Microneedling- 2017
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a process that uses tiny, sharp needles to create a microscopic wound in the skin that induces collagen renewal and reparative processes. It has become exceedingly popular all over the world due to its easy accessibility, low cost relative to other procedures for wrinkles, scars and overall texture of the skin, excellent safety and low downtime.
Two different methods can be employed; rollers can be used that go over larger areas at once or motorized pens can be used. The advantage of the pen is that it has variable depth and is less fatiguing for the treater and is more precise as the depth is less dependent on the pressure applied to the skin. The pen has a disposable handpiece and the rollers are one use only. We have both but have migrated to the pens more as they are more efficient.
I actually know personally the South African plastic surgeon Dr. Des Fernandes, who invented the roller and is responsible for the popularity of this treatment. He is a wonderful man and is going to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at our next DASIL meeting (shhh, don’t tell him)!
Microneedling is and has been available in our office for some time, but we just have assumed people know this and realize we haven’t promoted or explained it well. I think it is great for the following people: overall rejuvenation for maintenance or mild textural issues and wrinkling, rejuvenation for people who might have more moderate aging changes but can’t afford more intense lasers for budgetary reason, acne scars (with caveats, as some type of acne scars need much stronger treatments and most acne scars need multiple different types of treatments to improve). What it isn’t good for: redness and pigmentation issues. There are some pigmentation issues it could help with but these are very limited and not common.
We are well aware that microneedling is popular and has widespread coverage in social media and the press and we sometimes overlook it due to the fact that we are fortunate to have so much equipment that gives such great results. Microneedling is a great procedure and we know there are many who don’t want lasers: either afraid, worried about pain or downtime or can’t or don’t want to afford it and this is a wonderful option that does give measurable results.
Before (left) and after (right) 5 sessions of Microneedling, 2 eMatrix Complete Sublative Rejuvenation™, 1 Nonablative Fractional Resurfacing (Fraxel® Dual), 1 Vial of Sculptra®. Photos courtesy of Advanced Dermatology, LLC.
*Pricing subject to change.