Microneedling Benefits Against Scars
The benefits of microneedling are many, but did you know it can also be incredibly effective in reducing the appearance of scars?
The benefits of microneedling are many, but did you know it can also be incredibly effective in reducing the appearance of scars?
While many people undergo microneedling to rejuvenate the skin, doctors are using the procedure to great effect on scars of all types, shapes, and sizes.
Microneedling and Scars: essential FAQs
- How does microneedling work?
- How does this affect scar tissue?
- The many microneedling benefits against scars
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling (sometimes called dermarolling) involves rolling a handheld tool housing multiple tiny needles over the area to be treated. This causes a small amount of trauma to the skin, stimulating the building blocks of tissue—namely, collagen and elastin—to be increased.
Over time, this can benefit the area, creating a more ordered layer of the tissues from the deeper epidermis up to the surface, as opposed to the random structuring that’s typical of scar tissue. Several sessions are usually needed before improvements become noticeable.
How does this affect scar tissue?
Scars are caused when there’s a break in the regular integrity of tissue growth. This can be caused through injury, medical conditions—including acne—or other damage to the area.
When assessing potential microneedling benefits against scars, only certain types—known as atrophic scarring—are suitable for such treatment. Acne scars are some of the most typical that respond well to microneedling, with clinical studies showing improvement in over 80% of patients*.
When the roller is passed across the scar, it helps break down the toughened areas of skin. The stimulated production of collagen and elastin in response then rebuilds the scarred area in a less chaotic manner. This reduces the appearance of the scar and can continue to do so with each cumulative treatment.
The many microneedling benefits against scars
Microneedling is one of the most proven methods of treating acne and other appropriate scars. A skilled clinician can effectively cause benefits, including:
- Significant reduction in the appearance of scars.
- Reducing raised areas of scar tissue.
- Reducing skin discoloration.
- Improved self-esteem—especially in those who suffer from facial scars.
- Better skin movement around scar tissue.
A newer type of microneedling treatment combines the effects of this with radio frequency. Known as RF microneedling, this can be effectively used to treat multiple scar types, including:
- Stretch marks
- Sunken scars
- Surgery scars
- Injury scars
- Self-harm scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Acne scars
The only types of scars that aren’t suitable for microneedling and/or RF microneedling treatment are keloid scars.
Both treatments cause mild discomfort. After all, multiple tiny puncture wounds are being made across the skin. You’ll have a topical anesthetic applied before treatment to counteract this. Most people feel mild discomfort and some reddening, a little swelling, and soreness after treatment—a bit like mild sunburn.
This reduces over the hours and days following your microneedling session.
After a course of treatment, the tissues need time to regrow from deeper down. The full results and microneedling benefits tend to be seen anywhere from 4-6 months post-treatment. Because of this, it’s wise to take photographs over the healing period to accurately judge the improvement.
Rest assured, the treatment is highly effective in the vast majority of people. The above-mentioned study resulted in 72.2% of people having an excellent response and 16.2% having a good response.
As with any clinical dermatological treatment, be sure to seek out an experienced practitioner who’ll tailor the approach to suit your particular requirements.
Get Physician Level Microneedling Benefits Against Scars at Bayou City Dermatology
At Bayou City Dermatology, our clinical team is led by highly experienced dermatologists, meaning that you get the very best evidence-based medical advice when undergoing any of our treatments. We’re passionate about skin—and we know that if you’re seeking a treatment to reduce anomalies, such as scars, you demand the ultimate expertise.
Discover more about microneedling benefits against scars at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/microneedling and call today to book a consultation.