Microneedling for Scars: Collagen Induction for Smoother Skin

Microneedling for Scars: How It Works and What to Expect

Microneedling is a collagen induction treatment that can improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, uneven texture and other types of scarring. The treatment creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural repair process and building new collagen over time.

Systematic reviews of randomized trials support microneedling for acne scars. Evidence is moderate for fine lines, texture and stretch marks. Results build gradually over a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart.

Why Scars Form and What Treatments Can Help

Most scars, especially acne scars, form when the skin heals unevenly after injury or inflammation. Atrophic scars sit below the surrounding skin because collagen production was incomplete. Hypertrophic scars are raised.

Options for treating scars include:

• Microneedling: stimulates collagen through controlled micro-injury. Evidence is strongest for atrophic acne scars.
• Chemical peels and laser resurfacing: remove surface layers; a medical provider can explain which type suits your skin.
• Dermabrasion or subcision: surgical techniques for deeper scars; talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
• Topical treatments: retinoids, vitamin C and silicone gels may help with texture and color over time.
• Fillers or fat grafting: a medical provider adds volume under depressed scars; filler results are temporary.
• Scar camouflage tattooing: matches pigment to surrounding skin; KRIDO offers this for certain scars (book a consultation to see if you are a candidate).

No treatment erases scars completely. Results vary and maintenance is common.

How KRIDO Approaches Microneedling for Scars

At KRIDO Wellness, microneedling is part of our Circadia facial menu. The treatment is designed for clients who want to improve acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture and discoloration.

Every microneedling session includes red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage. Red light may support collagen (research suggests this in small studies), and lymphatic drainage can temporarily reduce puffiness.

The microneedling device creates tiny controlled punctures in the skin. Your body responds by producing new collagen. Over time, this can help smooth texture and soften the look of scars.

What a Microneedling Visit Looks Like

You start with a consultation. We read your skin, discuss your goals and assess whether microneedling is right for you. Your visit is a consultation plus the facial.

During the session, your esthetician cleanses your skin and applies a topical numbing cream. Once the treatment area is prepared, the microneedling device moves over your skin in a controlled pattern. You may feel light pressure or a prickling sensation, but most clients find it tolerable.

After microneedling, your esthetician applies soothing serums and completes the treatment with red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage. Your skin will look pink or slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn, for a day or two. There is no major downtime.

How Many Sessions You Need

With a series of treatments, results continue to build. For acne scars and texture concerns, a course of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is common. Your esthetician will recommend a schedule based on your skin and goals.

Results are gradual. You may notice smoother texture and a brighter tone after the first session, but deeper improvements in scarring and firmness develop over several months as collagen remodels.

Real Results from KRIDO Clients

I had the absolute best experience at Krido Wellness!! I went in for a dermaplane and from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I sat down with the owner, Kristina and she took the time to discuss my current skincare routine, what I’m struggling with and my goals. You could tell she really has such a passion for what she does and after learning more about her story, it was clear that her mission is to help people look and feel their best. The spa itself is very clean, professional, and has a calming atmosphere so you can truly relax. My aesthetician Amber was incredible!! She is so knowledgable and friendly and was so thorough with my treatment.

Cassandra Porter, Google review

What Microneedling Can and Cannot Treat

Microneedling is most often used for:

• Atrophic acne scars (the shallow, rolling or boxcar types)
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven texture
• Fine lines
• Mild discoloration
• Stretch marks (evidence is moderate)

It is less effective for:

• Deep ice-pick scars (other methods may be better; talk to a dermatologist)
• Raised hypertrophic or keloid scars
• Active acne or open wounds
• Very recent scars that are still healing

Each of our estheticians has 30 years of esthetics experience and will assess your skin at the consultation to confirm microneedling is a good fit.

Microneedling Price

Microneedling at KRIDO is $300 per session. Results build over a series of treatments.

We also offer other facials starting at $65, including dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and targeted treatments for acne, aging and sensitivity. You can learn more at kridowellness.com/facials or view before and after results at kridowellness.com/before-and-afters.

Who Should Not Have Microneedling

Microneedling may not be suitable if you have:

• Active skin infections, open wounds or active acne in the treatment area
• A history of keloid scarring
• Certain skin conditions or medications that affect healing

Our team reviews your health history at the consultation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition, let us know so we can confirm the treatment is safe for you.

Microneedling vs. Other Scar Treatments

Here is a simple comparison:

Microneedling is minimally invasive, has minimal downtime and is supported by research for acne scars. For deeper or raised scars, talk to a medical provider about surgical or injectable options.

Why Choose KRIDO for Microneedling in St. Petersburg

KRIDO Wellness is a non-invasive face and body sculpting, skincare and permanent makeup studio in downtown St. Petersburg. We serve clients from Gulfport, South Pasadena, St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Seminole and across Pinellas County.

Every KRIDO facial is built on Circadia professional skincare and finished with red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage. We work with your skin’s natural repair process.

Our downtown studio is at IMAGE Studios, 11 7th St N, Suite 220 and 221. Free parking is available right in front. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, by appointment.

Book Your Microneedling Consultation

Start with a consultation. We assess your scars, discuss what microneedling can realistically achieve and build a treatment plan. Your visit is a consultation plus the session.

Book online at kridowellness.com/book or call the studio at 727-513-3925. We look forward to helping you feel confident in your skin.

Frequently asked questions

Does microneedling hurt?

Most clients find microneedling tolerable. You may feel light pressure or a prickling sensation, but most clients do not find it painful. Your skin will look pink for a day or two afterward, similar to a mild sunburn.

How long does it take to see results from microneedling for scars?

You may notice smoother texture and brighter tone after the first session. Deeper improvements in scarring and firmness develop over several months as collagen remodels. Results build with a series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

How many microneedling sessions do I need for acne scars?

A course of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is common. Your esthetician will recommend a schedule based on your skin type, the depth of your scars and your goals.

Can microneedling make scars worse?

Microneedling is generally safe when performed by a trained professional, but like any treatment that breaks the skin it carries small risks such as irritation, infection or pigment changes. If you have a history of keloid scarring or certain skin conditions, let us know at the consultation. We review your health history to confirm the treatment is safe for you.

What is the difference between microneedling and dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning removes dead surface skin cells and fine vellus hair with a blade; it smooths texture immediately but does not treat deeper scars. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injury to stimulate collagen over time. Both are available at KRIDO.

Is microneedling safe for all skin types?

Microneedling is suitable for most skin types. Your esthetician assesses your skin at the consultation to confirm it is a good fit. If you have active acne, open wounds or certain medications, we may recommend a different treatment.