Skincare: Microneedling

Microneeding is a cosmetic procedure to help the treated skin to produce collagen and elastin. This procedure involves the use of small needles to prick the skin. In modern-day skincare, micro-needling is very common as it is minimally invasive, requires low downtime, has a low probability of infection or scarring. Microneeding is also known as collagen induction therapy. This procedure dates back to 1995 and has improved significantly in recent years with the help of new technologies. Research also aids these cosmetic treatments. Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD, Ph.D., along with his colleagues have done extensive research on micro-needling and concluded this as a multi-purpose treatment. 

Microneeding is mostly used in the face, but other areas can also be treated. Some of the concerns that these treatment plan targets are:

• Acne
• Both large and small pores
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Scars 
• Hairloss
• Stretch marks
• Sun damage 
• Wrinkles
• Dark patches on the skin

Therefore, micro-needling is highly effective in skin care and is recommended by dermatologists. The microscopic punctions that are made in the skin using a derma roller. 

Some contraindications that should be considered are not common but should be considered, history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, skin rashes, history of herpes simples in the general area of treatment, presence of raised moles, warts, or lesions on the targeted area is also a concern. Patients should talk to their physicians for a different plan if they suffer from scleroderma, collagen vascular disease clotting problems, active bacteria or fungal infection, or immunosuppression. 

The commonly used micro-needling device is known as a ‘dermaroller’. This device is composed of micro-fine needles, diameters ranging from 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters. The purpose of these needles is to place punctures that enter only surface-level deep into the skin. The body counteracts the wounds that are inflicted on the skin surface by producing collagen and elastin fibers. This leads to heal and rejuvenate of a new layer of skin. After the procedure, the skin appears to have reduced scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines. The procedure only takes 20-30 minutes, but it may vary depending on the area targeted. Some dermatologists or aestheticians advise 4-6 treatments. Before the procedure, a numbing cream is applied. A bit of bleeding is expected due to the micro punctures on the skin. The ultimate goal is to headstart the body’s healing process which sends collagen and elastic to patch the injuries made by the derma roller. 

Microneeding had fast, fairly instantaneous results. Although the skin right after the procedure appears swollen, within 12-24 houses the results can be seen. The device used is typically rolled to prick the skin in multiple alternating passes. Factors such as the depth of penetration, number of passes, and degree of overlap, largely differ depending on the condition that is being treated. This treatment is also very beneficial for patients of color, as many of them are not candidates for factional lasers. Microneeding is very low-risk of hyper or hypopigmentation and scarring. 

Although micro-needling cost varies depending on the area that is being treated as well as the additional plans discussed with the provider, it is less expensive compared to laser treatments. These laser treatments can cost up to four times as much as micro-needling. The total prep time of this procedure is roughly two hours. Sterility is maintained, therefore the possibility of infection is very low. The patient may experience minor redness and irritation for a few hours. Microneeding is considered safe for most people in overall good health. 

If you have further questions about Microneeding or want to schedule an appointment, call our office at (609) 587-9944 or e-mail us at info@sleep-wellness.org. 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling#:~:text=Microneedling%20is%20a%20dermaroller%20procedure,%2C%20wrinkles%2C%20and%20large%20pores.  

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what_is_microneedling#1

https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/a12773502/microneedling-faq-facts-cost/

https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/96403/aesthetic-dermatology/microneedling#:~:text=Absolute%20contraindications%20include%3A%20scleroderma%2C%20collagen,with%20a%20range%20of%20uses.