Acne scars can linger long after breakouts fade, serving as an unwelcome reminder of past skin troubles. For many people, these scars cause frustration and affect confidence, especially when makeup doesn’t fully conceal them. Fortunately, modern cosmetic treatments offer effective solutions to reduce or even erase the appearance of acne scars. Two of the most popular and proven options are microneedling and laser resurfacing. But how do you know which is right for you?
Understanding the differences, benefits, and ideal candidates for each treatment can help you make an informed decision on your journey to smoother, clearer skin.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Before exploring treatments, it’s helpful to know why acne scars develop in the first place. When acne lesions penetrate deeply into the skin, they damage the underlying tissue. As the body works to heal these lesions, it can produce too much or too little collagen, leading to:
- Atrophic (depressed) scars like icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars
- Hypertrophic (raised) scars caused by excess collagen production
Because acne scars affect both skin texture and tone, treatments must go beyond the surface to effectively remodel collagen and restore a more even complexion.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries trigger the skin’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production to fill in depressed scars and improve overall texture.
Microneedling treatments typically take 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort. After treatment, patients often experience redness and mild swelling that subsides within a few days. A series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is generally recommended for optimal results.
What is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing uses concentrated light energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate new collagen production beneath the surface. There are two main types of laser resurfacing:
- Ablative lasers (such as CO₂ or erbium lasers) vaporize the outer skin layers, offering dramatic results for deep scars but requiring more downtime.
- Non-ablative lasers (like fractional lasers) heat the deeper layers without removing surface skin, promoting collagen remodeling with less recovery time.
Laser resurfacing treatments can effectively reduce moderate to severe acne scars, minimize pore size, and improve skin tone and texture. Recovery varies depending on the type of laser used, with redness, peeling, and sensitivity lasting from several days to a couple of weeks.
Key Differences Between Microneedling and Laser Resurfacing
While both treatments aim to improve acne scars by boosting collagen, they work differently:
- Mechanism of Action
- Microneedling uses mechanical micro-injuries to stimulate healing.
- Laser resurfacing uses thermal energy to target water in skin cells, promoting controlled damage and regeneration.
- Depth of Treatment
- Microneedling generally reaches the upper to mid-dermis.
- Ablative lasers penetrate deeper and more precisely, making them effective for more severe scarring.
- Skin Tone Considerations
- Microneedling is safe for nearly all skin tones because it doesn’t involve heat that could trigger hyperpigmentation.
- Some lasers, especially ablative types, carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in medium to darker skin tones, though newer fractional lasers have improved safety.
- Downtime
- Microneedling usually requires minimal downtime, with most people resuming normal activities within 24–72 hours.
- Laser resurfacing, especially ablative treatments, often involves a longer recovery with redness, peeling, and sensitivity lasting up to 2 weeks or more.
- Results
- Microneedling improves texture gradually over multiple sessions.
- Laser resurfacing can produce more dramatic results in fewer treatments, but with greater upfront downtime.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your unique skin type, the severity and type of your acne scars, your lifestyle, and your tolerance for downtime.
Microneedling may be better if you:
- Have mild to moderate acne scarring
- Want minimal downtime
- Have darker skin or a history of hyperpigmentation
- Prefer a gradual, natural improvement
Laser resurfacing may be better if you:
- Have moderate to severe acne scarring
- Are seeking faster, more dramatic results
- Have lighter skin tones with a lower risk of pigmentation issues
- Are willing to accept longer downtime for a bigger transformation
Combining Treatments for Maximum Results
For some patients, combining microneedling and laser treatments can deliver even better results. For example, microneedling can be used first to prep the skin and improve texture, followed by laser resurfacing for deeper scars. At Yaletown Laser Centre, our experienced clinicians can create a personalized plan that incorporates both treatments at the right intervals for your unique needs.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your journey to clearer skin starts with a comprehensive consultation. Your provider will examine your scars, discuss your medical history, and ask about your goals. They may recommend other complementary treatments—such as chemical peels or topical skincare—to enhance results.
During your consultation, be sure to share any history of cold sores, recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane), or medical conditions that may affect healing. Your provider will also explain what to expect before, during, and after treatment, including how to care for your skin post-procedure.
Achieving Smoother, More Confident Skin
Acne scars don’t have to define your skin or your confidence. Whether you choose microneedling, laser resurfacing, or a combination of both, today’s advanced treatments offer safe, effective solutions to restore smoother, healthier skin.
At Yaletown Laser Centre in Vancouver, BC, our skilled team specializes in personalized acne scar treatments designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve the complexion you’ve always wanted.
