Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation; however, it is now used for a wide range of indications, including acne scars, acne, post-traumatic/burn scars, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and more. Moreover, during the last 10 years, many new innovations have been made to the initial instrument, which was used for micro needling. This technique can be combined with other surgical techniques to provide better results. In particular, it is a very safe technique for dark skin types, where the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is very high with other techniques that damage the epidermis.
APPLICATIONS OF MICRONEEDLING IN DERMATOLOGY
Skin rejuvenation
Micro needling leads to reorganization of old collagen fibers and laying down of new collagen, elastin, and capillaries, leading to the effect of skin tightening.
Acne scars
The most frequently used indication of micro needling is post-acne facial atrophic scars.
Surgical Scars
Micro needling has been used for almost all types of surgical scars and is found to be useful. Micro needling has been found to be effective in reducing even burn scars.
Acne vulgaris
The advent of fractional micro needling radiofrequency has expanded the application of micro needling to acne vulgaris as well. It directly targets the sebaceous glands and helps in reducing sebum production. It is also known to reduce the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes.
Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata
Use of micro needling over the scalp for alopecia is one of its recent advances. It has been compared with minoxidil alone and has been found to be better in combination.
Miscellaneous conditions
Extended applications of micro needling include stretch marks, axillary hyperhidrosis, and actinic keratosis in photodamaged skin. MN has been used even in patients with rosacea and post-acne erythema with favorable results.
Conclusion
Microneedling is an effective modality of treatment, especially in patients with Fitzpatrick’s IV and V skin types because it overcomes the side effects of scarring and hyperpigmentation resulting from other procedures in which the epidermis is compromised. It certainly promises to be a valuable technique with its numerous applications and its ever-expanding modifications. If you’re ready to experience the wonders of micro needling, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at (301) 686-7054 or email me at skinserenityRN@gmail.com I can’t wait to welcome you to my serene sanctuary and help you achieve the skin of your dreams! Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
