Microneedling is a procedure used to treat various skin disorders by some dermatologists. In order to puncture the skin and inflict physical trauma, the procedure involves using numerous thin, sterile needles.
The derma, a deeper layer of skin, is incited by this trauma to repair.
Microneedling can help resolve several complaints related to the skin, including:
- loose skin, such as after weight loss or liposuction
- stretch marks
- rosacea
- wrinkles
- skin pigmentation issues
- alopecia
- acne
- scarring
It may also enable the skin to rejuvenate.
In addition, microneedling may be used by clinicians to deposit medicine deeper into the skin, such as topical tretinoin or vitamin C. This can improve the treatment of a range of problems, including acne scarring.
To learn more about microneedling, how it operates, and if there are any dangers, read on.
How does it work?
By causing trauma to the skin, microneedling enhances the development of collagen and other healing variables.
Collagen is an essential protein, with a firm, smooth, and stretchy texture that helps keep the skin looking youthful.
Aging causes collagen to decrease in the skin, leading to wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.
Owing to injuries, such as acne scarring, stretch marks or other scars, the skin may also lose collagen.
It is necessary to remember that microneedling, because it requires the growth of new skin, is not a fast fix. For a person to see the full effects of the procedure, it may take many months.
Benefits
A systematic study in 2018 found that microneedling is a safe and effective way to treat scars and wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.
However, the researchers agreed that deciding whether microneedling is a feasible treatment choice would require more study in all cases.
The American Academy of Dermatology press release also notes that individuals should anticipate a decline in the “appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks.”
Risks
Microneedling is widely considered by the medical community to be safe and reliable, but there are still some risks.
Skin discomfort after the treatment is the primary concern. Other adverse reactions may include:
- dryness
- flaking of the skin
- bruising
- swelling
- redness
- discomfort at the site
Bleeding is an unusual reaction to microneedling, but after deeper treatment it may be more likely to occur.
For people who have bleeding problems or who are taking blood-thinning drugs, bleeding can also be more of a concern. Before accessing this medication, it is necessary to reveal this information to a doctor.
The risk of more severe side effects is also present, including:
- infection
- skin pigment changes
- reaction to topical medications used during treatment
Additional risks are involved in certain devices. The risk of burns may be increased by those that use energy or heat.
Lastly, certain individuals are not candidates for treatment with microneedling, like those with:
- keloid scarring
- an unstable skin type
- active acne
- an active skin infection
It can help mitigate the complications by seeing a dermatologist or medical skin care professional who is specialized with these types of procedures.
Home microneedling devices
There are many home microneedling tools available. While these are far less costly than a dermatologist’s sessions, there are several main differences between the methods.
There are shorter, more blunt needles on home-use instruments than those intended for dermatologists and other medical professionals.
Home devices are not intended to penetrate the skin, which ensures that they may not be as painful as clinical versions of home treatments.
This also implies that the response and outcomes of a home treatment would be reduced. Even home gadgets, however, can improve blood flow, which can brighten the skin temporarily.
Finally, these devices are harder to clean, and not cleaning a microneedling device thoroughly can increase the risk of infection or injury, especially if the needles penetrate the skin.
Conclusion
Generally, microneedling is a secure and efficient technique that can enhance the appearance of the skin. It may minimize wrinkles, reduce scarring and tighten or rejuvenate skin that is loose or ageing.
Although home microneedling is readily available and more convenient than the professional version, home treatments do not produce the same outcomes and can increase the risk of side effects.
A dermatologist or physician who is specially qualified and specialized in these types of procedures should be consulted by anyone involved in microneedling.
Sources
- Iriarte, C., Awosika, O., Rengifo-Pardo, M., & Ehrlich, A. (2017, August 8). Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 10, 289–298
(LINK) - Microneedling: Experienced hands can improve the face [Press release]. (2018, February 16)
(LINK) - Ramaut, L., Hoeksema, H., Pirayesh, A., Stillaert, F., & Monstrey, S. (2018, January). Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 71(1), 1–14
(LINK) - Singh, A., & Yadav, S. (2016, July–August). Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 244–254
(LINK) - Medical news today – What is microneedling? Benefits and use (LINK)
