Does Microdermabrasion Improve Acne Scars and Pitting?

Patients often ask about the effectiveness of microdermabrasion for acne scars and pitting. Microdermabrasion is widely recognized for its ability to rejuvenate dull, tired skin and improve texture after sun damage or aging, but many people are also curious about the effectiveness of microdermabrasion for acne scars and whether it can help with the lingering reminders of acne: small scars, uneven skin texture, and pitting. The short answer is that microdermabrasion can be an effective treatment for minor acne scars and pitting, especially when part of a series of treatments or a broader skincare regimen. However, deeper scars may require more advanced procedures to achieve dramatic results.

Let’s explore how microdermabrasion works, what it can and can’t do for acne scarring, and how it fits into a comprehensive plan to regain beautiful, smooth skin.

Understanding Acne Scars and Pitting

Before understanding how microdermabrasion for acne scars can help, it’s important to understand what acne scars and pitting really are. Acne scars form when inflamed blemishes damage the skin tissue beneath the surface. When your body tries to heal the area, it can produce too much or too little collagen, leading to uneven texture.

There are several types of acne scars:

Atrophic scars: Depressed or sunken areas caused by collagen loss. These include ice pick scars (deep, narrow pits), boxcar scars (broad depressions with sharp edges), and rolling scars (smooth, shallow indentations).

Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars that occur when excess collagen builds up.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left behind after a pimple heals, which are not true scars but can still affect the appearance of the skin.

microdermabrasion for acne scars and pitting is most effective for mild atrophic scars and uneven skin texture, particularly shallow boxcar or rolling scars. It helps by gently resurfacing the topmost layer of the skin, stimulating new cell growth and collagen production over time.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum). At First Coast Plastic Surgery, we perform microdermabrasion using a hand-held device that uses a diamond-tipped wand to gently abrade the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, the device vacuums away the dead skin and debris, leaving the skin smoother, cleaner, and more refined.

Unlike traditional dermabrasion, which is a more aggressive, surgical-level procedure performed under anesthesia, microdermabrasion is a lighter, no-downtime treatment suitable for most skin types. It’s often described as feeling like a mild sandpaper or gentle suction sensation and can be completed in less than an hour.

How Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars and Pitting Can Help

The benefits of microdermabrasion for acne scars and pitting come from its ability to trigger controlled exfoliation and stimulate skin regeneration. Here’s how it helps:

1. Gentle Exfoliation and Surface Smoothing

Each session removes the dull, damaged outer layer of skin that often exaggerates the appearance of scars. By polishing the surface, microdermabrasion softens rough texture and smooths shallow depressions, making scars less noticeable.

Over time, as new, healthy skin cells replace the old ones, the treated area appears more even and radiant.

2. Stimulating Collagen Production

Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Acne scars and pits form when collagen is destroyed or unevenly rebuilt after inflammation. The mild, repeated stimulation caused by microdermabrasion encourages your body’s natural collagen response. With multiple treatments, this new collagen can help “fill in” minor indentations, giving the skin a plumper, more youthful look.

3. Enhancing Product Absorption

After microdermabrasion, the freshly exfoliated skin is more receptive to topical serums and treatments. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinoids penetrate deeper, further supporting cell turnover and collagen synthesis. When combined with a professional skincare regimen, this can amplify the overall improvement in acne scarring.

4. Improving Skin Tone and Reducing Hyperpigmentation

Many patients with acne scars also struggle with uneven pigmentation or dark spots. Microdermabrasion can help lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by accelerating the removal of damaged, pigmented cells and revealing a more uniform skin tone beneath.

Realistic Expectations: What Microdermabrasion Can and Cannot Do

microdermabrasion for acne scars and pitting can produce noticeable improvements for mild acne scarring, but it’s not a miracle cure for all types of scars. Its results depend on several factors, including the depth of your scars, your skin type, and the number of treatments you undergo.

Microdermabrasion is effective for:

Minor acne scars or shallow pitting

Uneven texture and dullness

Enlarged pores

Surface hyperpigmentation

Early signs of aging (fine lines)

Microdermabrasion is not effective for:

Deep ice-pick or boxcar scars

Severe pitting

Active cystic acne

Excessive redness or inflamed skin

For moderate to deep acne scarring, more intensive treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, fractional laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion may be required. These procedures target deeper layers of skin to promote stronger collagen remodeling and more dramatic results.

Combining Treatments for Better Results

Many skincare professionals recommend combining microdermabrasion for acne scars with other resurfacing or collagen-inducing treatments to maximize results. For instance:

• Chemical peels can follow microdermabrasion to target pigment irregularities.
• Microneedling can stimulate collagen at a deeper level, complementing the surface-level benefits of microdermabrasion.
• Laser treatments can smooth deeper pitting and refine overall texture.

By layering these treatments strategically, patients can achieve a more comprehensive improvement in both skin texture and tone.

The Treatment Experience and Recovery

One of the biggest advantages of microdermabrasion is the lack of downtime. After the procedure, your skin may appear slightly pink or feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn, but this typically resolves within a few hours. Patients can return to work or daily activities immediately, making it a convenient option for busy lifestyles.

To support healing and enhance results after a microdermabrasion treatment:

• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, as your new skin is more sensitive to UV rays.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants or retinoids for several days after treatment.

A typical treatment plan involves a series of 4 to 8 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, depending on your skin’s condition and goals. The cumulative effect of repeated treatments leads to gradual but noticeable improvement.

If you are searching for ways to improve acne scaring and pitting, Dr. Csikai offers advanced treatments that can improve even serious acne scaring and pitting. Serious conditions may require multiple, different treatments, but it is possible to have beautiful smooth skin again. Schedule a consultation and start building your treatment plan with Dr. Csikai.

Healthline.com has a similar post about microdermabrasion for acne scars that you may find informative.