Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of tiny, sterilized needles to create micro-injuries in the skin.
Microneedling is used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, treat fine lines and wrinkles, diminish stretch marks, improve skin texture and tone, address large pores and uneven skin pigmentation, and enhance skin rejuvenation.
The procedure covers a pen-like or rolling device equipped with fine needles to make small punctures in the skin. A topical anesthetic is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
The benefits of microneedling comprise the promotion of collagen and elastin production, ameliorating skin elasticity and firmness, cutting the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks, boosting overall skin texture and tone, minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures, and safe for most skin types and tones.
While generally safe, microneedling has side effects, including redness and swelling at the treatment site, minor discomfort or pain, bruising and bleeding (rare), dryness and flaking of the skin, and risk of infection if proper hygiene is not maintained.
Risks of microneedling encompass allergic reactions to topical products used during or after the procedure, infections, and scarring.
What Is Microneedling?
It is also called collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction and is concerned with using fine needles to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing processes, leading to increased collagen and elastin production.
Most dermatologists recommend a series of four to six microneedling sessions for optimal results, spaced four to six weeks apart. However, the exact number of sessions varies based on individual skin conditions and treatment goals. Indeed, for more severe concerns, such as deep acne scars or stretch marks, some patients require up to eight to twelve sessions to achieve substantial improvements.
Noticeable results take time, as collagen production takes several weeks to develop fully after each session. Therefore, patience is essential during the treatment process.
A research team led by Professor Kelvin Yeung from the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has developed a new microneedle patch for treating skin infections without antibiotics. As detailed in their paper by Xiang et al. (2023) titled Ultrasound-triggered interfacial engineering-based microneedle for bacterial infection acne treatment, the patch employs ultrasound-responsive zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) antibacterial nanoparticles.
This innovative design ensures pain-free delivery, effectively treats bacterial skin infections, and promotes skin repair. The microneedles are approximately 50 microns in diameter, similar to a typical hair. Their findings have been published in Science Advances.
What Are the Uses of Microneedling?
The uses of microneedling are skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, large pores, stretch marks, and hair loss.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging, promoting a youthful appearance as detailed by Hamed et al. (2024) in their Recent Advances in Microneedling-Assisted Cosmetic Applications.
- Acne Scarring: Improves the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin regeneration and smoothening texture.
- Hyperpigmentation: Lightens dark spots and evens out skin tone, enhancing complexion.
- Large Pores: Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother skin surface.
- Stretch Marks: Reduces the visibility of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production and skin renewal.
- Hair Loss: Promotes hair growth in conditions like alopecia by activating dormant hair follicles.
What Is the Microneedling Procedure?
The microneedling procedure involves skin assessment, cleansing, numbing cream application, device selection, needling, serum application, soothing, and aftercare instructions as highlighted by Haghniaz et al. (2023) in Tissue adhesive hemostatic microneedle arrays for rapid hemorrhage treatment.
Preparation
- Skin Assessment: A thorough skin assessment is conducted to determine suitability for the procedure, ensuring personalized treatment.
- Cleansing: The skin is cleansed to extricate impurities, preventing infections and ensuring a clean treatment area.
- Numbing Cream: A topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure, enhancing patient comfort.
The Microneedling Process
- Device Selection: A microneedling pen or roller with fine needles is selected based on the treatment area, ensuring appropriate depth and coverage as spotlighted by Xiang et al. (2023) in Ultrasound-triggered interfacial engineering-based microneedle for bacterial infection acne treatment.
- Needling: The device is gently moved across the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production.
- Serum Application: After microneedling, a serum containing growth factors, hyaluronic acid, or vitamins is applied to enhance the treatment’s effects and support healing.
Post-Procedure Care
- Soothing: A calming mask or serum is applied to lessen redness and irritation, promoting skin recovery.
- Aftercare Instructions: Patients receive guidelines on how to care for their skin post-treatment, in addition to gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection.
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?
The benefits of microneedling include collagen production, improved texture, even skin tone, enhanced absorption, minimal downtime, and versatility.
