Microneedling aims to create a controlled injury beneath the skin’s surface, to induce collagen production in the treated area. The skin plumps and thickens in response to the stimulus, reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.
How It Works
The treatment uses a small rolling device covered with hundreds of tiny (0.5 to 1.5 millimeters long), closely spaced needles. As the device rolls along the skin, the needles pierce thousands of microscopic holes just deep enough to reach the collagen layer in the dermis.
The damage is minimal but enough to trigger a cascade of inflammatory effects that produce healing growth factors in the skin, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin that rejuvenates the area.
Uses
Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin conditions a less-invasive way than lasers, such as:
WrinklesAcne scarsStretch marksSurgical scarsEnlarged poresBurns
It can take several sessions over time to gain the full results, but the collagen production in the area can make positive changes without using lasers. In addition, while lasers can cause hyperpigmentation in the treatment area, microneedling is less likely to cause this damage in those with lighter skin tones.
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling is a newer development that adds electromagnetic radiation to the needle penetration, heating the depths of the dermis and promoting collagen repair.
Studies have shown it to be as effective or better than regular microneedling for the same skin conditions. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon can tell you if this option is available and whether it is a preferable treatment.
Procedure
Microneedling is best performed in a healthcare provider’s office by a trained professional who can diagnose any skin condition that may need treatment, determine if the procedure is appropriate for you, and recognize areas to be avoided. Sterile, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved equipment should be used.
The treatment generally takes minutes, but the length of a session varies depending on the size of the area being treated.
Your healthcare provider will administer a topical anesthetic cream 30 minutes before the procedure to minimize pain. The needles may draw blood, but it’s usually minimal.
Effectiveness
Science has shown that microneedling can achieve positive molecular changes in the skin (dermal remodeling) and that total healing from a procedure usually happens within five days.
However, while some may be useful, it’s impossible to predict the quality of a device. In addition, if you perform microneedling on yourself, you risk misusing the roller, losing needles in your skin, getting an infection, and having inconsistent results.
Meanwhile, research has shown the procedure to be safe and effective for the following skin concerns:
Wrinkles: A 2018 study found four microneedling treatments spaced out every 30 days improved wrinkles, skin laxity, and skin texture. Scars: Positive results have been seen with atrophic (indented) scars from acne or chicken pox, hypertrophic (raised) scars, and keloid (raised and larger than original wound) scars. Stretch marks (striae distensae): A 2019 review of seven studies found microneedling effective in improving stretch marks. Patchy hair loss (alopecia): Microneedling used along with drugs like Rogaine (minoxidil) has been shown to yield more substantial hair growth than using minoxidil alone. Gray or brown skin patches (melasma): One review of 22 melasma cases treated with microneedling showed improvement in all cases. Absorption of topical skin applications: Microneedling can help enhance skin-based drug delivery.
Microneedling has been shown to be effective in treating people of all skin colors.
Summary
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small sterile needles to cause skin inflammation to stimulate collagen production. The collagen produced from the inflammation can address common skin issues, without more invasive procedures. It may take several treatments to achieve the desired results.
A Word From Verywell
Microneedling is available as a series of treatments in some dermatologists’ or facial plastic surgeons’ offices. If you’re considering a home unit, first consult with a healthcare provider who can show you the proper way to safely perform the home treatments (or if it’s even recommended). They can also ensure you don’t have any skin conditions that would contraindicate microneedling.
BleedingRednessFlaky skinInfectionBruisingTightness
While there are possible side effects, they typically resolve in a couple of weeks.
