Skin needling is also called micro-needling therapy or collagen induction therapy. It is a minimally-invasive non-surgical and nonablative procedure for facial and body rejuvenation that involves the use of a micro-needling device to create a controlled skin injury.
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Microneedling
This minimally invasive treatment improves skin texture, softens wrinkles and smoothens scars. By using a TGA approved device, the oscillating micro-needles gently pierce the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastins.
As the micro-needles pierce the skin and reach the platelets in your blood, growth factors are released that rejuvenate your skin and restore a more youthful appearance. This regenerative procedure stimulates the body’s natural wound healing response without scarring.
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.
Benefits of Skin Needling
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It is used to minimise the appearance of scars from acne, surgery, thermal burns, chickenpox, or trauma.
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Skin needling is used for facial rejuvenation and to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation.
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There is a reduced risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring with skin needling compared to more invasive procedures, and as such, it is safer on ethnic or dark skin.
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It is suitable for thin and sensitive skin.
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The treatment can be performed in an office setting and does not need any extensive special training or expensive instruments.
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The procedure is well tolerated and well accepted by patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does skin needling work? ​ As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound. The microchannels created spontaneously close after 10 minutes so that epidermal barrier integrity remains intact. The needles injure superficial dermal collagen strands and small blood vessels triggering a controlled cascade of inflammation including the release of platelet-derived growth factors transforming growth factor-alpha and beta (TGF β-3), connective tissue activating protein, connective tissue growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor. These lead to the production of new collagen, elastin, and capillaries. Neovascularisation and neocollagenesis lead to thickened skin and a reduction of scars, with improved skin texture, firmness, and hydration.
What is skin needling used for? Skin needling is effectively used for: - Reducing scars (including hypertrophic scars) caused by acne, surgery, or thermal burns - Fading stretch marks - Reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles - Dyspigmentation and melasma - Tightening sagging skin.
How many treatments 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 five procedures.
Are there any side effects? Generally, the treated areas recover rapidly from skin needling. However, there are occasional side effects, which include: - Oozing and swelling during the recovery phase - Skin infection with bacteria (rare) or herpes simplex virus (cold sores) - Granulomatous reactions producing plaques and nodules (possibly due to implanted cosmeceuticals or nickel allergy) - Milia, which can be easily removed - Acne flare, which is usually mild.
What is the 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. - No lotions, makeup or other topical products are applied to the treatment area on the day of the procedure. - A numbing cream (topical) can be applied for patients on the treatment area if required. - 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. - As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound stimulating skin cell regeneration. - Depending on the condition treated it may take 5–60 minutes to complete the procedure. - A minimum of 6 weeks is recommended between two treatments as it takes that long for new natural collagen to form.
Pre & Post Treatment Care
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Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.
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Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
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Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
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Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
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No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.
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Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before you arrive for your appointment.
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If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.
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Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior because bruising is a common side effect of microneedling.
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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 cleanser before 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, postoperative wound infection is rare.
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Emollients or antibiotic creams may be prescribed if considered necessary.
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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.
