How Medical Microdermabrasion can help with acne scarring
Not all acne scarring needs an intensive approach; microdermabrasion is generally considered for the gentler end of that spectrum.
Quick answer
Medical microdermabrasion is a gentler, mechanical exfoliation treatment sometimes considered for the appearance of acne scarring, particularly milder or more superficial marks. It's often used as a maintenance step or alongside other treatments rather than as a stand-alone solution for more established scarring. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.
How Medical Microdermabrasion works on acne scarring
Acne scarring varies enormously, from very shallow textural unevenness to deeper, more defined marks. Because medical microdermabrasion works at the outermost layer of skin, it's generally discussed for the milder end of that spectrum, or as a way of refining overall skin texture alongside more targeted treatments for deeper scarring.
For how the treatment itself works, see our medical microdermabrasion treatment page. For acne scarring, the main question is whether your scarring is superficial enough for this gentler approach to make a meaningful difference on its own, or whether it's better used alongside RF microneedling, laser resurfacing or a peel.
Who Medical Microdermabrasion suits for acne scarring (and when another option may fit better)
Medical microdermabrasion tends to suit people with milder, more superficial acne scarring, those wanting a low-intensity option with minimal disruption, or those using it as part of ongoing skin maintenance between more targeted treatments.
It's less likely to make a meaningful difference on its own where scarring is deeper, pitted or tethered, where RF microneedling or resurfacing lasers are usually discussed instead. This is assessed individually, and microdermabrasion is often recommended as one part of a plan rather than the whole of it.
What a course looks like at Naomi Waite Aesthetics
As with other acne-scarring treatments, we start by looking at your scarring pattern and skin condition, including whether breakouts are ongoing. Your practitioner will explain honestly whether microdermabrasion alone is likely to be enough for your scarring, or whether it works better paired with something else.
Because it's often used for general skin maintenance as well as scarring, microdermabrasion may be built into your routine over time rather than as a single defined course. Any specific plan and timing is agreed once your skin has been assessed.
Medical Microdermabrasion compared with other options for acne scarring
Medical microdermabrasion is a more superficial, mechanical option compared with CO2 laser, Er:YAG laser, RF microneedling and standard microneedling, all of which work at a different depth. Your practitioner will explain where it fits for your scarring specifically at consultation.
Aftercare after Medical Microdermabrasion for acne scarring
General aftercare for medical microdermabrasion is covered on our treatment page. For acne-prone skin, it's worth being particularly mindful about keeping the treated area clean and avoiding picking, since freshly exfoliated skin can be more reactive.
If breakouts occur soon after treatment, let your practitioner know so they can advise on next steps, since acne-prone skin sometimes needs a slightly adjusted approach around treatment days. Sun protection remains important, as freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Questions people often ask about medical microdermabrasion for acne scarring.
Related guides
Compare medical microdermabrasion with RF microneedling and resurfacing lasers for acne scarring, or see how it's used for texture and dullness.
Book a consultation
Book a consultation in Lancaster to find out whether medical microdermabrasion, on its own or alongside another treatment, suits your acne scarring.
Frequently asked questions
Medical microdermabrasion can help refine the appearance of milder, more superficial acne scarring for some people, though it's less likely to make a noticeable difference to deeper or more textured scarring on its own. A consultation will assess whether it suits your scarring or whether it's better combined with another treatment.
This depends on your scarring, skin and how it's used within your overall plan, so we can't state a fixed number of sessions generally. Your practitioner will discuss what's realistic once your scarring has been assessed.
Because it's a gentle, mechanical treatment, medical microdermabrasion is often suitable across a wide range of skin types, though this is still confirmed individually alongside your scarring and medical history.
General sensation during medical microdermabrasion is described on our treatment page. Any particularly sensitive or previously scarred areas will be discussed with you before treatment begins.
Changes in texture from microdermabrasion tend to build gradually with repeated sessions rather than appearing after a single treatment. Your practitioner can give a more specific idea for your own scarring at consultation.
These sit at different points on the intensity scale: microdermabrasion is superficial and gentle, while CO2 laser resurfaces more deeply, so one isn't simply better than the other. Which suits your scarring, or whether a combination makes sense, is discussed at consultation.
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