Lots of people get acne as teenagers, but for many, they grow out of the problem. Sure, a pimple or two might show up over the course of their life, but it doesn’t present a long-term problem. But this isn’t the case for everyone.
Some people deal with extreme acne during or even after their young adult years. Improperly treating acne, or even the inflammation that occurs with it, can cause scars to form. Sometimes, these scars are minimal and heal fast, but other times, they can last a long time. It can make you feel self-conscious and wonder if anything can be done to treat it.
At Colorado Skin Care, we offer a number of treatment options for myriad dermatological issues. Our provider, Kimberly Stone, MD, wants to help you feel and look your best, and that’s why we stand by the minimally invasive procedure of microneedling for acne scars.
Microneedling is a very popular procedure that, with regular treatments, allows the skin to look more luminous and youthful. But how exactly does it work?
To perform the procedure, Dr. Stone uses a device with very small, thin needles. These needles penetrate the skin to create minor punctures, which triggers your body to produce collagen protein to heal them, in the process making your skin tight, firm, and younger-looking.
In addition, microneedling can manage a number of cosmetic issues in the skin, including wrinkles, large pores, sun damage, stretch marks, and yes, even acne scarring. This procedure is minimally invasive and unlikely to create serious side effects, making it a great choice for mild-to-severe skin issues.
But how does microneedling reduce acne scarring? Once collagen fills in the puncture holes, your skin takes on a more even tone and a smoother appearance.
The results don’t happen immediately, but as the collagen settles and fills out the skin, you’ll begin to notice a dramatic reduction in the depth, size, and severity of your acne scarring.
A 2019 study that used microneedling to treat acne scarring found 83.3% of patients were satisfied with the results of their treatment. The treatment saw a visible reduction in acne scarring on the Goodman and Barron’s scale, and both hyperpigmentation and roughness decreased dramatically. No patients experienced severe complications from the procedures.
Although there are microneedling devices you can use at home, professional services are recommended for this kind of treatment. This is the best and safest way to de-age your face. While it's common to experience minor discomfort after the procedure, most patients don’t experience any side effects at all, especially if they visit a health care provider like Dr. Stone.
The benefits, on the other hand, are great. You can reduce your acne scarring, make your skin look younger, and minimize any other issues all at once. And if you choose to pair the treatment with platelet-rich plasma, you’ll likely see even more favorable results, as the platelets with their growth factors help amplify the many benefits associated with microneedling.
You don’t need to live with acne scars. In fact, this procedure can greatly reduce the visibility of them while also making you look younger.
Want to learn more about microneedling and its benefits? Call 303-740-4883 today to book an appointment at our Englewood, Colorado, office, or make an appointment online. We can’t wait to meet you!