Can microneedling improve surgical scars?

Microneedling can in some cases help improve the appearance of surgical scars, but the treatment should only be performed on scars that are fully healed. Scars after surgical procedures differ from, for example, acne scars, which makes timing, the skin’s healing, and the choice of treatment method especially important.

In this guide, we go through how microneedling can be used on surgical scars, when you should wait, which types of scars may be relevant, and when treatment should be avoided.

What is a surgical scar?

A surgical scar is a scar that forms after a surgical procedure where the skin has been cut and then healed together. This may include, for example, scars after a cesarean section, removal of moles, abdominal surgery, or other minor procedures.

Surgical scars vary greatly in appearance depending on skin type, how healing has progressed, where the scar is located, and how much time has passed since the operation.

Some scars become light and flat, while others may become red, hard, raised, or uneven.

How can microneedling affect surgical scars?

Microneedling creates small controlled microchannels in the skin, which stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and may contribute to increased collagen production.

For scars, the goal is usually to gradually improve the skin’s texture, smoothness, and elasticity around the scar.

It is important to understand that microneedling rarely removes a scar completely. However, for some people, the treatment can make the scar appear less noticeable.

Surgical scars compared with acne scars

Surgical scars and acne scars are not the same thing.

Acne scars are often small, indented irregularities in the skin, while surgical scars can be longer, straighter, and sometimes raised, hard, or tight.

Therefore, the treatment needs to be adapted depending on the type of scar involved.

If you want to read more specifically about acne scars, you can see our guide on microneedling for acne scars.

When can you start treating a surgical scar?

Microneedling should not be done on a new, open, or still-healing scar.

A surgical scar should be fully healed before considering microneedling. This means that the skin should be closed and free from scabs, infection, oozing, and active irritation.

Because different surgeries heal at different rates, you should always follow advice from healthcare providers or the practitioner responsible for the procedure.

Can old surgical scars also be treated?

Yes, older surgical scars can sometimes be treated with microneedling.

Even old scars can be affected by treatment, but the result depends on the scar’s type, depth, structure, and the skin’s ability to form new collagen.

Older scars often require several treatments and patience. Changes happen gradually and may take time.

Which types of surgical scars may be relevant?

Microneedling is sometimes used on different types of surgical scars, for example:

• scars after mole removal
• scars after minor surgical procedures
• scars after a cesarean section
• scars after abdominal surgery
• scars after laparoscopy

The treatment always needs to be adapted based on where the scar is located, what the skin looks like, and how the scar tissue feels.

If you want to read more about different treatment areas, you can see our guide on where on the body you can do microneedling.

When should you not do microneedling on surgical scars?

You should avoid microneedling on surgical scars if:

• the scar is not fully healed
• the skin is red, warm, or infected
• there are open wounds or scabs
• the scar hurts or is oozing
• you have been instructed by healthcare providers to wait
• you have a tendency to develop severe raised scars or keloids

Never treat skin that is still actively healing.

More about when treatment should be avoided can be found in our guide on when you should not do microneedling.

What needle depth is used on surgical scars?

The appropriate needle depth depends on the scar’s location, the skin’s thickness, the type of scar, and whether the treatment is done at home or professionally.

Surgical scars often require more caution than regular skincare microneedling. For home use, it is especially important not to treat too deeply, too often, or too aggressively.

For a broader overview, you can read our guide on needle depth in microneedling.

How many treatments are required?

Surgical scars rarely change after just a single treatment. Several treatments over time are often required.

Results on scars usually come gradually because the skin’s collagen process takes time.

How many treatments are needed depends on:

• how old the scar is
• whether the scar is raised or depressed
• skin type
• treatment depth
• how the skin recovers

You can read more here: how many microneedling treatments are required for results.

Can microneedling remove surgical scars completely?

No, it is not realistic to expect a surgical scar to disappear completely.

The goal is usually to make the scar less visible, more even, and softer in texture.

How much improvement can be achieved varies greatly from person to person.

Aftercare after microneedling on scars

After treatment of surgical scars, aftercare is important to reduce the risk of irritation and pigmentation changes.

• Keep the area clean
• Avoid strong acids and retinol immediately afterward
• Protect the skin from direct sunlight
• Avoid saunas and heavy sweating at first
• Let the skin recover completely before the next treatment

Sun protection is especially important because scar tissue may be more sensitive to pigmentation changes.

Can you do microneedling on C-section scars?

Microneedling is sometimes used on C-section scars, but the area must be completely healed and no longer be tender, irritated, or actively healing.

Since a C-section is a surgical procedure, you should be extra cautious and follow your healthcare provider’s advice before treatment.

Common questions about microneedling for surgical scars

Can microneedling improve surgical scars?

Yes, microneedling can in some cases help improve the skin’s texture and make surgical scars less noticeable. How much improvement is achieved varies depending on factors such as the type of scar, its age, and the skin’s healing ability.

When can a surgical scar be treated with microneedling?

Treatment should only be considered once the scar is completely healed. The skin should be closed and free from scabs, infection, oozing, and other active irritation.

Can old surgical scars be treated?

Yes, even older surgical scars can in some cases be improved with microneedling. The result varies depending on the scar’s structure, depth, and how well the skin forms new collagen.

Can you do microneedling on C-section scars?

Yes, it may be possible when C-section scars are completely healed. Since it is a surgical scar, you should always follow healthcare recommendations before treatment.

How long does it take before you see results on surgical scars?

Results usually come gradually because the skin’s collagen production takes time. Many people need several treatments before clearer improvements become visible.

How many treatments are usually needed?

There is no fixed number of treatments that suits everyone. How many are needed depends, among other things, on the scar’s age, size, depth, and how the skin responds to the treatment.

Can raised surgical scars be treated with microneedling?

It depends on what type of raised scar it is. People who tend to develop keloids or significantly raised scars should be cautious and consult healthcare professionals before treatment.

What needle depth is used for surgical scars?

There is no needle depth that suits all surgical scars. The choice depends, among other things, on the scar’s location, the skin’s thickness, and whether the treatment is performed at home or by a professional practitioner.

Summary

Microneedling can in some cases improve the appearance of surgical scars, but the treatment should only be done on fully healed scars. The goal is usually to improve texture, smoothness, and the skin’s appearance – not to remove the scar completely. Surgical scars require more caution than regular skincare, especially when it comes to timing, needle depth, and aftercare.