When you look in the mirror, do you feel a little sad about things like acne scars, small wrinkles, sagging skin? Maybe your skin has changed color in places due to sunburn. Today, we are going to talk about the 'Microneedling' treatment, which is currently being talked about by many people as a solution to many such problems. Let's simply understand everything like what it is, who is suitable for it, and how it is done.
What is Microneedling?
Simply put, microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment for your skin. In this, a qualified professional (a doctor or aesthetician) uses very fine, thin needles to create tiny holes in the top layer of your skin.
Now you might be wondering, "Will it hurt when I prick you with a needle?" Before we get to that, let's look at why we do this. When we do a little "damage" to our skin, our body's natural healing process is stimulated. That is, the skin begins to repair itself. During this process, the skin increases the production of two proteins called collagen and elastin . These two proteins help keep our skin firm, smooth, and youthful. As we age, their production decreases, which is why our skin becomes wrinkled and sags.
Although most people get this treatment on their face, you can have it done on any area of your body that has damaged or aged skin, such as your legs, back, or neck, if you want. However, you will need to have several treatments to get the results you want.
What is the difference between Microneedling and Microdermabrasion?
These two names may be a bit similar, which can be confusing for some people. Both are treatments that improve the appearance and texture of the skin. However, the two methods are completely different. Let's look at this difference clearly.
| Feature | Microneedling | Microdermabrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Method used | Making small holes in the skin using very fine needles. | Do not use needles. Use a rough-surfaced tool (such as sandpaper) to scrape off the top layer of skin (exfoliate). |
| Depth of skin impact | Goes deep into the skin. | It is limited to the surface layer of the skin. |
| It is best to | For problems below the skin's surface, such as deep scars caused by acne, wrinkles, and stretch marks. | For dullness, roughness and very fine wrinkles on the skin's surface. |
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Microneedling is used for both cosmetic and medical reasons. If you are concerned about these issues, you may want to consider this treatment:
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines or wrinkles
- Loose or crepey skin
- Mild scars caused by acne or burns
- Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone
- Stretch marks
In addition, this treatment can also help people with certain medical conditions. For example:
- Alopecia areata: This is a condition caused by the immune system that causes hair to fall out in patches.
- Hyperhidrosis: A condition of excessive sweating.
In some cases, doctors also use this method to administer medications or injections to the skin.
Who should not have microneedling?
Although this treatment is safe for most people, it may not be suitable for some. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before undergoing the treatment.
| Condition / Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Active acne | When you have active acne or when you are taking certain medications for acne. |
| Blood clotting diseases | For those with blood diseases or those taking anticoagulants. |
| Treatment for cancer | For those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. |
| Frequent skin allergies | For those who frequently get contact dermatitis or cold sores. |
| The tendency of scars to grow | For those who have a keloidal tendency, when there is a skin injury, the scar becomes round and grows larger. |
| Skin diseases | For areas with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. |
What happens before and during treatment?
Before treatment
Once you decide to have this treatment, you should first consult with a qualified professional (such as a dermatologist). It is very important to choose someone who has experience in this type of treatment.
There,
- Your skin will be examined.
- Talk about your health history.
- We will discuss what you expect from the treatment.
- Perhaps before/after photos will be taken to compare before and after treatment.
This is the best time to ask any questions you have. Ask questions like, "Are there any side effects?", "Will it hurt?", "How long will it take to see results?"
About a month before treatment, your doctor may recommend that you apply a cream containing vitamin A or C to your skin. This will help kick-start the collagen production process.
During treatment
On the day of the treatment, your skin will first be thoroughly cleansed and a numbing cream, such as Lidocaine gel, will be applied. This cream takes about 30-45 minutes to work, so you will need to wait for that time.
Then, the practitioner uses a hand-held roller or an electric tool to create fine holes in the skin. If using an electric tool, the length of the needles can be adjusted depending on the depth of your skin problem (e.g., deep acne scars).
When the treatment begins, you may feel a warm, tingling sensation on your skin. You may also feel a little discomfort when the needles are inserted into bony areas, such as the cheekbones. A small amount of blood may be drawn during a deep treatment. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the treatment can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
What to expect and risks after treatment
Since this is an outpatient treatment, you can go home immediately after the procedure.
- After treatment: Your skin may be red and slightly swollen for about 5 days. Applying an ice pack can help reduce this discomfort. Most people can wear makeup the next day, but you should avoid sun exposure until your skin is completely healed.
- Risks: Microneedling is a safe treatment. However, in rare cases, bruising, scarring, or skin infection may occur. These risks are very low when performed by an experienced, qualified practitioner.
- Results: For best results, a series of treatments are usually required, usually spaced 3-8 weeks apart. It can take 3-6 months to see visible results. After that, a maintenance treatment can be done about once a year to maintain the appearance of your skin.
Most importantly, you may have heard of at-home rollers. But these are nothing compared to the devices used in professional treatments. Their needles are shorter, and there is a higher risk of skin infections due to sterilization issues. Therefore , it is always safest to have this type of treatment done by a qualified professional.
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms in the treated area, see your doctor without delay.
| Warning signs to look out for |
|---|
| Bleeding for more than 24 hours. |
| Blistering. |
| Swelling lasting more than a week. |
Take-Home Message
- Microneedling is a very safe treatment when performed by a qualified professional that addresses a variety of skin concerns, such as acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
- This stimulates the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin, giving the skin a fresh, youthful appearance.
- This is not suitable for everyone. If you have any health conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, blood disorders), it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before treatment.
- Several treatments are required for best results, and it is very important to protect the skin from the sun after treatment.
- Due to the risk of infection, it is wise to avoid using at-home rollers.
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