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MicroneedlingAccording to Kristeen Cherney of Healthline, Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that dermatologists use to encourage collagen production by utilizing the body's natural healing response. Nicole Galan also mentioned that the technique involves puncturing the skin with multiple tiny, sterile needles to cause physical trauma. This trauma causes the derma, the skin's deeper layer, to rebuild. Microneedling can help with wrinkles, scarring, acne, alopecia, skin pigmentation issues, stretch marks, rosacea, and loose skin after weight loss or liposuction, among other things. It may also aid in skin rejuvenation.

Collagen is an essential protein, according to James McIntosh of Medical News Today, that helps keep the skin looking youthful with a firm, smooth, and stretchy texture. Collagen production in the skin declines with age, contributing to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Injuries to the skin, such as acne scarring, stretch marks, or other scars, can cause collagen loss. Microneedling causes skin trauma, which stimulates the production of collagen and other healing factors. In addition, microneedling is less expensive than laser therapy and may be more effective in some cases.

Kristeen Cherney stated that Microneedling is minimally invasive, requiring little to no downtime. It is generally considered safe for most people in good health. However, according to a study conducted by Graham Litchman and colleagues, the procedure may not be safe for people who take certain acne medications, have active acne, or have moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema. For a few days after the procedure, you may experience minor redness and irritation. The skin's healing process after microneedling, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), can help reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots while also improving skin elasticity. Microneedling may promote hair growth in people with alopecia, according to a 2021 review, though more research is needed.

The face is the most common area for microneedling. Microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other parts of the body, in addition to facial concerns. When combined with fillers, microneedling was found to be effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdomen in a 2017 study by Gabriela Casabona and colleagues. What are the potential dangers of this procedure? According to Nicole Galan, the main risk after the procedure is skin irritation. Swelling, discomfort at the site, redness, bruising, dryness, and skin flaking are all possible side effects. Bleeding is a rare side effect of microneedling, but it is more likely to happen after a deeper treatment. People with bleeding disorders or who take blood-thinning medications may be at a higher risk of bleeding.

There are numerous microneedling devices for use at home. While these are significantly less expensive than sessions with a dermatologist, there are some significant differences. The needles on home devices are shorter and blunter than those used by dermatologists and other medical professionals. Microneedling is a relatively safe and effective skin-improvement procedure. It may help tighten or rejuvenate loose or aging skin, as well as reduce wrinkles and scarring. While home microneedling is more convenient and comfortable than professional microneedling, the results will not be as good, and the risk of side effects will be higher. Anyone interested in microneedling should seek the advice of a dermatologist or doctor who is specially trained and experienced in such procedures, according to Nicole Galan.

         

PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas

 

References:

  • Microneedling: Collagen Induction Therapy

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kristeen Cherney — Updated on June 20, 2022

https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling

  • What is microneedling? Benefits and use

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Nicole Galan, RN on January 9, 2019

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324138#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

  • Microneedling

Graham Litchman; Pragya A. Nair; Talel Badri; Steven E. Kelly

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/

  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite Combined with Microneedling and Ascorbic Acid is Effective for Treating Stretch Marks

Gabriela Casabona, MD corresponding author and Paula Marchese, MD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5640351/