Microneedling is a method of collagen induction therapy which has multiple benefits in rejuvenating your skin.
1. How does Microneedling work?
In Microneedling multiple sterile needles penetrate the skin at varying depths. The skin in turn responds to these multiple needle wounds by producing new collagen and elastic fibers which ultimately results in tighter and younger looking skin and many other therapeutic benefits for various indications. Since micro channels open in the skin. They can be used to deliver active ingredients and medications into the deeper layers of the skin.
2. What are the different types of Microneedling?
Microneedling therapy is performed predominantly using 3 different device
- Dermaroller
- Derma pen
- Fractional Microneedling RF device
3. Microneedling With Dermaroller
This was the very first device used for Microneedling collagen induction therapy. It is an instrument with a rollable cylinder studded with multiple needles which can be of various diameters 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm etc. This derma roller is rolled on the skin in various directions horizontal/ vertical/ diagonal. Microneedling with dermaroller has been used since more than a decade for treatment of acne scars, facial rejuvenation and skin tightening and stretch marks treatment. It has also been used as a drug delivery system for skin lightening agents and antioxidants in treatment of pigmentary disorders like Melasma. The advantage of Dermaroller is that microneedling relative case of performing the procedure lower cost of treatment Disadvantage of this type of Microneedling is the fact that the needles when they are rolled on the skin hit in an oblique manner due to which the upper epidermal layers also get affected. On cannot control the act depth to which the ————– has to take place cannot be certain. This is definitely the most — method of Microneedling. The chances of bleeding during the procedure are higher and epidermal side effects like persistent erythema and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are also high. If Dermarollers of good quality are not used then the needles can break and get stuck inside the skin so one has to be extremely careful. At Nypunya higher quality ———— alloy needles, with low technology is used to ensure an even Microneedling with good therapeutic benefit and minimal discomfort.
4. Microneedling with the Dermapen
This is the next generation Microneedling device. The instrument is a pen like hand held device. The removable cartridge at the top has multiple sterile needles made of surgical grade steel. The needles penetrate vertically in and out the skin as the hand held device is gently glided over the skin surface. The needle wounds stimulate the neocollagenesis which give the therapeutic benefits. The benefit of the dermapen is that the depth of needle penetration can be adjusted 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm and also the speed at which the needles retract in and out of the skin. The procedure has a little higher learning curve as the operator has to adjust the speed at which the dermapen is moved on the skin to the rate of needle penetration and retraction in and out of the skin. The upper layers of the skin are protected due to vertical needle penetration. Since it is a skin and easily movable —– it is of great value in rejuvenation of the under eye area, nose and jawline. When used to aid —— delivery into the skin the active ingredients can be deposited at precise depths for their intended actions. For example:- skin lightening agents like vitamin C, ——————- acid can be deposited in the epidermis and upper dennis to target the melanocytes, the vasculature in the upper dennis. When anti aging and skin tightening antioxidant cocktails need to be delivered to the deeper tissue.
5. Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency
This is the most advanced Micro Needling system available. It effectively combines Microneedling technology with fractional radiofrequency technology maximising therapeutic benefits. At Nypunya we use the FRAXIS DUO, an USFDA approved platform with Microneedling and fractional CO2 laser systems. The MRF handpiece has 25 needles. As the handpiece is moved the needles penetrate the skin. These Needles act like electrodes delivering the radiofrequency energy to the surrounding tissue so that mechanical wounding and the radiofrequency energy, both stimulate the synthesis of non collagen and elastic fibres. This causes better tissue modelling and skin lightening. It’s ideal for treatment of acne scars, chicken pox scars and also for skin tightening.
MRF devices are very versatile allowing the operator to change the various parameters like depth of penetration of needles from 1mm, to 3.5mm. The intensity of the radiofrequency energy delivered to the skin, the deviations for which the RF energy is deviated and repetition rate of the shots delivered.
6. Uses of Microneedling
As microneedling is a collagen induction therapy it’s uses are multiple and varied.
- Microneedling for acne scars – All types of acne scars can be modulated, Ice pick scars, bor scars, rolling scars can be addressed effectively. The fractional microneedling is superior to the other types of microneedling as the exact depth of energy delivery can be adjusted. The fraction of non ablative radiofrequency induces more neocollagenores and causes better scar modulation, this can be combined with Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing too in the same session to optimise the benefit. This however increases the down time a little bit and warrants a stricter after care regime.
Microneedling for acne scars with dermaroller – A dermapen is often combined with platelet rich plasma application or injections. This infusion of growth factors from the PRP will further increase scar modulation. Individual large bor scars may still need an additional submission if microneedling with dermaroller or dermapen is done.
b) Microneedling can be used for modulation of other types of scars – Collagen Induction therapy helps smoothening not just acne scars but also chicken pox scars, surgical scars, burn scars, traumatic scars.
c) Open Pores – These are small openings of the pilosebaceous unit ( hair and oil gland unit). They sometimes fluctuate with the secretion of sebum and often can appear very prominent. For those with prominent open pores microneedling helps the collagen flares around the pores to build up making the pores contract. It is one of the only procedures that are effective in altering pore size. The results can then be maintained by regular gentle exfoliation and use oil control products.
