What is skin needling and how does it work?
Skin needling is also called micro-needling therapy or collagen induction therapy. It is a minimally-invasive non-surgical and nonablative procedure for facial rejuvenation that involves the use of a micro-needling device to create controlled skin injury.
As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound. The controlled injury triggers the body to fill these micro-wounds by producing new collagen and elastin in the papillary dermis. In addition, new capillaries are formed. This neovascularisation and neocollagenesis following treatment leads to reduction of scars and skin rejuvenation, i.e., improved skin texture, firmness and hydration.
Professional skin needling is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures. Unlike chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser treatments, skin needling causes minimal damage to the skin.
What is skin needling used for?
Skin needling is effectively used for:
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Reducing scars (including hypertrophic scars) caused by acne, surgery or thermal burns
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Fading stretch marks
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Reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles
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Dyspigmentation e.g in melasma
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Tightening sagging skin.
Benefits of skin needling
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Reduced risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring therefore safe on ethnic or dark skin.
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Suitable for thin and sensitive skin
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The procedure is well tolerated and well accepted by the patients,
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It is cost-effective, and can be done on areas of skin not suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing, such as near eyes.
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As opposed to ablative laser resurfacing, the epidermis remains intact and is not damaged. For this reason, the operation can be safely repeated if needed.
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Treatment does not result in a line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin, as usually occurs with other resurfacing procedures. This allows for specific areas of scarring to be treated without the need to “blend”
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or “feather” at the treatment edges.
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The patient can resume regular activities within a few days, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles. Treatment options like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion are often associated with considerable morbidity and downtime from daily activities of the patient in the post-treatment period.
What is the skin needling procedure like?
The procedure is well tolerated. It takes a few minutes up to an hour to complete, depending on the area to be treated and the severity of the problem.
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No lotions, makeup or other topical products are to be applied on the treatment area on the day of the procedure.
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A topical anaesthetic cream is then applied to numb the treatment area
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The skin is punctured in a specific pattern using a skin needling device. The device is rolled over the skin multiple times for best results.
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As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound stimulating skin cell regeneration.
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Depending on the condition treated it may take 5-60 minutes to complete the procedure.
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A minimum of six weeks is recommended between each treatment as it takes that long for new natural collagen to form.
Postprocedure care
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Skin needling is well tolerated by patients but dryness, scaling, redness and swelling may be seen after treatment, lasting for several days or longer, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles.
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Sun protection for several weeks is recommended.
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In the case of acne scars, after the skin needling procedure, the face should be cleaned with a gentle cleanserbefore bed. The next day, the face may be cleansed and makeup, lotions and other topical products applied as usual.
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As the microholes close quickly, posttreatment wound infection is rare.
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Rejuvenation of skin may be seen as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6-8 months after the medical procedure.
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Burn scars are slow to respond. It can take up to 6 months to 1 year to see the final results from a single treatment.
How many skin needling procedures does one need?
The number of needling procedures depends on the individual skin condition. Three to four treatments may be needed for moderate acne scars. Scars from thermal burns and stretch marks (striae) may require up to 5 procedures.
In the case of wrinkles associated with ageing skin, one or two refresher skin needling treatments are recommended every year.
Are there any side effects from skin needling?
Generally the treated areas recover rapidly from skin needling. However there are occasional side effects, which include:
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Oozing and swelling during the recovery phase.
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Skin infection with bacteria (rare) or herpes simplex virus (cold sores).
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Milia, which can be easily removed.
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Acne flare, which is usually mild.
5 THINGS TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR FIRST MICRO-NEEDLING TREATMENT
Micro-Needling is a technique that can be safely repeated every 4-6 weeks; however, here are five things to expect after the first micro-needling treatment.
1. The inflammatory effect of the skin is extremely short and fades significantly within hours from redness to pinkish
that may last for 12 to 48 hours. Redness or sensitivity may possibly be present and last up to a few days after your
first treatment. No sooner than 4 hours after the procedure you may gently wash the area with a gentle diluted
cleanser (your therapist will advise which are and are not suitable, with cool / tepid water.
2. It is highly advisable that you do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen because these will
interfere with the body’s natural inflammatory process that is required if you are to achieve the disired results.
The use of over the counter pain medications that are not anti-inflammatory are recommended only as needed for
any discomfort.
3. Inside of two days following your procedure, you can expect to some skin dryness and flaking due to an increased
turnover of skin cells. During this time we highly recommend serums containing high levels of Hyaluronic Acid as it
helps draw moisture into the skin and prevent dehydration, followed by a good quality moisturiser. Dont be
tempted to apply water only as this will just lead to further dehydration (like when you lick your lips too often and
they get dried out and cracked). A dehydrated skin will feel tight and irriated and can lead to unnecessary discomfort
and delay the healing process.
If you've had a treatment at a depth of 2.0-2.5mm, as is the case with deeper acne scarring or stretch marks, peeling
may start 3-5 days after treatment. Do not pick or scratch at treated skin but instead keep moisturized with
creams such as bethantem until the dead skin comes away fully. Dont be tempted to assist the peeling process, let
it come off in its own time. We know this can be unsightly at times but it is really important to just let the skin repair
on its own.
4. It is highly recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise or sweating for 24 hours. The skin will be warm enough
as it is and excercise will only increase the temperature further. Cool compresses can help alleviate discomfort after
treatment if need be. If excessive discomfort, burning, redness, or swelling is persistent please contact your
therapist as soon as possible and she will advise you what (if anything) to do next . Avoid sun exposure for a minimum
of seven days. After 7-10 days SPF30 should be worn daily.
5. The use of the Dermapen around the eyes by your medical professional may cause a little micro bruising that can
easily be covered with makeup. Just try not to use any make-up that is hard to remove, as at least for the first few
days, we are trying not to aggrevate the skin unnecessarily.