Evidence for microneedling in atrophic acne scars centers on combination treatment. A 2026 network meta-analysis of 56 randomized trials (1,488 participants) with moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars reports that microneedling-based combinations (for example, with platelet-rich plasma or glycolic acid) ranked favorably on some outcomes, and that combination therapies generally outperformed monotherapies Laser, Microneedling, and Combination Therapies for Moderate to Severe Acne Atrophic Scars: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. These are study-level findings, not a claim that microneedling monotherapy is best, not a Biomaser product statement, and not advice for an individual.
Key takeaways
- A 2026 network meta-analysis (56 RCTs, 1,488 participants) found microneedling-based combinations ranked favorably on some outcomes for moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars.
- Combination therapies generally outperformed monotherapies in that analysis; microneedling alone was not shown to be the best-performing option.
- Results are study-specific: reviews report clinically meaningful but variable reductions in atrophic scar severity.
- A 2019 observational study described dermal fiber degradation and elevated TGF-beta1 signaling in people prone to atrophic scarring, which is background on mechanism, not proof of outcome.
- Darker skin types carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after microneedling; reviews advise caution and appropriate patient selection.
What the 2026 network meta-analysis found
For moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars, a 2026 network meta-analysis (56 RCTs, 1,488 participants) reports that microneedling-based combinations, such as microneedling with platelet-rich plasma or glycolic acid, ranked favorably on some outcomes, and that combination therapies generally outperformed monotherapies Laser, Microneedling, and Combination Therapies for Moderate to Severe Acne Atrophic Scars: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. The analysis supports the idea that combining microneedling with another treatment is where the evidence is strongest; it does not state that microneedling monotherapy was the best treatment.
Combination versus monotherapy
Systematic reviews of combinations such as microneedling plus platelet-rich plasma report comparative evidence against microneedling monotherapy for atrophic acne scars Combined microneedling and platelet-rich plasma for atrophic acne scars: a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. This page reports those comparative findings as registered; it does not convert them into a claim that microneedling alone outperforms any comparator, that any Biomaser device produces these results, or that every acne scar subtype responds the same way.
What improvement can look like
Reviews describe microneedling as producing clinically meaningful but variable reductions in atrophic acne scar severity, and they advise that honest expectations require study-specific improvement ranges confirmed from full texts A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 1: Non-energy-based techniques. No universal result applies to all people or all scar types.
Background: why microneedling may act on scars
A 2019 mechanistic observational study observed, in patients prone to atrophic acne scarring, dermal degradation of elastic and collagen fibres with incomplete recovery, excessive inflammation, and elevated TGF-beta1 signalling Atrophic acne scar: a process from altered metabolism of elastic fibres and collagen fibres based on TGF-beta1 signalling. This is an observational description from one study; it is not presented as a definitive pathomechanism for all patients and is not an outcome claim.
Safety consideration for skin of color
Darker Fitzpatrick skin types are at higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with microneedling; a systematic review advises caution and appropriate patient selection Safety Profile for Microneedling: A Systematic Review. This page reports the registered caution; it does not diagnose or screen any individual.
Evidence limits
- Findings concern moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars from the registered analyses; they do not extend to mild scars, non-facial sites, or every acne scar subtype.
- Combination results are not evidence that microneedling monotherapy is superior to any other treatment.
- Nothing on this page is a Biomaser MTS product claim or a recommendation for an individual treatment.
- For who should not have the procedure, see the contraindications overview, allergies, and pregnancy guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does microneedling alone work for acne scars? The registered evidence is strongest for microneedling-based combinations. In the 2026 network meta-analysis, combination therapies generally outperformed monotherapies; microneedling monotherapy was not shown to be the best option.
Is microneedling effective for every type of acne scar? The registered analyses concern atrophic acne scars (moderate-to-severe). Results are study-specific; this page does not claim uniform benefit across all scar subtypes.
Does this page recommend a specific treatment for me? No. This is an evidence summary, not individualized medical advice. Check with a qualified clinician about your own skin.
For education, not as medical advice: check with a qualified clinician about your own skin and always follow the device's instructions-for-use.