Microneedling summary; Davin’s Tips
Here are my tips on microneedling and how I employ this treatment in clinical practice.
- Microneedling is great for skin textural changes such as mild acne scarring.
- For needles less than 0.3 mm, rollers are just as good as Dermapens.
- Derma Stampers are safer than rollers when needles are longer than 0.25 mm.
- I primarily use microneedling for hair loss, combined with PRP.
- Microneedling also potentially increases topical absorption of ‘actives’.
What conditions can be treated with microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Microneedling can stimulate collagen production, which can help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Acne scars: Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen production and breaking down scar tissue.
- Stretch marks: Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen production and breaking down scar tissue.
- Large pores: Microneedling can help to reduce the appearance of large pores by promoting collagen production and making the skin more firm and elastic.
- Age spots: Microneedling can help to reduce the appearance of age spots by promoting collagen production and making the skin more firm and elastic.
- Sun damage: Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin by promoting collagen production and making the skin more firm and elastic.
It is important to note that microneedling is not recommended for certain skin types, such as active acne, rosacea, or eczema, or for people with a history of keloid scars. If in doubt, seek professional advice prior to microneedling.
What skin conditions should never be treated with microneedling?
Pigmentation, in particular melasma, should not be treated with microneedling. Rupturing the skin’s lower barrier (basement membrane of skin) may lead to worsening of pigmentation. There are far better and safer ways to treat pigmentation.
What is the difference between microneedling with a roller and Dermapens?
Microneedling with a roller and microneedling with a Dermapen are both forms of microneedling, but they use different devices to create the tiny punctures in the skin.
A microneedling roller, also known as a dermaroller, is a handheld device with a roller covered in small needles. The needles create tiny punctures in the skin when the roller is rolled over the skin. Microneedling rollers typically have needles that range from 0.25mm to 3.5mm in length.
A Dermapen, on the other hand, is a handheld device that uses a motor to vibrate a needle tip, which creates the tiny punctures in the skin. The needles are finer, so they can create more precise punctures and can reach harder-to-reach areas. Dermapens typically have needles that range from 0.4 mm to 4 mm in length.
Both devices are used to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin concerns. Dermapen is considered more effective for treating deeper wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks, but it might also be more expensive than a microneedling roller. Both devices have the same recovery time and aftercare instructions.
It is recommended to consult with a skincare professional to determine which device is best for your specific skin concerns and skin type.
What is RF microneedling and how does it work?
RF microneedling, also known as radiofrequency microneedling, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a device with tiny needles that deliver radiofrequency energy to the skin. The needles create tiny wounds in the skin, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. The radiofrequency energy also helps to tighten and tone the skin.
Microneedling, on the other hand, does not involve the use of radiofrequency energy. It is a procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create small injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin concerns.
Both procedures are minimally invasive and can be done in a doctor’s office. RF microneedling is generally considered to be more effective than traditional microneedling in treating deeper wrinkles and skin laxity. However, it may also require more recovery time and may be more expensive than traditional microneedling.
Which is better- lasers or microneedling?
Microneedling and laser treatments are both popular cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of the skin, but they work in different ways.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create small injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, which leads to increased collagen production and improved skin texture and tone. Microneedling can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin concerns.
Laser treatments, on the other hand, use concentrated beams of light to target specific skin concerns. Different types of laser treatments can be used for different purposes, such as laser resurfacing for wrinkles and fine lines, laser hair removal, laser acne treatment, and laser tattoo removal.
The best option for you will depend on the specific skin concerns you want to address, the type of your skin, and the cost and recovery time. A consultation with a skincare professional will help you determine which treatment is best for you.
In general, laser treatments can be more effective for certain skin concerns and can target deeper layers of the skin, but they also tend to have a longer recovery time and are more expensive than microneedling. Microneedling is considered less invasive, with shorter recovery time and less pain, it can be done more frequently and with less downtime.
What is microneedling PRP?
Microneedling with PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, is a cosmetic procedure that combines the use of microneedling with the application of a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
During the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood components. The platelet-rich plasma, which contains a high concentration of growth factors, is then applied to the skin using a microneedling device.
The microneedling device creates tiny punctures in the skin, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. The PRP helps to enhance the healing process by delivering a concentrated dose of growth factors directly to the site of the injury.
Microneedling PRP is used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin concerns. It is also used to promote hair growth, improve the appearance of stretch marks, and reduce the appearance of sun damage.
This procedure is usually done in a doctor’s office and may require a numbing cream prior to the procedure. It is considered safe and effective in some conditions such as hair loss, but rather dismal results are seen for dark circles or eyelid rejuvenation. Microneedling PRP may require multiple treatments for optimal results.
What is microneedling enhanced drug delivery?
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, which can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of various skin concerns. When combined with drug delivery, microneedling can enhance the effectiveness of certain topical treatments by allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Drug delivery with microneedling, also known as transdermal drug delivery, involves applying a topical treatment or medication to the skin before or after microneedling. The small punctures created by the microneedling device allow the medication to penetrate deeper into the skin, which can enhance its effectiveness.
Some common medications that are used in combination with microneedling include:
- Vitamin C, which can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage
- Hyaluronic acid, which can hydrate the skin and improve skin elasticity
- Retinoids, which can improve the appearance of acne and fine lines
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a patient’s own blood plasma that is rich in growth factors and can be used to enhance collagen production
Drug delivery with microneedling can be more effective than traditional topical treatments, but it’s important to be aware that not all medications are appropriate for use with microneedling. Your skin care expert will guide you.
How do I microneedle at home and is it safe?
Microneedling at home is possible with the use of at-home microneedling devices, also known as derma rollers, stampers or microneedling pens. These devices are designed for home use and are typically smaller and less powerful than professional microneedling devices. Do NOT use needles longer than 0.25 to 0.4 mm, you have been warned.
Before microneedling at home, it’s important to thoroughly cleanse your skin and remove any makeup or oils. You should also sterilize the device with rubbing alcohol before and after use.
When using a dermaroller, you should apply a light pressure and roll the device over the skin in a back-and-forth motion. It is important not to press too hard or use the device too frequently, as this can cause irritation or injury to the skin. Traction and counter traction is the key to safe and effective microneedling.
When using a microneedling pen, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some microneedling pens use a stamping motion, while others use a gliding motion. A weak motor means more chances of ‘dragging’, and hence scarring.
After the procedure, you should apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer and use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
It is important to note that at-home microneedling devices may not be as effective as professional devices and may not be suitable for certain skin types or conditions. It is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting at-home microneedling to ensure it is appropriate for you.
What are the potential risks of microneedling?
Microneedling is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any medical procedure, it can have some potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects of microneedling include:
- Redness and swelling: The skin may be red and swollen for a few hours or days after the procedure.
- Bruising: There may be some slight bruising around the treated area.
- Dryness and flaking: The skin may feel dry and flaky in the days after the procedure.
- Itching: The skin may itch as it heals.
- Infection: In rare cases, the skin may become infected if the needles used in the procedure were not properly sterilized.
- Scarring: In rare cases, the skin may be more susceptible to scarring after the procedure if it’s not done properly.
- Pigment changes: There is a risk of developing hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) in the treated area.
It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your skincare professional, such as avoiding sun exposure, and keep the area clean and moisturized to minimize the risk of side effects and to promote the healing process.
It’s also important to note that microneedling may not be suitable for certain skin types, such as active acne, rosacea, or eczema, or for people with a history of keloid scars. It’s always best to consult with a skincare professional before starting any treatment.
