Microneedling acne scar
Tired of acne scars that follow you long after the breakouts are gone leaving behind texture, pits, and uneven skin that no foundation can fully cover? Imagine smoother, more even skin that you actually feel confident going bare-faced in. At Opal Clinic in Thornhill, our professional microneedling treatments stimulate your skin's own collagen to visibly reduce acne scars and improve skin texture from the inside out.
Price
From $200
Session time
45–60 min
Session needed
3–6 sessions
Level of discomfort
4/10
What is Microneedling for Acne Scars?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a device with fine, sterile needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin's surface. These micro-injuries trigger the skin's natural wound-healing response stimulating new collagen and elastin production in the areas where acne scars have disrupted the skin's structure. Unlike topical treatments that only address the surface, microneedling works at the depth where acne scarring actually lives.
How Microneedling Works on Acne Scars
At Opal Clinic, our practitioners use a medical-grade microneedling device to create precise micro-channels at a controlled depth in the treated skin. The micro-injuries stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the dermis the layer of skin where atrophic (depressed) acne scars form. As the skin heals and rebuilds, scar tissue gradually breaks down, the surface levels out, and skin texture improves noticeably over the weeks following treatment. A topical serum is applied during the session to enhance results as the micro-channels allow deeper product penetration.
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars form when a breakout damages the deeper layers of the skin and the healing process produces irregular collagen. Atrophic scars the most common type appear as depressions or pits in the skin surface because the skin didn't produce enough collagen during healing. Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars are all variations of atrophic scarring.
The challenge with acne scars is that they are structural the damage is in the dermis, not just the surface. This is why topical products have limited effect and why treatments that reach the dermis (like microneedling) produce the most meaningful improvement.
Microneedling works best on atrophic acne scars that are fully healed with no active breakouts. Multiple sessions are needed because collagen remodelling is a gradual process significant improvement becomes visible 4 to 6 weeks after each session as new collagen matures.
How Many Sessions Will It Take?
Most patients need 3 to 6 microneedling sessions to achieve significant acne scar improvement, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow full collagen remodelling between treatments. The number of sessions depends on the depth, type, and density of your scarring.
Visible improvement typically appears 4 to 6 weeks after each session as new collagen matures. Your Opal clinician will assess your scars at your consultation and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your specific scar type and skin.
Benefits of Microneedling for Acne Scars
Visible Scar Reduction
Microneedling consistently produces visible improvement in the depth and texture of atrophic acne scars over a course of treatments with results that continue to improve for months after the final session as collagen remodelling continues.
Stimulates Your Skin's Own Collagen
Unlike ablative treatments that remove skin, microneedling works by triggering your body's natural repair process. The collagen produced is your own which is why results look and feel completely natural.
Minimal Downtime
Microneedling involves minimal social downtime — most patients experience redness and mild swelling for 24 to 48 hours, similar in appearance to a mild sunburn. There is no peeling or significant recovery period, and most patients return to regular activities the following day.
Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling for Acne Scars?
Microneedling for acne scars works well for adults with fully healed atrophic acne scarring — ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars who want to improve skin texture and reduce the depth and visibility of their scars. It works across a wide range of skin tones and is suitable for most skin types.
Fully healed atrophic (depressed) acne scars
Uneven skin texture from past breakouts
Ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scar types
Skin tone that has stabilized post-acne
No active breakouts in the treatment area
Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
A consultation at Opal Clinic in Thornhill will assess your scars, skin type, and goals and confirm whether microneedling alone or in combination with PRP is the right approach for you.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before treatment, you'll have a consultation at Opal Clinic where we assess your acne scars, skin type, and overall skin health. We'll review your skincare routine, medical history, and any products that need to be paused before treatment. A topical numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before your session to maximize comfort.
On treatment day:
Numbing cream is applied and allowed to take full effect
Skin is cleansed and prepped
Microneedling device is passed over the treatment area at the appropriate depth
A nourishing serum is applied during treatment
Full session takes 60 to 90 minutes
Skin will appear red and feel warm immediately after this is normal
During the Treatment
Your practitioner moves the medical-grade microneedling device systematically across the treatment area, creating controlled micro-channels at the correct depth for your scar type. Most patients feel a mild vibrating sensation and some warmth topical numbing makes the process very comfortable for most people. The device depth is adjusted across different areas based on scar severity. A serum is applied throughout the session to penetrate through the micro-channels and enhance the healing response.
After Your Treatment
Immediately after microneedling, the skin will appear red and feel warm similar to a mild sunburn. This is normal and expected. For the first 24 hours:
Avoid touching the face
Use only gentle, fragrance-free products
Avoid direct sun exposure
Skip active skincare no retinol, acids, or vitamin C
Avoid sweating, saunas, or pools
Days 1–3: Redness and mild tightness subside. Skin may feel dry.
Days 3–7: Skin returns to normal in appearance. Healing is happening beneath the surface.
Weeks 4–6: Collagen remodelling produces visible improvement in scar texture and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions Microneedling for Acne Scars
What is microneedling for acne scars and how does it work?
Microneedling uses a medical-grade device to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin, triggering the body's natural wound-healing response and stimulating new collagen production. Over a course of sessions, this collagen remodelling gradually reduces the depth and visibility of atrophic acne scars. Results continue to improve for months after the final session as collagen matures.
How many microneedling sessions do I need for acne scars?
Is microneedling for acne scars painful?
How long does it take to see results from microneedling on acne scars?
Is microneedling safe for all skin tones?
What is the downtime after microneedling for acne scars?
Can microneedling be combined with PRP for acne scars?
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Book appointment
Ready to See What's Possible? Book a Consultation at Opal Clinic.
Every great result starts with an honest conversation. Our team in Thornhill brings over 30 years of clinical experience to your first consultation so you leave with a clear plan built around your goals, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.