Microneedling: What you need to know, from a dermatologist| Dr Dray 💉💉💉

Micro Needling and Derma Rolling: An Overview

Introduction to Micro Needling

• Andrea introduces the topic of micro needling and derma rolling, promising to address common questions about these cosmetic procedures.

• She welcomes new viewers, sharing her background as a dermatologist and her passion for skincare content.

History and Development of Micro Needling

• The technique originated in 1994 with subcision, where hypodermic needles were used to create wounds in acne scars to stimulate collagen production.

• This led to the development of micro needling devices that allow for adjustable needle penetration depths tailored to different facial areas.

Mechanism and Benefits of Micro Needling

• Micro needling is relatively new; long-term data on its effects is still limited.

• It works by creating tiny wounds in the skin, stimulating wound healing processes that promote collagen induction and blood vessel formation.

• The procedure can enhance the delivery of topical ingredients like antioxidants through channels created in the skin barrier.

Applications of Micro Needling

• Evidence shows micro needling can improve acne scars and stretch marks due to skin atrophy.

• Treatment protocols typically involve three to five sessions spaced two to four weeks apart, potentially leading to 50%-80% improvement in scar appearance.

Additional Uses Beyond Scarring

• Micro needling is also effective for skin rejuvenation, targeting wrinkles and fine lines caused by aging or sun exposure. Optimal results may require three to six treatments.

• It may help treat melasma by reaching deeper layers of skin where pigment resides, enhancing the efficacy of active depigmenting agents like tranexamic acid.

Research Insights on Melasma Treatment

• A study involving 60 patients showed that tranexamic acid alone improved melasma severity by approximately 38%.

Micro-Needling: Efficacy and Procedure Insights

Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid and Micro-Needling

• Tranexamic acid combined with micro-needling showed a 44% improvement compared to tranexamic acid alone, indicating enhanced efficacy for certain skin conditions.

• Small case studies suggest micro-needling may also be effective for dark spots on the face unrelated to melasma.

Micro-Needling in Male Pattern Hair Loss

• A significant study investigated the effects of micro-needling combined with minoxidil (Rogaine) for treating male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

• Results indicated an 80% improvement in hair growth after 12 weeks when combining micro-needling with minoxidil versus using minoxidil alone.

Procedure Expectations and Aftercare

• The skin must be thoroughly cleansed before the procedure to prevent infection, as micro-needling creates small wounds.

• Numbing agents are applied prior to treatment, followed by hyaluronic acid gel to facilitate smooth movement of the device over the skin.

Post-Treatment Care

• Aftercare includes applying hyaluronic acid serum for four hours post-procedure and potentially using hydrocortisone cream for inflammation relief within two to three days.

• It is crucial to avoid makeup for at least two weeks post-treatment due to potential infection risks from introducing foreign particles into open wounds.

Risks and Complications

• There is a theoretical risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, although recent studies suggest this risk may not be as high as previously thought.

Understanding Adverse Reactions to Vitamin C Serum

Foreign Body Reaction Explained

• The adverse reaction identified was specifically linked to the constituents of vitamin C serum, leading to a foreign body granuloma.

• A foreign body granuloma occurs when the immune system reacts to an injected material, creating inflammation and fibrotic tissue around it.

• Visible changes on the skin may include thickening, discoloration, and rashes, which can be permanent consequences of applying products post-micro needling.

Risks of At-Home Micro Needling

• It is strongly advised against using at-home derma rollers or micro needling devices due to significant risks including infection.

• The sterility of at-home devices cannot be guaranteed compared to controlled clinical settings, increasing the risk of complications.

• There have been documented cases of skin infections resulting from at-home micro needling practices.

Precautions for Micro Needling Candidates

• Individuals with active inflammatory acne lesions should avoid micro needling as it can exacerbate inflammation and scarring.

• Those with a history of herpes outbreaks on the face should refrain from micro needling during active outbreaks to prevent further complications.

Sun Exposure Considerations

• Recent sun exposure (e.g., tanning or sunburn within two weeks) makes skin vulnerable; thus, micro needling should be postponed until recovery occurs.

Conclusion and Future Discussions