Micro-Needling: Perfectly Sculpted

Presenting a multi-purpose treatment that alone targets everything from acne scars to ageing skin.

Remember the feeling you get when you see the pictures of your favourite celebrity, and all you wish is to have the same flawless skin, without any blemishes, wrinkles or nasty pores. Mae West once said, “You are never too old to become younger,” and God she could not be more right. For a long time, people have tried various techniques to rejuvenate and revive the skin, and from that long list of skincare regimens, a few have even managed to cross through, into the dermatological world. Today we are going to address one such treatment that is gaining popularity in dermatology — Micro-needling.

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Those who have heard this word for the first time, fasten your seat belts as we are taking you on an adventurous ride that ends with the gift of soft and supple skin. Micro-needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a skin treatment that involves usage of fine needles to create tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. We agree that the idea of poking yourself in the face with tiny needles does not sound like a treat, but this minimally invasive treatment can be very effective. The whole concept behind pinpricks, is that the slight injuries it causes force the skin to generate new collagen-rich tissues. “Microneedling has gained popularity as with every session of this treatment, the skin becomes clearer and brighter,” says Dr Pallavi Sule, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician. She further adds, “Deep within the layers of the skin, the process induces collagen production and remodelling, which helps in tightening and toning of the skin, and the new collagen makes the cells look firmer and smoother.”

The process uses pen-shaped, or roller devices armed with several fine needles that create evenly spaced punctures in the cell. Further, the wounds created allow a small amount of blood to rise to the surface, manifesting a healing process. The cells work to heal the injury by creating fresh collagen and elastin, which gives the skin its strength and ability to stretch, thus in turn making it appear more youthful. This process is what we refer to as a fractional treatment, in which only a fraction of the surface of the skin is affected, leaving the area around each micro-wound unharmed.

Benefits Of micro-needling

Reducing Deep Wrinkles: One of the benefits of micro-needling is that it triggers the formation of new skin cells, which can noticeably help in reducing fine lines, crow’s feet and deep wrinkles.

Reverse Sun Damage and Pigmentation: When it comes to an improved look, collagen is inarguably the most natural treatment, and this goes beyond reducing wrinkles. Spurring collagen growth can aid in reversing sun damage and discolouration, which may also incorporate hyper-pigmentation that comes with melasma.

Helping Ageing Skin: We have already established that this treatment binds and tones the cells, which ultimately helps in tightening the skin in older men and women. This reverses the damage caused by ageing body cells that have loses their elasticity. Hence, this treatment is like a holy grail for those looking for a forever young look.

Can Be Done All Over The Body: Another selling point for the use of microneedling, is that this treatment is not exclusive to the face. Unlike many other therapies, it can be done on the other areas of the body that needs to be repaired as well, be it stretch marks or acne scars.

The list of advantages does not stop here only, as many researches, experts and dermatologists believe that this treatment offers even more benefits, in comparison to other expensive and invasive therapies.

Professional versus at-home treatment

Well, this part is pretty contradictory in itself. Some dermatologists believe that micro-needling can be done at home while others don’t agree. “The treatment has few pre and post-procedure instructions. Following pre-procedure instructions like cleansing and disinfecting the skin are important steps, which if not followed can lead to bacterial and viral infections along with acne”, says Dr Batul Patel, Medical Director and Dermatologist, The Bombay Skin Clinic. On the contrary, we have seen various celebrities and experts promoting at-home derma rollers and equipment. Considering the scenario it is safe to say that when it comes to effectiveness, a treatment done under professional guidance is highly effective and completely safe. But, if one wants to do it at home than maintaining all precautions and guidance from an expert is a must.

Side-effects and measures

By far we have seen that this practice has more pros compared to any other treatments. But let’s also preface it by saying that, no pain no gain. “Generally, this procedure is quite safe and low in risk. However, one must be careful and report immediately to the doctor if they have any persistent pain, redness, itching/peeling, bruising; and most importantly if any pus-filled boils start developing on the treated area”, says Dr Pallavi. Along with that, microneedling is also not a quick fix, the changes take time because the body is actually repairing itself and growing new tissue from scratch.

Furthermore, it might be a safe option for many but not for everyone. “There are few contraindications to the treatments, like an active bacterial or viral infection, keloid tendency etc. It should also be avoided if there are any active acne pustule on the face”, says Dr Batul. Additionally, people who are on blood thinners and have a long family history of psoriasis, eczema and active herpes infection should also not go for this treatment.

Beauty is immeasurable and a desire of many. But everything should be done considering both the good and the bad.

From the January 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.