All medical treatments and technologies represent a collaboration between the procedure itself and the body’s own healing mechanisms. Micro-needling for skin rejuvenation and acne scar revision on both face and the body, is an elegant example of this.
In our practice, we have over 30 of the latest high-tech devices at our fingertips. This includes: lasers, ultrasound and radiofrequency, all there to perform extraordinary, skin-refining miracles. But lately, it’s micro-needling, a non-traumatic, and relatively inexpensive update on existing technology using a device no larger than a chubby fountain pen, that has us all really excited.
First, just to clear any confusion when you hear the word ‘needling’, here’s what the technique is NOT:
- Micro-needling is NOT an injection
- Micro-needling is NOT a piercing
- Micro-needling is NOT a DIY procedure
Micro-needling is a more sophisticated version of the Dermaroller – itself an excellent piece of medical technology. Both use a cluster of micro-fine needles, but unlike the Dermaroller, the micro-needling device allows the technician to vary the depth of the punctures without having to switch rollers. These super-tiny channels, invisible to the naked eye, do two things:
- Stimulate the body to produce new collagen and elastin, the skin’s connective tissue and the structural matrix responsible for smooth texture and elasticity
- Allow for active ingredients to penetrate exactly to the dermis where they can immediately get to work
When dealing with plumping, refining and smoothing the skin, it’s getting to the dermis that poses the greatest challenge. The deepest that most topical medications can penetrate to is the top layer of the epidermis. (Sadly, UV light can penetrate all the way down to the dermis, which is why it is so damaging.) Coming from the other direction, any oral medication or supplement has to go through the digestive process before entering the bloodstream and getting to work.
Enter medical micro-needling that delivers undiluted actives exactly where they’re needed and with an attractive versatility. The number of treatments and the medicines used will vary from patient to patient and condition to condition, of course. For anti-aging patients who want to firm the face or neck, vitamin A and vitamin C are efficacious; a minimum of 4 sessions are required. Depending on their severity, acne scars usually respond well to vitamin A as well and may take multiple procedures over many months to see dramatic results.
Micro-needling can also be used as an easy complexion pick-me-up. Combined with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, micro-needling can deliver instant plumping, making it a great treatment to do a few days before a big event. But that comes with a big proviso that you’ve had it tested first to know for a fact that your skin can tolerate it. It’s not uncommon that after the first few treatments at least, your skin will be slightly red and may feel sunburnt.
This last point is an important one. Whether administered by a dermatologist, nurse or licensed aesthetician, medical micro-needling belongs only in the hands of a skilled professional trained in the technique. Perish the thought of anyone going around and poking their own face in pursuit of skin health and beauty.
Life happens but, in the right hands and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to show on your skin.
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