Why Microneedling is One of the Best Treatments for Acne Scars?

There is no escape from aging and age-related concerns. Our skin is one of the most adversely affected organs due to aging. Wrinkles, pores, acne scars, pigments, blemishes, freckles and more are a common concern. Have you noticed that scars take longer to leave or sometime just appear darker with time? And this is especially true if you are above 30 years of age. Pigments and spots do not leave the skin as it does in childhood and adolescence. The primary reason for this change is the decreased production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins that keep the skin youthful. Home-based skincare remedies, over-the-counter lotions and face serums, could help only to a very minimal extent as we age. Consultation with a dermatologist and clinical treatments might be necessary to get desired results and free the skin of pigments and scars. Of the various cosmetic procedures that have been followed, microneedling is a common technique used to rejuvenate the skin.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that aims at inducing the production of collagen by means of puncturing the skin. This minimally invasive procedure creates microscopic punctures on the skin by using sterile tiny needles. This increases the production of collagen and provides firm, smooth and youthful skin. Scars, pigments, wrinkles and acne pores are reduced to a substantial extent with the treatment. The procedure is considered safe and effective for a vast range of patients. Individuals who are on certain medications or have major health issues or pregnant must avoid the treatment. This procedure is also termed dermarolling or skin needling. 

Microneedling for acne and acne scars is very widely used. Since the procedure aims at stimulating the body’s natural way of healing by means of collagen, it gives good results for acne and acne scars. Microneedling treatment is effective for sensitive skin and suits fair and dark skinned individuals. Moreover, it does not damage or peel out the outer layers of the skin. These benefits makes it a reliable, effective and safe procedure to consider. 

Other microneedling benefits include

• Tackles a whole range of facial issues such as wrinkles, pores, scars, acne and sun damage
• Suitable for most skin types and skin colour
• Reverses the aging process by inducing the production of collagen
• Less expensive than other treatments
• Fewer side effects or complications as compared to other facial cosmetic procedures

There are microneedling pens that can be used at home by the individual themselves. These pens are considered safe if used gently. One must note that inappropriate usage of the microneedling pen could lead to complications. Applying too much pressure could increase the severity of acne and unclean microneedling pens could lead to infections. Microneedling pen are available in India at the price of INR 1500 and above.

Microneedling before and after

Microneedling results are worth the procedure, especially for those with sunken acne scars and spots.  

Pre-procedural care:

• Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight for at least 2 weeks before treatment
• Avoid waxing, threading and electrolysis for a week
• Avoid makeup 3 days before procedure

Post-procedural care:

• Take enough rest, nutritious food and plenty of water
• Use a mild cleanser and/or cool water to cleanse the face for the first 48 hours
• Use any moisturizer or medications as suggested by the doctor
• Inform the doctor immediately in case of excessive irritation or itching that persists even after 48 hours.

Microneedling side-effects:

• Minor redness, swelling and irritation for the first two days which subside on its own
• Minor peeling of the skin
• In rare cases, it can cause scarring, bruising, bleeding and infection

Microneedling can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance the results. Microneedling along with chemical peels, lasers, PRP injections, botox and others are carried out. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) gives effective and longer-lasting results for acne, wrinkles, lines and scars. Microneedling with radiofrequency is another way of improving the results. In RF microneedling, the needle sends high radio frequency waves to the skin and stimulates the production of collagen.

Microneedling vs microdermabrasion – Microneedling is different from microdermabrasion since it works by stimulating the inner layers of the skin. In microdermabrasion, only the outer layer of the skin is exfoliated or removed and the skin looks youthful. The results of microneedling tend to stay longer than microdermabrasion since it works from within the skin.

Microneedling cost in India

In India, the cost of microneedling procedures such as derma roller microneedling begins as low as INR 2000. However, for an in-clinic microneedling session, the cost could be INR 8000 and above for a single session. The cost of the procedure in Chennai is around INR10000 and above. It is very important to consult a board-certified cosmetologist to undergo a microneedling procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is microneedling good for your face?

Microneedling is considered effective for minor scars, wrinkles and acne. It is good for the face since it is a minimally invasive procedure and suits a majority of skin types and skin colours. There are no major side effects from the procedure and it does not peel off the outer layers of the skin. These factor make it a good choice for skin concerns such as acne, scars and pores.  

• How long does it take to see results from micro needling?

The results of a microneedling session will be visible after a period of four to six weeks. The procedure takes time to show results since it requires the body to understand these small punctures as minor wounds and start the production of collagen.

• How often should I microneedle my face?

The frequency of microneedling sessions depend upon the length of the needles used for the procedure. Needles with length of 1.5 to 2mm would require a repeat session between four to six weeks. The derma rollers available in the market come with needle length of 0.5mm and can be used a couple of times in a week.

