Microneedling
A Comprehensive Guide to Microneedling
Microneedling has become a very popular facial treatment in recent years due to the healing nature it provides to the skin. You may have heard of collagen induction therapy, skin needling or dermarolling? They are alternative names for microneedling.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. It is performed using a hand-held pen shaped device, electrically powered, where the tiny needles make precise microscopic punctures. While you might feel concerned at this procedure, the process causes ‘micro injuries’ which do not leave scars, instead they work by assisting the stimulation the skin to repair itself naturally, known as dermal remodelling, with the overall aim to rejuvenate the skin.
What conditions does microneedling treat?
Microneedling can assist in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, especially ones that cause depressions in the skin, for example acnes scarring, surgical scars, burns, fine lines wrinkles, skin discolouration and stretch marks.
What are the benefits?
- Suitable for different skin types – safer for ethnic or dark skin due to the lower risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Facial Rejuvenation – assists in reducing fine lines, wrinkles whilst improving skin tone and texture
- Scar Reduction – minimise the appearance of scars
- High Tolerance – most patients find the treatment comfortable
- Minimal Downtime – depending on the depth of treatment, regular activities can be resumed in a few days
Potential Risks & Side Effects of Microneedling
For those who may have melasma (dark patches of skin) and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) can have microneedling treatment without the rick of worsening pigmentation. Microneedling does not deliver heat to the skin, unlike lasers.
Due to pigmentation changes that occur as a post-inflammatory response, darker skin is susceptible to pigmentation changes.
How to determine if you're a good candidate
It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider before having microneedling treatment, especially if you have:
- Blood disorders or are on anticoagulants (drugs preventing blood clots)
- Acne or are taking medication to treat acne
- Cancer and are receiving chemo or radiation therapy
- Regular skin rashes or cold sores
- Keloidal tendency (where your skin forms hard, raised scars)
- Moles, freckles or skin tags that change in shape or bloeed
- Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
What are the benefits of collagen & why is it so important?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It has a fibre-like structure that is used to make connective tissue and thus plays an important role is maintaining the skins firmness, elasticity and appearance.
As we age, our bodies make less collagen but the production will drop due to lifestyle choices such as sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol and lack of sleep and exercise.
Through skin needling treatments and by stimulating your skins collagen, your skin regains firmness, tightness and youthfulness.
How can I prepare for my microneedling appointment?
Before your appointment, consult your skin clinician to give you the greenlight. They will assist you by examining your skin, review your health history and discuss your goals for the procedure. They may also take photos of the skin treatment areas before so you can compare after the result of having microneedling treatment.
The use of vitamin A or C cream in the lead up toy our appointment may be advised by your clinician to assist with the process of collagen production.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Upon arriving at your appointment you will be assessed by the clinician where you can discuss your skin goals.
- Preparation
The skin area to be treated is meticulously cleaned to remove all traces of dirt and impurities. - Numbing
To reduce discomfort, a topical numbing agent might be applied to the area. For deeper treatments or particularly sensitive regions, a local anaesthetic could be utilised. - Needle Application
A device equipped with tiny, fine needles is carefully placed against the skin and manoeuvred with precision. These needles create tiny openings, or micro-channels, on the skin’s surface. - Stimulation of Skin Rejuvenation
The micro-punctures from the needles kickstart the skin’s natural repair process, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This rejuvenation process enhances the skin’s texture, tone, and overall look. - Optional Application of Serums
Certain treatments may involve the application of serums or growth factors to the skin during or after needling, to further boost the skin’s renewal and nourishment. - Procedure Duration
The time taken for the procedure can vary, depending on the area being treated and the specific concerns being addressed, with sessions lasting from a 10-15 minutes up to an hour.
What care is required after treatment?
Following the session, your skincare specialist will advise on specific post-treatment practices. It is important to follow your clinic doctors post-procedure care and you should receive instructions to take home with you post treatment.
Other care, post a skin needling treatment includes:
- Avoid touching the area unnecessarily
- Keep the treated area clean
- Apply any prescribed or post treatment products
- Avoid sun exposure to direct sunlight & to protect the area apply a high SPF sunscreen
- Avoid applying make up or other cosmetics for at least 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise or excessive sweating for several days post treatment
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or using spas for a few days
- Cleanse the treated area with a mild, non-irritating cleanser
- To promote healing, moisturise the area regularly
- If there are any concerns such as persistent redness, swelling or infection contact your health care professional asap
Are there any side effects with microdermabrasion?
Whilst micro-needling is considered safe and a minimally invasive treatment, there can be risks which include: skin irritation, swelling, discomfort, flaking, infection and changes in skin pigmentation.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, treatments are typically spaced at least 6 weeks apart. This interval allows for the formation of new, natural collagen, ensuring the most effective outcomes.
The key differences & benefits: Microneedling v Microdermabrasion
Whilst both of these treatments treat similar cosmetic issues and they are both considered low risk, there are differences between them. Let’s compare them in the following table…
Microneedling
- A non-surgical cosmetic procedure puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles to rejuvenate the skin through the stimulation of collagen production
- Suitable for light and deeper scarring and pigmentation
- Best suited for ethnic or dark skin
- Mild discomfort after treatment
- Low risk
- Treatments every 6 weeks initially
- Improvement of skin is generally noticeable within a month
Microdermabrasion...
- Microdermabrasion exfoliates & rejuvenates the skin using abrasive crystals or diamond tipped wand, promoting new, healthier skin cells.
- Suitable for mild scarring, acne and fine lines, not deeper scars or wrinkles
- It also promotes collagen production
- Mild discomfort after treatment
- Low risk
- Treatments every 2-3 weeks initially
- Improvement of skin is noticed within a month of regular treatments
You can read more about the treatment type: Microdermabrasion here
Conclusion...
In summary, micro-needling is an effective way to improve your skin tone and address various skin concerns. It is an impressive treatment for a variety of skin problems and is generally low risk with only mild discomfort post treatment. It’s best to discuss your skin problems and goals with your skin expert to devise the most effective treatment plan.
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