Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that increases collagen production and reduces wrinkles on the skin. Read on to learn more about microneedling, how it works, its benefits, and its possible risks.
Cosmetic surgeons use various procedures to alleviate skin conditions and improve overall health. For example, dermal filler and Botox injections reduce skin wrinkles and improve skin hydration. They also enhance facial plumpness caused by collagen loss. Microneedling procedures have been rising recently, and more customers are discovering its benefits. Scientists suggest that it has the potential to relieve acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and alopecia. It also rejuvenates the skin, and the process can infuse various medications and nutrients into the skin, including vitamin C, which boosts elastin formation.
Microneedling: What is it?
Microneedling is a medical procedure that involves using small and thin needles to create little holes in the upper skin layer. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the minimal damage caused to the upper skin layer subsides with time. The procedure enhances elastin formation in the deeper skin layers.
Microneedling is often performed on the face to enhance aesthetic appeal. However, it can also be carried out on the back, legs, or neck, although multiple procedures would be required to cement the desired effects.
Before the procedure, the cosmetic doctor examines your skin to understand its pigmentation, texture, and contours. The doctor may also examine your health history since various health conditions may affect the procedure’s outcome. These health conditions include cold sores, eczema, and blood disorders.
Microneedling involves cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream. The cosmetic doctor uses a roller with tiny needles to make wounds on the skin. In addition, the roller is used gently on the skin to ensure the punctures made on the skin are accurate and effective. Although deeper microneedling might cause slight bleeding, the process is considered safe, especially when performed by a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon.
The procedure might take an hour or less, depending on the number of injections made. After the procedure, it is important to use an ice pack to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Can Everyone Undergo a Microneedling Procedure?
An ideal candidate for this procedure would be one with wrinkles and experiencing sagging skin. Dhurat et al. (2013) and Bonati, Epstein & Strugar (2017) stated that microneedling relieves alopecia areata, scars and stretch marks. Microneedling can also be used to deliver medication directly to your bloodstream. Patients with a vitamin C deficiency can undergo microneedling procedures to enhance collagen and elastin formation.
Who Should Not Undergo Microneedling Procedures?
It is essential to consult your cosmetic surgeon about the safety of the procedures if you have the following health conditions:
- Cold sores
- Blood disorders
- Acne
- Eczema
- Cancer
Furthermore, if you are undergoing treatment, for example, chemotherapy or blood thinning medications, ensure you consult your cosmetic surgeon about the procedure’s safety.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling has several benefits to clients, including;
- Microneedling improves skin texture and appearance.
- It relieves fine lines and wrinkles formed on the skin.
- Minh et al. (2019) claimed that microneedling is favourable for patients with darker skin tones since it does not cause skin discolouration or hyperpigmentation.
- Microneedling also improves skin elasticity and reduces stretch marks.
- Microneedling alleviates the appearance of scars and reduces enlarged skin pores.
Microneedling is cheaper and minimally invasive than other skin procedures like laser therapy. Furthermore, microneedling does not involve heat, which affects the skin’s natural pigmentation.
Local Microneedling Devices: Are They Effective?
Microneedling can be administered at home using derma-needling rollers purchased locally. However, the devices only penetrate the outer skin layer, which is less effective in increasing collagen formation and relieving wrinkles.
Local microneedling is effective in exfoliating the skin. However, it is less effective in increasing elastin formation, reducing wrinkles, and removing stretch marks from the skin.
Possible Side Effects of Microneedling
Microneedling may cause side effects like bruises, inflammation, redness, and minimal bleeding (Gowda et al., 2021). Fortunately, these side effects reduce with time.
How to Preserve Your Skin After a Microneedling Procedure
- Drink more water to keep your skin hydrated. Furthermore, use moisturising creams that retain moisture and remove bacteria and dirt from the skin pores. The creams should be used two days after the procedure to ensure the skin has healed.
- Avoid using cosmetic products on your face for 48 hours after the procedure to minimise pain and inflammation.
- Minimise excessive sun exposure since it causes skin dehydration, worsens inflammation, and destroys elastin formation. In addition, use sunscreen when exposed to UV rays.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption since it dehydrates the skin. Moreover, avoid smoking since the chemicals in nicotine severely damage collagen formation and cause the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microneedling
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
Microneedling cost varies depending on your cosmetic surgeon’s location, the extent of the injections, and the number of touch-up injections you require. Microneedling may also employ additional topical creams and serums to improve its efficacy. For example, hyaluronic acid serums often relieve wrinkles and enhance facial plumpness. They also increase collagen production since they penetrate the inner skin layers.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
Microneedling results are temporary. They last for about a year. Clients can have touch-ups to enhance efficacy. The precise number of injections varies depending on the skin concern.
Are Dermal Roller Results Permanent?
The effects of dermal rollers are temporary. In addition, dermal rollers only penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. It is essential to consult your cosmetic surgeon before using dermal rollers.
Does Microneedling Treat Acne Scars?
Microneedling reduces depressed acne scars by enhancing collagen formation. However, microneedling does not relieve raised scars since the scars contain excess amounts of collagen.
What Are the Side Effects of Microneedling For Acne Scars?
Microneedling may cause acne breakouts, although it subsides with time. It may also cause redness, bruising, pain, and inflammation.
Are Dermal Filler Injections Similar to Microneedling?
Dermal filler injections are administered to the face to enhance facial plumpness, increase collagen production, and reduce wrinkles. However, they involve using larger needles injected into precise facial parts, depending on the skin condition being treated and the skin texture.
How Many Microneedling Sessions are Required to Reduce Acne Scars?
Two microneedling sessions can effectively reduce acne scars, although the treatment plans vary among patients.
Conclusion
Microneedling involves using smaller, thinner needles to puncture the upper skin layer. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the damage caused to the upper skin layer subsides with time. Microneedling can also deliver medications and nutrients like vitamin C directly to your bloodstream. Scientists suggest that the procedure reduces wrinkles, scars, fine lines, and stretch marks. It also enhances collagen formation and improves. If you have cold sores, a blood disorder, or are undergoing cancer treatment, it is essential to consult your doctor concerning the safety of the microneedling procedure. Ensure you stay hydrated and avoid smoking to preserve your skin after the procedure.
References
Iriarte, C., Awosika, O., Rengifo-Pardo, M., & Ehrlich, A. (2017). Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 289.
Ablon, G. (2018). Safety and effectiveness of an automated microneedling device in improving the signs of aging skin. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(8), 29.
Bonati, L. M., Epstein, G. K., & Strugar, T. L. (2017). Microneedling in all skin types: a review. J Drugs Dermatol, 16(4), 308-313.
Dhurat, R., Sukesh, M. S., Avhad, G., Dandale, A., Pal, A., & Pund, P. (2013). A randomised evaluator blinded study of the effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. International Journal of trichology, 5(1), 6.
Gowda, A., Healey, B., Ezaldein, H., & Merati, M. (2021). A systematic review examining the potential adverse effects of microneedling. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 14(1), 45.
Minh, P. P. T., Bich, D. D., Van, T. N., Khang, T. H., Gandolfi, M., Satolli, F., … & Lotti, T. (2019). Microneedling therapy for atrophic acne scar: effectiveness and safety in Vietnamese patients. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(2), 293.
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