- Collagen Production: Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, leading to firmer, smoother skin and reduced signs of aging as espoused by a paper provided by the American Chemical Society (2021) with the title Separable Microneedle Patch to Protect and Deliver DNA Nanovaccines Against COVID-19.
- Improved Texture: Boosts skin texture by reducing scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
- Even Skin Tone: Minimizes hyperpigmentation and age spots, creating a more uniform complexion.
- Enhanced Absorption: Increases the skin’s ability to absorb topical products, maximizing their efficacy and results.
- Minimal Downtime: Allows for quick recovery with minimal disruption to daily activities, making it convenient for patients.
- Versatility: Effective for various skin types and concerns, including sensitive areas like the under-eye region, ensuring broad applicability.
What Are the Side Effects of Microneedling?
The side effects of microneedling are redness and irritation, swelling, dryness and flaking, bruising, infection, hyperpigmentation, bleeding, and allergic reactions.
Redness and Irritation
Redness and irritation are common after microneedling. The skin appears flushed and feels warm to the touch for a few hours to a couple of days, similar to a mild sunburn as elaborated by Gowda et al. (2021) in A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling.
Swelling
Swelling occurs as the skin reacts to the micro-injuries. This is mild and subsides within a day or two, contributing to a temporary plumpness in the treated area.
Dryness and Flaking
According to a Yale Medicine Fact Sheet, as the skin heals, dryness and flaking develop. This is part of the natural exfoliation process as new, healthy skin cells replace the treated area.
Bruising
Bruising, particularly in sensitive areas, is possible. Small blood vessels close to the surface break during the procedure, resulting in temporary bruising.
Infection
Though rare, infection is imminent if the skin is not properly cleansed or if post-procedure care is neglected. It is essential to follow aftercare instructions meticulously to avoid this complication.
Hyperpigmentation
In some cases, hyperpigmentation ensues, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. This resolves over time but necessitates careful monitoring and potentially additional treatments.
Bleeding
Minor bleeding happens during the procedure due to the needle penetration. This is minimal and stops quickly, with proper aftercare ensuring no further issues.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to the numbing cream or post-treatment serums are possinle. Discuss any known allergies with the practitioner prior to the procedure to avoid adverse reactions.
What Are the Risks of Microneedling?
The risks of microneedling are infection, hyperpigmentation, scarring, allergic reactions, and unsatisfactory results as mentioned by Spataro et al. (2023) in Microneedling-Associated Procedures to Enhance Facial Rejuvenation:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection if the skin is not properly sanitized before and after the procedure, highlighting the importance of sterile techniques.
- Hyperpigmentation: As per Hou et al. (2017) in Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review, the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in individuals with darker skin tones, prompts careful consideration and professional guidance.
- Scarring: Improper technique or deep needling precipitates scarring, emphasizing the need for experienced practitioners.
- Allergic Reactions: Possible allergic reactions to the serums or products applied post-treatment, necessitating pre-treatment patch testing.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Inconsistent or unsatisfactory results if performed by inexperienced practitioners, underlining the importance of professional expertise.
Is microneedling combined with other treatments?
Yes, microneedling is combined with other treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy to augment results. Nevertheless, consult a skin care professional to determine the best combination for your skin type and concerns.
How long do the effects of microneedling last?
The effects of microneedling last several months, depending on factors such as age, skin condition, and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions every few months assist in sustaining the benefits of the treatment.
What areas of the body are treated with microneedling?
Microneedling is performed on the face but also used on other areas of the body such as the neck, décolletage, and hands to perk up skin texture and lower the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types, covering sensitive and darker skin tones. However, individuals with certain skin conditions such as active acne, eczema, or rosacea must consult with a dermatologist to determine if microneedling is appropriate.
What do I expect during a microneedling procedure?
During a microneedling procedure, the skin is first cleansed and a numbing cream is applied to counter discomfort. A microneedling device is then deployed to create tiny punctures in the skin. After the procedure, a soothing serum or mask is applied to aid in healing.