d) Microneedling for anti aging – Aging in a process with an interplay of various factors like loss of fat pads, bonyresoption, reduction of muscle scars, laxity of the ligaments, sagging of the smas and skin as changes. The aging of the skin upper layers can occur as early as in late 20s and 30s and is manifest as fine lines and wrinkles, loss of skin turgor resulting in rough non glossy appearance of the skin and also part of pigmentary anomalies like age spots. These changes occur as a result of loss of collagen and elastin fibres. Microneedling induces the formation of new tighter and firmer collagen fibres which smoothens the fine lines and wrinkles, firms up the skin making the outlook more shiny. The additional benefit is that active ingredients like antioxidant cocktails, hyaluronic acid and skin lightening agents can be delivered in the skin to hydrate skin, reduce oxidative stresses and lighten age spots after microneedling. Platelet rich plasma too can be delivered into the skin. This is why microneedling is such an effective anti aging tool for correcting the surface changes and decelerating the pace of the normal skin aging changes.
e) Microneedling for under eye rejuvenation – Dermapen is small and easily maneuverable in this sensitive area and so preferred for periorbital treatments microneedling radio frequency can also be used.. The fine lines and wrinkles can be smoothened, the sagging lower eyelid skin can be firmed up to prevent formation of eye bags or resolve small eye bags. Delivery of PRP through the open channels can further and neocollagenesis Vit C and antioxidant preparations can be infused into the under eye area to reduce the dark circles too.
f) Microneedling for Melasma and hyperpigmentation – Melasma is a stubborn
Pigmentary condition. One single modality of treatment does not give significant improvement . Medical management combined with various procedures yields good benefits, Microneedling with infusion of Vitamin C antioxidant controls help in modulating activity of the melanocytes . The interplay between the collagen fibres / vascular factors also help in reducing pigment formation. Tranexamic acid and Glutathione too are used with the dermaroller or dermapen for Melasma treatment.very strict after care regime is mandatory post procedure.
g) MIcroneedling for hair growth – The fibroblasts surrounding the hair follicle and in the dermal papilla regulate hair cycling and also hair growth due to interplay of various factors at the molecular level..Microneedling done repeatedly can release growth factors, activate stem cells and cause increase hair growth. When used with Minoxidil they enhance penetration of the drug to the hair follicle. It’s a simple effective tool used in combination with medual management. When done with PRP injections the trauma of the microneedling along with the injection pricks can themselves activate the platelets to release the growth factors.Dermaroller / Dermpenis the preferred microneedling device for the hair.
h) Microneedling for stretch marks – Due to the subcutaneous fat increases and decreases there is a thinning of the overlying epidermis and disruption of collagen and elastin fibres in the underlying dermis. Microneedling builds up the new collagen fibres fuming up the skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling RF is a stretch marks preferred treatment at NyPUNYA as the radiofrequency adds significant to the neocollagenesis in the dermis.
i) Microneedling for lips – With dermapen can be done to improve the appearance of lines on the lips improving the hydration and colour of the lips by additionally delivering antioxidant vitamin C and hyaluronic and cocktails into the lips. This is for the injectable shy clients at Nypunya. Results are promising but not as satisfactory as lip fillers.
How to prepare for Microneedling?
Priming and preparing the skin for the procedure improves the outcome and minimises the chances of side effects. Application of sunscreen, hydrating agentand a gentle exfoliant is advised for a week to ten days prior to the procedure skin has to be healthy, hydrated and without atan prior to procedure.
How is Microneedling procedure done ?
a) Area is cleaned and degreased
b) Application of topical anaesthesia for 40 minutes prior to procedure
c) Area is cleaned and disinfected
d) Microneedling is done with the instrument of choice.
e) Area is cleaned post procedure and a barrier repair cream or a mild topical steroid is applied by sunscreen.
Aftercare to be followed after Microneedling
- Post procedure cream should be applied for the following five days.
- Religious use of sunscreen and moisturizer,
- Avoiding home remedies, parlour procedures for the following week.
- Avoid scrubbing, massaging or pricking the area.
- Avoid harsh exfoliating agent containing creams / cleansers and washes ex Retinol, salicylic acid
- Ice pack application can be done to reduce swelling and redness.
What to expect after Microneedling
- Mild to intense redness depending on the type and intensity of microneedling done.
- Swelling and bruising can occur
- All these features subside within a few days but during this period the after care regime has to be strictly followed.
Microneedling gone wrong
If adequate priming and preparing of the skin has been done. The right techniques and parameters for the microneedling have been issued according to the indication and after care protocol has been followed strictly then the chances of side effects are very slim. If there is a slip up in any of these or in the process of disinfection or due to certain patient factors then it can result in persistent erythema / swelling / secondary infections or reactivation infection and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur. All these side effects can be picked up early and effectively treated.
Body Microneedling
This is done predominantly for stretch marks, but can also help in improving the appearance due to cellulite and improving texture of skin around knees and elbows.
Microneedling at home
Derma Rollers with smaller gauge needle like 0.5mm to 1mmdiameter are used by patient himself or herself as they are not as traumatic and do not cause pinpoint bleeding , nevertheless the area needs to be cleaned prior to microneedling and the instrument to be cleaned and disinfected post Microneedling. Home microneedling with a dermaroller is popular for hair treatment. For anti aging maintenance regime at home and also for stretch marks. It is the best that the patient is advised regarding its use and maintenance by the dermatologist with a prior evaluation.