Microneedling – Needles of Healthy skin – By Dr. Shilpi Bansal MD Dermatologist.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure performed by Dermatologists with instruments containing rows of thin tiny needles to penetrate the dermis and create a controlled injury. Microneedling, like laser toning, induces controlled injury on the skin to boost the production of collagen. Therefore, it is also called Collagen induction therapy. Originally developed for rejuvenation of skin, the treatment has been researched and used for various other skin indications.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure performed by Dermatologists with instruments containing rows of thin tiny needles to penetrate the dermis and create a controlled injury. Microneedling, like laser toning, induces controlled injury on the skin to boost the production of collagen. Therefore, it is also called Collagen induction therapy. Originally developed for rejuvenation of skin, the treatment has been researched and used for various other skin indications.
The path to beauty
Microneedling is effective in making skin healthier by controlled damage to the superficial skin. The damage is caused by miniature needles penetrating the epidermis causing a Micropuncture. These Micropunctures lead to activation of the body’s mechanism to heal a wound. Healing mechanism in the skin causes proliferation and release of Platelet-derived growth factors, transforming growth factor-alpha and beta, connective tissue activating protein, connective tissue growth factor, and
fibroblast growth factor.
An increase in elastin, collagen, and the presence of growth factors on the targeted skin, improves the texture and elasticity of the skin. The healed skin is healthier has a better skin barrier. In Scars, the procedure leads to revascularization of the tissue and breaks the scar strands. The therapy has proven highly effective on the scalp. As it rejuvenates the skin by increasing blood flow and collagen production, provides the catalyst to boost the proliferation of the hair follicles. It thickens the hair and improves texture and density. The growth factors in the skin maintain the strength of hairs to sustain hair growth.
How is it done?
The efficiency of the treatment is dependent on the instrument used for the therapy. The instrument consists of fine tiny needles in rows to puncture the skin. In spite of the simplicity of the making of the instrument, the advancement in the procedure has created two main instruments used for the treatment.
1) Dermaroller: Dermaroller is the standard instrument for treatment, used by many doctors for the treatment. It consists of a cylindrical drum with micro-needles and a long handle to hold.
2) Dermapen: Dermapen is a novel advancement of the derma roller. Dermapen is an automated micro-needling instrument that looks like a pen. It uses disposable needles that are adjustable which makes it easily customizable according to the needs. It vibrates needles attached on activation of the pen. Although Microneedling can be performed using any of the mentioned instrument,
Dermapen has proven to be more beneficial than traditional Dermarollers. It is due to the fact that Dermapen uses disposable needles makes it safer for the patients and reduces the risk of infection. Also, since the length of the needles can be adjusted it provides precision in-depth and location for the treatment. Indications Knowing when to visit and what to get treated is one of the most important decisions to reach by the patient as well as the Dermatologist. Microneedling, although introduced for skin rejuvenation has been successful in achieving desired results in various conditions. Some of the conditions which can be addressed are:
wrinkles
scarring
acne
alopecia
skin pigmentation issues
stretch marks
rosacea
loose skin, such as after weight loss or liposuction
What to Expect?
The result of treatment is a guiding factor for deciding on a treatment. All the benefits
are stacked up against the discomfort faced by the treatment. Since, Microneedling is minimally invasive, unlike many other treatments, the downtime and recovery time is minimal. There might be slight discomfort and redness of the skin for few days due to treatment. The sensitivity of the skin and redness can be taken care of by sunscreen and some makeup. The discomfort faced by the treatment is outmatched by the benefits it brings. The new rejuvenated tissues improve overall health and texture of the skin. The effect can be felt in few weeks of the treatment. It is axiomatic choice when it comes down to deciding between few days of discomfort and overall good health and aesthetics of the skin. The procedure and treatment plan depends on the type, texture, elasticity, etc. of the skin. Treatment has to be done with caution lest chances of infections and side effects are bound to increase. Treatment should be done by and after consultation with Dermatologist. To know more about the procedure and get treated, consult our Dermatologist.
