Microneedling is a simple and safe treatment for healing scars and marks on the skin. This treatment uses fine needles to pierce the skin and encourage collagen growth for healthier, younger-looking skin. Microneedles rejuvenate aging skin. This treatment procedure involves using an instrument called a derma roller.

As devices and technology have evolved, microneedles have become more and more common in skin care practice. Microneedling, commonly used on the face, can reduce the appearance of acne, scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and large pores.

What happens before microneedling?

You should have a consultation with a healthcare provider before the therapy. A plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or aesthetician might perform microneedling. Make sure that whoever does the procedure has professional experience in this technique. Your healthcare provider will examine your skin and review your health history before the treatment.

How is Microneedling done?

Needles increase collagen production and other healing factors by causing tiny cuts to the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that keeps skin youthful and has a firm, smooth and stretchy texture.

Aging causes the reduction of collagen in the skin, which contributes to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Skin can also lose collagen through injuries such as acne scars, stretch marks, or other scars.

Microneedling will not show results quickly since it involves new skin growth. It may take several months for a person to see the difference after the procedure.

Depending on the area, the treatment takes about 10-20 minutes. Most people require 4-6 sessions to see a difference.

First, numbing cream is applied to your face to prevent you from feeling the needle prick. Next, the person performing the microneedle moves a pen-shaped or rotating tool with tiny needles around the face. These needles make minor cuts in the skin and bleed a little. Your doctor may then apply a cream or serum to your face.

This treatment allows for healing by sending collagen and elastin to heal wounds. Collagen helps fill wrinkles and smoothens them.

Most people have microneedling done on their faces only.

Benefits micro-needling

Micro-needling rejuvenates the skin with minimal discomfort. Advantages of the microneedling include –

  • Decreases the appearance of acne scars
  • Decreases the visibility of lines and wrinkles
  • Reduces the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Reduces the visibility of dark spots
  • Smoothes uneven skin tone
  • Improves skin
  • Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
  • Reduces the appearance of scars
  • Promotes hair growth in patients with alopecia

Microneedles are significantly cheaper than laser treatments, which can cause four times more. Laser treatments use heat and can affect skin pigmentation.

Microneedling works better for people with darker skin tones because it doesn’t involve heat like laser treatments, which can affect your skin’s pigmentation or color.

What are the risks?

Although microneedling is generally considered safe and effective in the medical community, there are still some risks. The skin may feel irritated after the procedure in some cases. Other risks are –

  • Swelling
  • Site discomfort
  • Redness
  • Bruising
  • Dryness
  • Peeling

Bleeding is a rare reaction to microneedling but is more likely after deeper treatments. The risk of bleeding may also increase for people with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications. One should share this information with your doctor before receiving this treatment.

Some more severe side effects include –

  • Infections
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Reactions to topical medications used during treatment

Some devices have additional risks. Which use energy or heat may increase the chance of burns.

Finally, some people are not candidates for microneedle treatment, who have –

  • active skin infections
  • active acne
  • keloid scars
  • unstable skin types

Dermatologists or medical skin care professionals with experience with these treatments can help minimize risk.

After treatment skin-care

During the first week, the skin is sensitive. You should try avoiding sun exposure as it reduces the effectiveness of the treatment and can cause sun damage. Apart from this, you should avoid makeup and skin products with acids and retinol.

You can fasten the healing process after microneedling by staying hydrated. Use antioxidant serums and cooling serums. Apart from this, collagen-stimulating peptides are also helpful in the healing process.