Microneedling Vs Laser For Acne scars
Let’s be honest, acne scars can feel personal. Maybe you fought a long battle with breakouts, only to be left with reminders that stick around far longer than any pimple ever did. The good news? You don’t have to live with them forever! At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, we see clients every day who are ready to smooth out old scars, regain their confidence, and finally see skin that reflects how good they feel. And when it comes to treating acne scars, the conversation usually comes down to two heavy hitters: microneedling (especially with PRP) and lasers (like BBL and Moxi).
Both treatments are game-changers - but they work in different ways, and the right choice depends on your skin, your goals, and how patient you’re willing to be with the process. So we’ve asked our expert nurse practitioners to break it down!
First Things First: Why Do Acne Scars Happen?
When your skin experiences a deep breakout, it responds with inflammation. This can damage the deeper layers of skin, triggering your body’s natural healing process—sometimes, that healing is imperfect, leading to the dips, dents, and uneven texture we know as acne scars.
There are different types of scars:
-Icepick scars: Deep, narrow pits that are tough to treat
-Boxcar scars: Wider, more defined depressions with sharp edges
-Rolling scars: Wave-like depressions that create an uneven texture
-Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left behind, though not technically scars
Not every treatment works equally well on all of them. That’s why a professional evaluation with a Defy nurse practitioner is key before diving into a treatment plan.
Microneedling: The “Collagen Induction” Powerhouse
Microneedling is one of our go-to treatments for acne scars, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: tiny, controlled needles create micro-injuries in the skin. Sounds intense, but don’t worry, we numb your skin beforehand to keep things comfortable!
Why all the poking? Those micro-injuries trigger your body’s healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production - both critical for smoother, firmer, more even-textured skin.
The result? A gradual softening of acne scars as your skin regenerates itself from within. Microneedling can also improve:
-Skin texture
-Fine lines and wrinkles
-Pore size
-Overall firmness and tone
Why We Love Adding PRP or “Liquid Gold” to Microneedling:
Want to level up your microneedling? We love combining it with PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma!
Here’s how it works: We draw a small amount of your own blood, spin it down to concentrate the platelets, and apply that liquid gold to your skin post-needling. PRP is packed with growth factors that supercharge your skin’s healing and collagen production, speeding up recovery and boosting results. Think of PRP like fertilizer for your skin - it helps everything regenerate faster, stronger, and better.
The Microneedling Experience:
-Downtime: Minimal—expect redness for 1-3 days, like a mild sunburn
-Discomfort: Mild, thanks to numbing
-Results: Gradual; best after a series of treatments (typically 3-6 spaced a month apart)
-Good For: Mild to moderate scarring, skin tone improvement, texture
Lasers: BBL & Moxi
If you’re ready for a more intensive approach, lasers are your best friend. But not all lasers are created equal, and for acne scars, we typically recommend:
Moxi Laser: Moxi is a fractional non-ablative laser, meaning it targets water in the skin to stimulate collagen without removing the top layer entirely. It creates microzones of controlled damage beneath the surface - your body responds by repairing those zones with fresh, healthy tissue.
For acne scars, Moxi is brilliant because it smooths texture, brightens skin, and reduces pigmentation without the downtime of more aggressive lasers. Bonus? Moxi also addresses sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, so your skin looks radiant all over.
-Downtime: Minimal - some redness and rough texture for 3-5 days
-Results: Progressive, but some people see smoother skin after just 1-2 sessions
-Good For: Mild to moderate scarring, skin texture, pigmentation
BBL (BroadBand Light): BBL isn’t technically a laser - it’s an advanced form of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) - but it deserves a spot in this conversation. While BBL isn’t going to physically resurface deep scars, it’s a superstar at treating post-acne redness, pigmentation, and boosting overall skin clarity.
What’s more, BBL actually rejuvenates the skin at a genetic level. Studies show that regular BBL treatments can help skin cells behave like younger, healthier versions of themselves.
We often combine BBL with other treatments like microneedling or Moxi for a comprehensive approach to both scars and skin tone.
-Downtime: None - you can go back to life immediately
-Results: Gradual brightening and evenness; multiple sessions recommended
-Good For: Post-acne pigmentation, redness, skin tone
So… Microneedling or Lasers?
Here’s our expert take:
-Choose Microneedling (with or without PRP) if your scars are more textural - think pitted, uneven, or indented areas. It’s especially good for rolling and boxcar scars that create a bumpy surface.
-Choose Moxi + BBL if your scars are less about deep texture and more about pigmentation, discoloration, or overall dullness. These treatments help even out skin tone while gently resurfacing.
-Best of Both Worlds: Often, the most transformative results come from combining both. We might start with microneedling to kickstart collagen, then follow up with Moxi or BBL to refine tone and texture.
Post-Treatment Skincare: Don’t Skip It!
Whether you choose microneedling or lasers, your post-treatment skincare matters a lot. Think of it like watering a newly planted garden - if you want those results to flourish, you’ve got to care for the skin properly!
At Defy, we’ll guide you through a post-treatment regimen that usually includes:
-A gentle, non-stripping cleanser (we always recommend this one to our patients)
-Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid - like our fan favorie Twenty One Serum
-Barrier-repair creams to protect the skin (we recommend something lightweight yet super moisturizing like this one)
-SPF every single day (non-negotiable!)
We also carry medical-grade products in our medical spa that are specifically curated to support skin recovery and amplify results. If you're investing in your skin, don’t cut corners on aftercare - it’s the secret weapon to glowing, healthy skin.
At Defy Aesthetic, we’re not about one-size-fits-all solutions. Acne scars are complex, and every client’s skin history is different. That’s why we always start with a personalized consultation to map out the best treatment plan for you!
Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.