Scars are a natural part of healing, but many people would like them to look smoother, flatter or less noticeable. Microneedling is widely used to improve the look and texture of certain scars, including older surgical scars and indented marks. Here's which scars respond, when it's safe to start, and how to approach it at home.
The short answer: microneedling can help flat and slightly indented scars look smoother, softer and closer to the surrounding skin, by encouraging fresh collagen. Only start once a scar is fully healed and settled, which usually takes many months. Never microneedle raised or thickened scars, and ask your surgeon or GP before working on surgical scars.
Which scars can microneedling help?
| Type of scar | Microneedling? |
|---|---|
| Flat, pale scars | Often responds well, helping texture and colour blend |
| Slightly indented scars | Often responds well over several sessions |
| Older, settled surgical scars | Can help, with your surgeon's or GP's go-ahead |
| Acne marks | Yes. See microneedling for acne marks |
| New or healing scars | No. Wait until fully healed and settled |
| Raised or thickened scars | No. Speak to a dermatologist |
| Scars that are red, itchy or growing | No. Speak to your GP |
How microneedling helps
Scar tissue forms with collagen that's laid down quickly and unevenly. Microneedling creates tiny channels in and around the scar, prompting the skin to produce fresh, more organised collagen over time. This can help scars look flatter, smoother and softer, and help their colour blend better with the surrounding skin. Our guide to microneedling for stretch marks and scars covers technique in more detail.
When is it safe to start?
- The scar must be fully healed, closed and no longer pink, tender or changing.
- Surgical scars, including C-section scars, usually need many months to settle. Ask your surgeon, GP or midwife when it's appropriate.
- If you tend to form raised scars, speak to a dermatologist before microneedling anywhere.
Your at-home routine
Choose your cartridge
- 9-pin: precise work on individual scars
- 12-pin: facial scars and smaller body areas
- 36-pin: longer or wider body scars
Set your depth
- Face: 0.6mm
- Body: 1.0mm to 1.5mm, starting at 1.0mm
Step by step
- Cleanse the area, disinfect your skin, hands and pen, and let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed cartridge and set your depth and a low speed.
- Apply hyaluronic acid as a glide.
- Keep the skin taut and glide across the scar in overlapping strokes, horizontally, vertically and diagonally, extending slightly onto the surrounding skin.
- Finish with hyaluronic acid and a fragrance-free moisturiser.
How often
- Face: every 4 weeks
- Body: every 4 to 6 weeks
Most people need a course of 4 to 6 sessions.
Supporting your results
- Protect scars from the sun. UV can darken scars and make them more noticeable.
- Keep the area moisturised.
- Be patient. Scar tissue changes slowly.
What to expect
- After 1 to 2 sessions: slightly smoother texture.
- After 3 to 4 sessions: scars may look flatter and softer.
- After 4 to 6 sessions: colour and texture blend better with surrounding skin.
Precise scar care with Olapen
Olapen's 9-pin cartridge is designed for precise work on individual scars, while larger cartridges cover longer body scars evenly. With adjustable depth from 0.6mm to 2.0mm, you can match each session to the area. Every cartridge is sterile, individually sealed and single use.
Frequently asked questions
Can microneedling remove scars?
It can make some scars look smoother and less noticeable, but it won't remove them completely.
Can I microneedle a C-section scar?
Only once it's fully healed and settled, which usually takes many months. Check with your GP or midwife first.
Can microneedling help raised scars?
No. Don't microneedle raised or thickened scars. Speak to a dermatologist.
Which cartridge is best for scars?
A 9-pin for individual scars, or a 12-pin or 36-pin for larger areas.
How long until I see results?
Usually after 3 to 4 sessions, with continued improvement over several months.
The bottom line
Microneedling can help flat and slightly indented scars look smoother and blend in better. Wait until a scar is fully healed and settled, check with a professional for surgical scars, never treat raised scars, and give your skin several months of consistent sessions.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.