Microneedling as a Treatment for Acne Scarring: A Systematic Review

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 46; no. 1; pp. 86 - 92
• Main Authors: Mujahid, Nisma, Shareef, Faizah, Maymone, Mayra B.C., Vashi, Neelam A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01-01-2020; by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved
• Subjects: Acne Vulgaris - complications; Acne Vulgaris - therapy; Cicatrix - etiology; Cicatrix - therapy; Cosmetic Techniques; Humans; Needles; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002020

BACKGROUNDMicroneedling is a popular, minimally invasive skin rejuvenation modality for acne scarring. Recent reports have evaluated the efficacy and safety of microneedling monotherapy and combination treatment for scarring.
OBJECTIVEThis review aims to systematically analyze the current literature on microneedling techniques used for acne scarring.
METHODSA PubMed search (2009–current) was used to identify literature on microneedling treatment for acne. All randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, case cohorts, case reports, and case series were included with the exception of 2 studies, which were excluded due to unavailability.
RESULTSAll 33 articles evaluated showed improvement of acne scar appearance after microneedling treatment. Evidence was inconsistent when comparing microneedling monotherapy to dual therapy or to fractional laser treatment.
CONCLUSIONMicroneedling improves acne scarring, and further studies are needed to compare microneedling with other minimally invasive treatments.