Microneedling vs. Laser: Which Acne Scar Treatment Is Right for You?

Annoyed because of persistent acne scars? Not only you, but many people are embarrassed by their pesky reminders of breakouts. Now, with modern dermatological treatments, it is easy to get a smoother, clearer, and youthful skin. There are two popular options for acne scar treatment in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic: Microneedling and Laser.

Contemplating which one will make a mark for you? This read will help you choose the most appropriate one. Both techniques are compared in detail here by a top-rated skincare expert, Dr. Niti Gaur, a dermatologist at Citrine Clinic.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Following inflammatory acne breakouts, such as cysts and nodules, the body naturally heals the skin with new collagen. Scars form when collagen is not produced in sufficient amounts.

Atrophic or depressed acne scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, develop when collagen is produced in insufficient amounts to heal the skin normally. Raised/acne scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars, develop due to excess collagen. Identifying the type and severity of acne scars is crucial when choosing the best treatment.

The Science Behind Microneedling for Acne Scars

The microneedling technique helps revive the skin’s self-repair system. It focuses on rebuilding the skin from the inside out by encouraging collagen production.

The procedure involves the use of a specialised device fitted with multiple, sterile microneedles to specific dimensions. These microneedles create multiple micro-punctures in the skin. These micro-punctures are created in a controlled manner at a specific depth and are identified by the body as micro-injuries. They activate the skin’s natural regeneration process.

During the natural healing response, two things occur: first, growth factors accumulate at the site of micropunctures; second, fresh collagen and elastin fibers are laid beneath the surface. Thus, the indented scars get filled to make the skin appear naturally smooth.

The Science Behind Laser Resurfacing Therapy for Acne Scars

Focusing the laser on the scarred skin also helps induce collagen remodelling. As the laser light falls onto the skin and goes deeper, it gets converted to thermal energy. Based on the type of laser used, the thermal energy works slightly differently to improve the acne scars.

There are two types of laser skin resurfacing: Ablative and Non-Ablative, which can be used for treating acne scars. Ablative lasers like CO2 and erbium lasers precisely vaporise the top layers of scarred skin tissue as the heat they generate is absorbed by the water within the skin cells. On the other hand, non-ablative lasers like Nd: YAG work more subtly. The melanin pigment in the skin absorbs such laser light and targets the dermis to stimulate substantial collagen growth and natural skin renewal, thereby reducing the visibility of acne scars.

The Key Differences Between Microneedling and Laser Therapy for Acne Scars

Features	Microneedling	Laser Therapy
Type and Severity of Acne Scars That Can Be Best Addressed	It is best for addressing mild to moderate acne scars, specifically rolling and boxcar scars, on all skin types.	Different lasers are available for targeting a wide range of acne scars of varying depths- including rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars that are deep-seated in the skin. This therapy is even the best for providing substantial changes to skin texture and to treat hyperpigmentation caused by acne breakouts.
Potential Aftermaths and Downtime	The commonly reported side effects include slight swelling, redness, and bruising at the site of the treatment. Its downtime is about 1- 3 days.	The commonly reported side effects include swelling, redness, and itching, and slight peeling at the site of the treatment. Oozing, peeling, and crusting of the skin is possible with ablative laser resurfacing. Darkening of the treated skin is also possible if the individual has a dark skin tone. Downtime is around a week for non-ablative laser therapy and more than 1-2 weeks for ablative laser therapy.
Number of sessions	For the treatment to take the desired effect, 3 to 8 sessions are required in a 4-6 week gap.	Typically, 3 to 6 sessions are required for optimal fading of acne scars.
Comfort Level	Generally tolerable; feels as if sandpaper is rubbed against the skin or as a vibration.	Ablative laser therapy requires numbing before the session and the use of in-built cooling. Non-ablative laser therapy sessions are more tolerable and feel like a warm pin prick or a rubber band snapped against the skin.
Cost per session	Low Priced and Effective	Expensive and Effective

Which One to Opt For?

Experts recommend choosing microneedling for acne scars if:

The main target is rolling scar or mild to moderate boxcar scars
Want a natural collagen boost and smoother skin
Want a treatment with minimal downtime and swift recovery
Cheaper acne scar treatment
Having a dark complexion.

Experts recommend choosing laser therapy for acne scars if:

It’s OK to have a lengthy recovery
The targeted concern is boxcar scars or deep ice pick scars
The aim is to achieve a dramatic improvement in skin texture and tone
There are even red or brown spots from past breakouts that have to be cleared
However, a combination of both can also be considered.

Choose Dr. Niti Gaur to Get Rid of Unsightly Acne Scars

Dr. Niti Gaur has extensive experience treating acne scars in people with various skin tones/types. She practices at Citrine Clinic, a safe, advanced skin care and acne scar treatment clinic in Gurgaon with advanced, medical-grade devices.

She is trusted for her affordable services, patient-focused treatment plan, full support post-treatment, and best guidance on skincare.

What Patients Commonly Ask About Acne Scars and Treatment

Can microneedling be combined with laser therapy for acne scars?

Yes, both techniques can complement each other very well for treating scarred skin. Microneedling will help produce refreshed skin by stimulating collagen growth and skin regeneration, while laser therapy can help eliminate deep-seated scar tissue with thermal energy and resurface the skin.

Which treatment is best for deep acne scars: Laser or microneedling?

Nd: YAG laser therapy is typically chosen to address deep acne scars and hyperpigmentation resulting from severe acne breakouts.

Can anyone go for microneedling or laser therapy for acne scars?

Mostly, yes. But these therapies are generally not suitable for individuals with active acne breakouts, certain skin infections, or a history of keloid scarring.

Which treatment, microneedling or laser, can help get rid of acne scars completely?

Neither of the two promises to eliminate acne scars. Both are popular for treating acne scars because they stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping reduce their visibility.

Should I get a microneedling or laser for acne scars?

Let a dermatologist decide after knowing your skin type/tone, the type/severity of acne scars, the extent of downtime needed, and your budget.

To boost your confidence with the safest and most effective, personalised professional approach, discuss your acne scar concern with Dr. Niti Gaur, the best doctor for acne scar treatment in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic.