Acne scars can last a long time and change the texture of your skin and your confidence. Modern cosmetic procedures can help get rid of or at least lessen these scars, which is a good thing. Microneedling and laser therapy are two of the most popular treatments, but which one is best for you when it comes to microneedling vs. laser for acne scars?
We offer advanced microneedling treatments at the Health & Aesthetics. These include Secret RF and SkinPen, as well as the new Alma Hybrid Laser. In this blog, we’ll talk about how these treatments are different, who they work best for, and how to plan your trip to smoother, clearer skin.
What are the various types of Acne scarring?
Most of the time, acne scars are atrophic, which means they make depressions in the skin because collagen is lost during healing. These are then split into:
- Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, and hard to treat.
- Boxcar scars are wider and have clear edges.
- Rolling scars are shallow and look like waves.
Each type of scar responds differently to treatment, and so a personalised treatment plan is very important.
What is Microneedling and how does it heal Acne scarring?
Microneedling treatment uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body to start healing itself, which results in the production of collagen and elastin.
Advantages:
- Works well on boxcar and rolling scars
- Little downtime (1 to 3 days of redness)
- Safe for all skin colours
- Slowly getting better over time
How is Secret RF Microneedling different?
At Health & Aesthetics we like to use Secret RF since it uses both microneedling and radiofrequency energy to reach the deeper layers of skin and stimulate collagen production more effectively. It is an excellent treatment for acne scars and large pores.
How effective is Laser Treatment for Resurfacing the Acne-Scarred Skin?
Laser treatments use focused light energy to stimulate collagen production and smooth out the skin. There are two main types of lasers:
- Ablative lasers, like CO₂, removes the top layer of skin.
- Non-ablative lasers, like 1570nm, heat up deeper layers of skin without affecting the surface.
Alma Hybrid Laser
Our Alma Hybrid Laser uses both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, so it can be used to treat any type of scar, even deep ice pick scars. It also has IMPACT™ ultrasound technology, which makes it easier to deliver the products and heal.
Are there any differences in the Downtime between the various methods?
Microneedling: 1 to 3 days of mild redness and sensitivity. You can usually wear makeup after 24 hours.
Laser: After the Hybrid laser there is redness, swelling, and scabbing for 5 to 7 days. Dermalux LED Light Therapy helps to speed up the healing process.
What is the expected Timeline for the results?
Microneedling: The effects build up over 4 to 6 weeks, and the best results happen after 3 to 6 sessions.
Laser: You can usually see a difference after just one session, but the full effects will take 3 to 6 months to show. It is common to have three treatments spaced 12 weeks apart.
Stacked Protocols use a combination of several treatments to achieve best results
Scars that are hard to treat or that are mixed types of scars, are best treated with stacked protocols that combine microneedling and laser treatments. For example:
- Use Secret RF to stimulate collagen production.
- Next, use the Alma Hybrid Laser to resurface the deeper layers of the skin.
- This treatment speeds up skin regeneration while lowering risks and downtime.
What to Expect When Planning Your Budget
The cost of treatment depends on the technology used, how many sessions are needed, and how bad the scarring is.
- Microneedling: SkinPen: Prices from £250 per session
- Secret RF: Prices from £450 per session
- Packages are available for more than one treatment session.
- Alma Hybrid Laser: Prices from £500 or more per session
- Three treatments are recommended.
- Includes a consultation and follow-up care with ZO Skin Health products.
Getting professional help with your acne scars not only makes your skin look better, but it also makes you feel better and more confident.
What kind of treatment is best for your skin?
| Feature | Microneedling | Alma Hybrid Laser |
| Best for | Mild to moderate scars | Deep, stubborn scars |
| Skin types | All | All (with precautions for darker tones) |
| Downtime | 1–3 days | 5–7 days |
| Pain level | Mild (numbing cream used) | Moderate (topical anaesthetic used) |
| Cost | £250–£450/session | £500+/session |
| Sessions | 3–6 | 3 (12 weeks apart) |
Book a consultation with our team. We’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Get in touch to arrange your appointment.
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