Plagued by Acne Scars? How Microneedling Can Help

Do you finally have your acne under control, only to now face deep, pitted scars that leave you feeling just as self-conscious? You’re not alone: Up to 95% of people who deal with acne experience some level of scarring.

At Shady Grove Dermatology, our providers offer comprehensive care for every stage of your acne journey, from active breakouts to the scars left behind. 

To address uneven texture and pitting, we use SkinPen® microneedling, a minimally invasive treatment that naturally resurfaces skin and restores a smooth, clear complexion.

Why acne leaves a lasting mark

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide your skin with structural strength and resilience. When deep inflammation from a breakout heals, the body sometimes fails to produce enough of these protein fibers to fully repair damaged tissue in the dermis, or middle layer of skin.

The lack of internal support causes the outer layers to collapse into the gaps below, leading to indented ice pick or boxcar scars. In some cases, fibrous scar tissue pulls areas of skin inward, which results in an uneven, rolling texture.

While some people may develop raised scarring due to an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, microneedling is typically more effective for sunken, atrophic scars. If you’re dealing with bumpy hypertrophic scars, we may recommend other treatments, like laser or cryotherapy.

How SkinPen microneedling remodels scars from the inside out

Since acne scars originate deep within the dermis, treatments that only target the skin’s surface rarely produce a visible change in texture. Microneedling goes beyond the superficial layers of skin to address deep structural damage.

The SkinPen device accomplishes this by creating thousands of tiny microchannels in the areas of scarring. These controlled injuries trigger the body’s healing response, replacing old, damaged tissue with a new matrix of collagen and elastin, while the mechanical action of the needles helps break up fibrous bands that contribute to textural issues.

Over time, new collagen and elastin fibers fill in depressions and even out texture. Because every scar is unique, the SkinPen system allows us to customize the treatment depth — up to 3 millimeters — in real time, so we can reach the layers where skin needs the most help.

Your path to smoother skin: what to expect

The remodeling process occurs gradually, with the first noticeable improvements in texture usually appearing a few weeks after your initial session. For best results, we typically recommend a series of three to five treatments, spaced several weeks apart, to build upon each new layer of collagen.

Though the transformation takes time, the minimal downtime involved means you can quickly return to your normal routine while your skin rebuilds itself in the background. You may experience some redness similar to a mild sunburn immediately after treatment, but this normally resolves within a day or two.

If you’re dealing with particularly deep or stubborn scarring, we may suggest following your course of microneedling sessions with dermal fillers to instantly fill in any remaining indentations. 

Are you ready to make 2026 the year you say goodbye to acne scars and invest in your self-confidence? Contact us at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, today to schedule your consultation and take advantage of our exclusive New Year’s promotion on SkinPen microneedling.