, we tailor every session based on your skin type, acne scar history, and how your skin has responded in the past. That means adjusting needle depth, frequency, and post-care for optimal results with minimal downtime.
Here’s what makes our microneedling approach different:
- Medical-Grade Devices: We use Health Canada–approved microneedling systems, not spa-grade pens.
- Expert Oversight: Every treatment is performed by certified professionals with advanced training in acne scar revision.
- Thoughtful Pairings: We often combine microneedling with topical boosters like Vitamin C, PRP, or glutathione to enhance healing and fade discoloration faster.
- Comfort Comes Standard: Numbing cream is always applied beforehand, and sessions are done in a calm, clinical setting designed for comfort and privacy.
We treat acne scars with the same precision and care we apply to all facial rejuvenation. That means more than just clearer skin—it means a treatment plan you can trust, with results that evolve safely over time.
Conclusion
Microneedling offers more than just surface improvement—it targets the structural damage that acne scars leave behind. With consistent sessions and professional care, it helps smooth texture, fade discolouration, and restore a healthier, more even complexion.
At Celebrity Laser & Skin Care, we understand that no two acne scars—or skin journeys—are the same. That’s why every microneedling plan is designed around your unique needs, goals, and response to treatment. From initial consultation to visible transformation, our team ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
If you’re ready to reduce the appearance of acne scars with a treatment that delivers real results—not just promises—book your consultation today.