Microneedling was introduced to the aesthetics industry in 1995. As a cosmetic technique, it is being used in increasing numbers for many dermatologic conditions, including reducing scars – acne scars and scars from wounds or injuries.
Studies have shown microneedling for facial scars has minimal risks or adverse effects. Microneedling is a fast, safe, and efficient way to improve the look of scars5 and other skin issues like stretch marks. In many cases, microneedling provides impressive results in a short period.
Scars form when the skin repairs itself following a wound, and scars are the result of the biological process of wound repair in tissues, including the skin. Scars occur in the body because new collagen fibers are formed to mend the damage. The formation of scars may be a natural process, but some people find their scars unattractive. These feelings impact self-esteem and confidence. There is a treatment that has been used for years – microneedling.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procure that involves pricking the skin with tiny, sterilized needles either on a roller device or with a micro pen. If this description sounds ominous, know that punctures are like little pinpricks that penetrate the skin only as far as the upper layers of the dermis. These small wounds in the upper level of your skin encourage your body to produce more collagen. As a result, skin tissue becomes more even in tone and texture, and scars have less defined edges.
You may see the full results of microneedling between four and six weeks after treatment. The time between treatments allows your body to produce collagen and elastin and bind these proteins to your micro-wounds. You may need to allow about three and six treatments before you see dramatic results.
As microneedling triggers collagen production in the treatment area, your body’s natural healing processes take over for long-lasting results. Microneedling is safe and effective for many skin conditions like acne scarring, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. The treatment is used because of:
- Visible results
- Quick recovery time
- Limited side effects
Microneedling results last from three to five months, and you can schedule follow-up treatments twice a year to maintain the results. In addition, microneedling treatments are safe and can be done about once a month or every four to six weeks, if needed. These maintenance treatments will refresh your skin, help maintain the buildup of collagen, and keep the amazing results you have seen. Take good care of your skin through an at-home beauty routine to preserve the results of your microneedling treatments.
How Does Microneedling Work on Acne Scars?
Unfortunately, acne is like the unwelcome guest that comes and overstays its welcome. You deal with pimples and breakouts while suffering from an acne outbreak, plus acne can leave scars that harm your self-confidence. You try over-the-counter creams and medications, but they only do so much to correct deep scarring.
Patients generally see some signs of improvement within seven days and more dramatic results over the next three or four weeks. In one study, 18% of patients reported a 75-100 percent improvement in acne scarring in seven days, and 25 percent reported a 50-74 percent improvement (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Nov. 26, 2019.)
Microneedling had proven to produce the best results when treating pitted or depressed scarring. However, raised scars are more difficult to treat since they indicate an excess of collagen in the area already.
Microneedling is safe, and research proves that microneedling does not cause hyperpigmentation or additional scaring, regardless of your skin type or texture. In addition, microneedling has also been used successfully on scars you have had for many years. The micro-punctures in the skin help break down old scar tissue and stimulate fresh new collagen and elastin.
Microneedling has been praised as the treatment of choice and as a great alternative to laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Beware of using some at-home microneedling devices. They can worsen acne scars because at-home microneedling often causes skin damage. If you are considering microneedling, it is recommended to seek treatment from a board–certified skin care professional to avoid harming your skin.
Contact the skincare professionals at Bell MedSpa Clarksville, TN, for a consultation about scar removal and microneedling. You can make an appointment at https://bellamedspa.com or call 931-245-0500.
