Microneedling vs Polynucleotides for Scarring: Understanding Your Treatment Options
Scarring can affect more than just the appearance of your skin. Whether caused by acne, surgery or injury, changes in skin texture and pigmentation can impact confidence and leave many people searching for effective treatment options.
Two treatments gaining attention within aesthetic medicine are microneedling and polynucleotides. But how do they work, and which may be more suitable for your individual concerns?
Understanding Different Types of Scarring
Before choosing a treatment, it's important to understand that not all scars are the same.
Scarring can present in several ways, including:
Atrophic scars: Depressed or indented scars, commonly associated with acne, where collagen loss has created an uneven skin surface.
Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound.
Surgical or traumatic scars: Scars resulting from procedures, injuries or other forms of skin trauma.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Dark or discoloured marks left behind after inflammation, such as acne. These are not technically scars, although they are often mistaken for them.
The type, depth, age and characteristics of a scar all influence which treatments may be appropriate.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries within the skin.
These micro-injuries activate the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating processes involved in collagen and elastin production and dermal remodelling.
Over time, this can help improve the appearance of certain types of textural scarring, particularly atrophic acne scars.
Microneedling may also support improvements in:
Uneven skin texture.
Enlarged pores.
Fine lines.
Overall skin quality.
However, results depend on the type and severity of scarring. Deep or tethered scars may require alternative or combined treatment approaches.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
Polynucleotides are injectable treatments containing purified DNA fragments, commonly derived from salmon or trout sources.
They are used in aesthetic medicine to support skin quality and processes associated with tissue repair and regeneration.
Polynucleotides may support fibroblast activity, hydration and extracellular matrix remodelling, potentially contributing to improvements in skin elasticity, texture and overall appearance.
Emerging research has also investigated their use in scar management, including postoperative scars. However, the evidence base is still developing, and results can vary depending on the formulation, treatment protocol and type of scar.
Rather than mechanically remodelling scar tissue like microneedling, polynucleotides focus on supporting the biological processes involved in skin repair and regeneration.
Microneedling vs Polynucleotides: What's the Difference?
Microneedling:
Creates controlled micro-injuries within the skin.
Stimulates the body's natural wound-healing response.
Encourages collagen remodelling.
Particularly relevant to certain textural concerns and atrophic acne scars.
May improve the appearance of uneven skin texture over a course of treatments.
Polynucleotides:
Support skin quality and tissue-repair processes.
May encourage fibroblast activity and dermal remodelling.
Can improve hydration and elasticity.
Have emerging applications in scar management.
May be considered where supporting overall skin quality is a treatment goal.
The two treatments work through different mechanisms, meaning they should not be viewed as interchangeable.
Which Treatment Is Better for Scarring?
There is no single treatment that is best for every scar.
Microneedling may be particularly relevant for certain depressed acne scars and textural irregularities, whilst polynucleotides may be considered for selected scar-rejuvenation approaches where supporting tissue quality and repair is a priority.
In some cases, different treatment modalities may be considered as part of a broader, personalised approach.
However, treatment selection should always be based on the characteristics of your scar, rather than simply choosing the latest trending treatment.
Can All Scars Be Treated?
Not every scar can be completely removed, and realistic expectations are essential.
The aim of scar treatment is generally to improve the appearance, texture or colour of a scar rather than erase it entirely.
Factors such as scar maturity, depth, pigmentation, tissue tethering and individual healing responses can all influence outcomes.
A thorough consultation allows your practitioner to assess your concerns and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
When Will You See Results?
Both microneedling and polynucleotides typically require patience.
Microneedling results develop gradually as collagen remodelling takes place, whilst polynucleotides may produce progressive improvements in skin quality as the tissue responds.
A course of treatments may be recommended depending on your individual concerns, treatment choice and clinical assessment.
Consistency and realistic expectations are key when approaching scar rejuvenation.
Is Scar Treatment Right for You?
If you're looking to improve the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars or uneven skin texture, professional assessment is the best place to start.
At All About Aesthetics, we believe effective treatment begins with understanding your skin and identifying the approach most suited to your individual needs.
Rather than treating every scar the same way, we focus on personalised treatment plans, realistic expectations and supporting long-term skin health.
Your skin tells a story. Our goal is to help you feel more confident in it.
Interested in exploring your scar treatment options?
Book a consultation with All About Aesthetics to discuss your concerns and discover which approach may be suitable for you.