How Does Microneedling Help Improve the Appearance of Acne Scars?
Microneedling is an effective treatment for improving the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin. At Donnelley Dermatology, we use advanced microneedling techniques to treat acne scars and restore your skin’s youthful appearance. Dr. Naomi Donnelley, MD, FAAD, provides personalized treatment plans to target your specific skin concerns, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin with minimal downtime. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1075 Park Ave, #1C, New York, NY, 10128.


Table of Contents:
Does microneedling help with acne scars?
Is microneedling effective for deep acne scars?
Is microneedling safe for acne scar treatment?
What should I expect after microneedling for acne scars?
Why Choose Dr. Naomi S. Donnelley, a Board-Certified Dermatologist at Donnelley Dermatology, for Microneedling for Acne Scars?
At Donnelley Dermatology, we offer advanced microneedling treatments to help clients improve the appearance of acne scars and achieve smoother, more even-toned skin. Microneedling can help with acne scars by promoting the skin’s natural healing process. The procedure involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen and elastin production—two essential proteins for skin repair. Over time, this collagen boost helps to break down scar tissue, smoothing out the skin’s surface and improving the texture of acne scars.
While microneedling is particularly effective for shallow scars, it can also provide benefits for deeper scars, though multiple treatments may be necessary for optimal results. For best outcomes, microneedling is often combined with other treatments to enhance its effectiveness in addressing more severe scarring.
It’s important to note that microneedling results can vary depending on the type and severity of your scars, your skin type, and the number of treatments received. Before starting any treatment, our dermatologists will conduct a thorough skin evaluation to ensure microneedling is the right option for you—especially if you have active acne, certain skin conditions, or a history of poor wound healing. Our team is here to help you achieve clearer, smoother skin with personalized, expert care.
Microneedling can be effective for treating deep acne scars, particularly for rolling and boxcar scars. The procedure works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process, and promoting collagen and elastin production. This helps to break down old scar tissue and encourages the formation of fresh, healthy skin, gradually improving the texture and appearance of the affected area.
However, for deeper acne scars, such as ice-pick scars, microneedling alone may not be enough to achieve optimal results. While microneedling improves skin texture and firmness, it may need to be combined with other treatments, like laser therapy, chemical peels, or subcision, to target the deeper layers of skin and achieve more significant results.
At Donnelley Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists will assess your skin’s unique needs and design a customized treatment plan. By combining microneedling with other advanced treatments, we ensure you receive the best possible outcome for deep acne scars, helping you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Microneedling is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for acne scars. The procedure involves the use of tiny, sterile needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process and promotes collagen production. By encouraging collagen regeneration, microneedling helps improve the texture and appearance of acne scars, particularly those that are shallow and rolling.
While microneedling is safe for most skin types, it is important to note that the procedure is best suited for clients with non-active acne. Microneedling should not be performed on areas with active breakouts, as it can aggravate the condition. Additionally, the treatment is performed with precision to minimize any risk of scarring or further irritation, ensuring that the procedure is tailored to the individual’s skin needs.
At Donnelley Dermatology, we prioritize your safety and comfort during microneedling treatments. Dr. Naomi S. Donnelley ensures that each treatment is carefully planned and executed to provide optimal results for acne scars. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized care to help you achieve clearer, smoother skin safely and effectively.
At Donnelley Dermatology, we want you to feel well-informed and confident about your microneedling procedure for acne scars. After your treatment in our office, your skin will go through several stages of healing and renewal as it begins to show results. Here’s what you can expect after microneedling for acne scars:
• Redness and Swelling: After the procedure, you may experience redness similar to a mild sunburn. Swelling is also common but usually subsides within a few hours to a day.
• Minor Discomfort: You might feel slight tenderness or sensitivity in the treated area. This is typically temporary and should improve within a few days.
• Skin Dryness and Peeling: As the skin heals, you may notice dryness or mild peeling. This is a natural part of the skin’s regeneration process and can last for a few days.
• Improvement in Skin Texture: Over time, you’ll notice smoother, more even skin texture as collagen production increases and acne scars begin to fade.
• No Immediate Results: Full results may take a few weeks to appear, as collagen and elastin production continues post-treatment. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: It’s essential to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen to protect your skin as it heals.
• Moisturizing: Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer, as microneedling can cause temporary dryness.
• Follow-Up Care: Dr. Donnelley may provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
These effects are normal and part of the healing process. At Donnelley Dermatology, your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities. With proper aftercare and realistic expectations, you can look forward to a smoother recovery and excellent results from your microneedling treatment for acne scars.
Dr. Naomi S. Donnelley, a board-certified dermatologist with 21 years of post-residency experience, offers expert microneedling treatments designed to improve the appearance of acne scars. With years of experience in dermatology, Dr. Donnelley utilizes the latest microneedling techniques to stimulate collagen production and encourage skin renewal. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each treatment is personalized to address the unique needs of your skin, providing safe and effective results.
At Donnelley Dermatology, Dr. Donnelley combines her medical expertise with a deep understanding of aesthetic treatments. She carefully evaluates your skin condition, tailoring the microneedling procedure to minimize downtime and maximize improvement. Whether you’re dealing with mild or more severe acne scars, Dr. Donnelley’s gentle and precise approach helps restore your skin’s smooth texture and youthful glow, making her an ideal choice for those seeking professional acne scar treatment.
For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1075 Park Ave, #1C, New York, NY, 10128. We serve clients from New York NY, Bronx NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Harlem NY, and surrounding areas.

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ADDITIONAL SERVICES YOU MAY NEED
▸ Acne Treatment
▸ Birthmarks
▸ Eczema
▸ Warts
▸ Molluscum Contagiosum
▸ Viral Rashes
▸ Drug-Induced Rashes
▸ Rashes Treatment
▸ Seborrheic Dermatitis
▸ Fungal Infections
▸ Hives
▸ Dysport
▸ Fillers
▸ Fine Lines & Wrinkles
▸ Facial Volume
▸ Microneedling
▸ Fraxel Laser
▸ Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
▸ Venous Stasis Dermatitis
▸ Pigmentation Treatment
▸ Melasma Treatment
▸ Dark Spots
▸ Freckles and Lentigines
▸ Cyst Excisions
▸ Mole Removal
▸ Skin Tags
▸ Skin Cancer Screening
▸ Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
▸ Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
▸ Melanoma
▸ General Dermatology
▸ Psoriasis
▸ Rosacea
▸ Herpes Infections
▸ Shingles
▸ Hair Loss
▸ Dry Skin
▸ Seborrheic Keratoses

ADDITIONAL SERVICES YOU MAY NEED
▸ Acne Treatment
▸ Birthmarks
▸ Eczema
▸ Warts
▸ Molluscum Contagiosum
▸ Viral Rashes
▸ Drug-Induced Rashes
▸ Rashes Treatment
▸ Seborrheic Dermatitis
▸ Fungal Infections
▸ Hives
▸ Dysport
▸ Fillers
▸ Fine Lines & Wrinkles
▸ Facial Volume
▸ Microneedling
▸ Fraxel Laser
▸ Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
▸ Pigmentation Treatment
▸ Melasma Treatment
▸ Dark Spots
▸ Freckles and Lentigines
▸ Cyst Excisions
▸ Mole Removal
▸ Skin Tags
▸ Skin Cancer Screening
▸ Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
▸ Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
▸ Melanoma
▸ General Dermatology
▸ Psoriasis
▸ Rosacea
▸ Herpes Infections
▸ Shingles
▸ Hair Loss
▸ Dry Skin
▸ Seborrheic Keratoses
▸ Venous Stasis Dermatitis



