The advantages of modern Microneedling were first discovered by Dr Andre Camirand in 1997. He had been trying to camouflage enlarged hypertrophic scars by tattooing skin color pigment. He started to notice that the tattooed pigment was completely dissolving and being replaced by actual melanin, the skin¹s natural pigment. Furthermore, he also noticed the scar itself also was improving in texture. This discovery led to the idea of mechanically puncturing the skin with micro needles resulting in improved appearance of texture and appearance of the skin.
The microneedling treatment works by causing controlled micro injuries to the superficial skin. These superficial wounds stimulate the brain to start the body’s natural healing process. During this process the body produced more collagen and elastin. Both Collagen and Elastin is a protein. Collagen is what gives our skin structure and elastin gives the skin the ability to stretch and content. As the volume of these proteins increase in the targeted injury area and whence the healing is finished, a new better-looking supple skin appears.
Microneedling and its uses for skin
During the microneedling treatment, very tiny needles are used to create controlled punctures to the skin. During this process old collagen fibers are reorganized and hence place for new collagen, elastin and micro-capillaries is created. As the body produced these, a younger, tighter skin is achieved.
Microneedling is also an effective indications for acne scars, skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, stretch-marks, alopecia, superficial drug delivery and many more.
The treatment is very safe, as long as performed by an experienced medical professional. It is also suitable for most skin types, including darker skin tones, who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as it is a very high risk in darker skin types.
The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia. The procedure is well-tolerated by the patients. One may experience slight erythema (redness) and edema (mild swelling) lasting for about 2 to 3 days post procedure.
No. of Sessions recommend for Microneedling and expected results
Significant increase in collagen is observed in about 6 sessions in an interval of 3 to 4 weeks apart. This collagen induction leads to overall youthful appearance of skin by reducing fine-lines and wrinkles, reducing the pore size and adds flexibility and elasticity to the skin.
The final results of the treatment cannot be viewed immediately. The individual will notice small changes and tighter skin due to the micro injuries, but the new collagen continues to generate for approximately 3 to 6 months of the treatment. Depending on the lifestyle of the individual.
Microneedling is also successfully used to increase penetration of drugs and vitamins across the skin barrier. It enhances the delivery of various drugs and vitamins as it bypasses the stratum cornea and deposits the drug directly up to the vascularized dermis.
Microneedling and Scars
Microneedling has been found effective to treat post-acne scars (facial atrophy scars) as boxcar scar and rolling scars.
An atrophic scar or acne scar is an indented scar that while healing leaves a depression on the skin as the skin is unable to regenerate tissue. They are often the result of severe acne or chickenpox. With Microneedling, we can reduce the appearance of these scar by promoting natural healing and regeneration of tissues in the skin. Working on the same principal, its also helps treat boxcar scar and rolling scars.
Post-surgical scars: It was first studied by Dr Camirand found that microneedling has helped reduce the appearance of almost all types of surgical scars, it has also been effective in reducing post burn scars, post traumatic scars, hypertrophic scars and varicella scars. The premise is same, micro-injuries to promote regeneration and healthier looking skin and increased collagen volume.
Microneedling and Melasma
When Microneedling is combined with skin lightening agents and vitamins, it also helps manage melasma. In this treatment, the micro needles also deliver these agents to the targeted treatment area. Which promotes quicker resolution of the problem. It takes a multiple session to see results and regular maintenance is required, as the body continues to produce pigment that is causing melasma. Its not a cure, its only management and appearance correction that can be done with mirconeedling when it comes to melasma.
Microneedling and Alopecia
Microneedling when combined with drugs for hair loss and growth factors that promote healing can help effectively treat hair loss. Both Androgenic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata respond well to this, and results are visible 3 weeks after the first session. however, 6-8 sessions are recommended to achieve good results and maintenance session to sustain results.
Microneelding and Skin Laxit
Microneedlign is also effective for improving skin laxity. It can be done by delivering vitamins like Vitamin C and A directly under the skin on the targeted areas, like skin of the face. In addition to the collagen regeneration, the vitamins also help getting a better-looking glowing skin. It is however, very important to prepare the skin two to three weeks in advance with the use of vitamin C and vitamin A.
About Me.
I am Smita Smita Sonavane, a Beauty and laser therapist at Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation. I specialize in Lasers for hair reduction, skin rejuvenation, skin peeling systems for Acne and Acne scars treatment
I love talking about all these procedures