• Is microneedling worth the money?

Most individuals find microneedling worth the money. The main reason for it is the safety, comfort and results the treatment offers. Without only minimal discomfort, one could get effective results for acne, scars, wrinkles, lines and pores. Since the procedures works on the principle of stimulating the body’s own production of collagen, there is very minimal risk or complications involved. These reasons make the procedure worth the price.

• Is microneedling painful?

Microneedling involves minimal pain and discomfort during the procedure. Most patients are able to bear the pain. If required, the doctor would apply a numbing cream to reduce the discomfort or pain.

• Is microneedling effective and safe for acne scars?

Microneedling does show effective results in the reduction of acne scars. Atrophic or imbalanced scarring of the skin due to acne or chickenpox can be reduced to a great extent. Frequent sessions of microneedling can give effective results for sunken and deep scars.

• Why does skin look worse after microneedling?

Due to puncturing of the skin with needle, the skin would look worse for a few days. Once the collagen stimulating response in the body gets stimulated, the skin will appear smooth and youthful. For complete results, it might take about four to six weeks.

• What's better chemical peel or microneedling?

Chemical peel and microneedling serve different purposes. Chemical peels are chemical facials that aim at removing the outer layers of the skin. It addresses specific issues such as discoloration and spots. On the other hand, microneedling helps resolve a wide range of isues such as acne, acne scars, pigments, wrinkles, spots and more. This is possible because the procedure stimulates collagen and the body’s own healing process.

• How long is your face red after microneedling?

Redness of the face is a common side effect of the procedure and this is due to the pricks. In most patients, the redness would subside in 24 to 48 hours. It might take upto 4 days or more in patients with sensitive skin.

• Which is better microneedling or laser?

Microneedling vs laser - Each treatment comes with its own risk and benefits. Microneedling is beneficial since it is not a very invasive procedure and a wide range of skin concerns could be resolved. However, the results of a microneedling session would take close to 6 weeks. Laser treatments often given results faster and are long-lasting. The risks associated with a laser treatment would be higher when compared to microneedling.

• Is Microneedling better than Botox?

The choice between botox and microneedling depends on the individual’s skin condition and needs. Botox addresses deeper winkles, lines and blemishes while microneedling works best for minor scarring and wrinkles.

• How often should I do microneedling?

Most individuals are recommended to get microneedling done every four to six weeks to maintain the results. The frequency of the sessions depends upon the length of the needle used. For needles of smaller size, the frequency of a microneedling session would be shorter. 

• What should you not do before microneedling?

Before a microneedling session, the patient must avoid the usage of topical creams, retinoid, antibiotics and certain medicines that are anti-inflammatory or anti-coagulant. It is recommended to stay away from these products for one week before treatment.

• How long does face peel after microneedling?

In four to five days patients would notice slight peeling of the skin after a microneedling session. A moisturizer if often recommended to make the peeling less noticeable.

• Can you wear makeup after microneedling?

After a microneedling session, patients would have to wait for at least 3 days before they could apply any makeup. It is best to stay away from harsh products for one to two weeks for best results from the treatment.

• Does microneedling reduce pore size?

Yes, microneedling helps to reduce and diminish the size of pores. By stimulating a natural wound healing process, the collagen produced tightens the skin and reduces the size of pores.

• Does microneedling improve skin texture?

Yes, the skin texture becomes smooth and youthful with microneedling treatment. Acne scars, pores and wrinkles see great reduction, improving the skin texture.

• Does microneedling make you age faster?

Microneedling, in fact, helps aging skin and makes one appear youthful. The stimulation of collagen helps the skin reduce pores, wrinkles, scars and lines.

• Why is my face so itchy after Microneedling?

Minor sensation of itching and redness are common side effects of the treatment. If the itching continues to last beyond 24 to 48 hours or increases, then it needs immediate medical attention. At times itching can be due to an infection and appropriate treatment is necessary.

• Can you microneedle every day?

The fact is that you would not need to microneedle every day. Even dermarollers that come with a short needle length give effective results and hence can be used once in three days. Excessive use of microneedling tools could do more harm to the skin.

• What age should you start microneedling?

Individuals could start using microneedling tools from the age of 20 or 30. The results in young adults are way better than in older patients.

• How do you take care of your skin after microneedling?

It is important to be gentle on the skin after a microneedling treatment. A gentle cleanser is recommended for about four days from the treatment. Cool water could be used to clean the face.

• How much does microneedling usually cost?

Microneedling dermaroller treatments cost between INR 1500 to 5000, while other forms of microneedling such as RF can cost between INR 8000 to 20000 for a single session.