Does Microneedling Really Work for Pitted Scars?
Written by: Aither
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Published on May 27 2025
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Time to read 8 min
Microneedling for pitted scars and other skincare treatments is a go-to solution for many seeking results from the comfort of home. The homecare segment dominated the scar treatment market in 2023, with a 65.5% share, thanks to the growing availability of advanced tools and innovative skincare products.
As more consumers seek accessible skincare solutions without the need for clinical visits, online platforms have made it easier than ever to find effective microneedling tools and treatments. You don’t have to let pitted scars affect your confidence; home microneedling for indented scars is now more accessible than ever with Aither Beauty.
But the real question is: does microneedling help with scars?
Types of Pitted Scars
Pitted scars are easily recognized by their sunken, uneven appearance. They create small shadowy dots on the skin, like tiny craters. This happens when the skin doesn't produce enough collagen during healing.
These scars can also appear alongside post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They cluster in areas where breakouts were once active. If you’ve dealt with severe acne or similar skin issues in the past, there’s a good chance you’re seeing signs of atrophic or pitted scarring.
Type of Scar | Definition | Depth | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
Ice Pick | Deep and narrow | <2mm | Sharply demarcated, extend to the dermis |
Boxcar | Shallow or deep | < 5mm or >5mm | Round to oval depressions, sharply demarcated vertical edges, flat bottom |
olling | Wide, shallow or deep | > 4 to 5 mm | With gently sloped edges, due to dermal tethering. |
Did You Know: Some Treatments Have Limited Benefits on Atrophic Scars?
Dr. Yoram Harth, a board-certified dermatologist, shared, “Natural remedies may seem appealing, but they typically offer little benefit when it comes to treating acne scars and dark spots.”
Indented or pitted scars are more challenging. Standard skincare products usually aren’t enough to make a visible impact. Instead, treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, and dermal fillers may be more effective. In many cases, a combination of therapies—such as microneedling paired with retinoids to stimulate collagen—may be necessary.
Can Microneedling Help With Scars?
The short answer is yes.
Microneedling works by breaking up tightly packed collagen in the upper dermis, the layer responsible for the formation of scars. It's currently used in cosmetic treatments for a range of skin issues, including pigmentation problems, wrinkles, atrophic acne scars, burn scars, and enlarged pores. This method is part of what's known as percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) therapy.
How Does Microneedling for Pitted Scars Work?
The procedure involves repeatedly puncturing the skin using fine needles. Each needle prick causes micro-injuries and tiny amounts of bleeding by disrupting small blood vessels. They create a healing response quite different from that caused by ablative laser treatments.
Unlike lasers, microneedling penetrates the epidermis without removing it. The treatment is safer, repeatable, and usable in areas where lasers or deep chemical peels aren't suitable.
Research shows that microneedling for atrophic scars triggers the skin's natural wound-healing process.
First stage
Inflammation begins almost immediately after the skin is punctured. Platelets release signaling molecules that attract neutrophils, fibroblasts, and more platelets to the area.
Second stage
Monocytes evolve into macrophages and release growth factors such as PDGF, FGF, TGF-α, and β. These factors promote fibroblast activity, and keratinocytes start repairing the skin’s foundation by producing proteins like laminin and types IV and VII collagen.
Final Stage
Remodeling can last for months or even years as fibroblasts work to form and restructure collagen in the upper dermis.
During the initial stages of healing, the skin mainly produces collagen type III. As the repair process continues, this is gradually replaced by collagen type I. The latter form of collagen helps strengthen and tighten the skin for a visible reduction in scarring.
Microneedling for Indented Scars: A Study
In a 2015 study, patients treated with microneedling showed a statistically significant improvement in acne scarring and skin texture. After two sessions (about one month), participants experienced mild improvements and moderate satisfaction. By three months and six sessions in, improvements in scar appearance were more noticeable—especially for rolling and boxcar scars—with ice pick scars responding moderately.
Temporary redness and swelling were common but resolved within two days. These outcomes align with previous studies showing that microneedling improves the appearance of acne scars without major side effects.
Does Microneedling Help Pitted Scars Versus Other Treatments?
The majority of professional treatments penetrate below the surface of the skin. That means these treatments target the deeper layers where scars originate. By stimulating collagen production, they help activate the skin’s natural healing process from within, but why does microneedling stand out among others?
• Laser treatments need to be approached with extra care for individuals with darker or more sensitive skin, as there's a greater risk of irritation or changes in pigmentation.
• Chemical peels are most effective for treating surface-level skin concerns.
• Dermal fillers are most effective for treating boxcar and rolling scars, as these types are shallower than icepick scars.
• If you have a darker complexion, dermabrasion may carry a risk of permanent discoloration.
The best results occur when combining a derma roller for pitted scars with other treatments.
Can Microneedling Make Scars Worse?
Microneedling is effective, especially for treating acne scars. But it’s not suitable for every scar type. If you’re dealing with keloid scars, microneedling isn’t recommended. These scars are caused by excess collagen, so stimulating more collagen could make things worse.
Pro tip: Avoid microneedling if you have active acne. The needles can spread bacteria from active breakouts across your skin, potentially leading to even more flare-ups.
How Many Microneedling Sessions For Scars
Most people notice visible improvements after 3 to 6 sessions. These sessions should be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for larger needles to allow your skin enough time to heal and stimulate collagen production. For smaller needles, treatments can be done just a few days apart.
Aither Derma Roller and Derma Stamp for Atrophic Scars
Curious which Aither microneedling tool is best for your scar type? We’re here to make it simple.
Criteria | Derma Stamp | Derma Roller |
|---|---|---|
Characteristics | Stamping motion, adjustable needle | Fixed needle size, rolling motion |
Depth | 0.25 to 2mm | 0.25mm |
Frequency | Depending on needle size | Two to three times a week |
Sensitive skin | Yes | Yes but reduce frequency |
Downtime | Depending on needle size | Less than 24 hours |
Try Microneedling for Pitted Scars and Reclaim Your Confidence
Microneedling is an effective solution for treating pitted scars. With consistent use of tools like the Aither Derma Roller or Derma Stamp, you can achieve visible improvements in your skin texture and reduce the appearance of indented scars over time.
Remember, combining microneedling with other treatments may provide even better results, but always consult a professional before starting your treatment. Ready to improve your skin? Try our microneedling tools and start your journey to smoother, clearer skin.