Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons

Posted on August 20, 2023

Micro needling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation, however, now it is being used for a very wide range of indications including acne scar, acne, post-traumatic/burn scar, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and many 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 risk of postinflammatory 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 are to be found 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 the sebum production. It is also known to reduce the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes.

Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata

Use of micro needling over 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 [email protected] 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.