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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-01-03 Origin: Site
As a skin care professional with over 10 years of experience, I am often asked if micro needling really works. Micro needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny sterile needles to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. This process can help treat various skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, and even hair loss. In this article, I will comprehensively examine the efficacy of micro needling for different applications based on scientific studies and expert opinions. Read on to find out if this buzzy treatment lives up to its claims!
One of the most popular uses of micro needling is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. As we get older, our skin's collagen production declines leading to sagginess, wrinkles, and dullness. By puncturing the skin in a controlled manner, micro needling triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin to "repair" the skin. This results in firmer, thicker, and more youthful looking skin over time.
Multiple clinical studies have found micro needling to be effective at diminishing wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead areas. A 2020 meta-analysis of 10 studies with over 300 participants found it led to significant improvement in wrinkle depth and skin roughness . Another study on 37 patients showed 4 sessions of micro needling was as effective as laser resurfacing for reducing wrinkles, but with fewer side effects.
While individual results vary, most dermatologists agree that a series of 4-6 micro needling sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart is necessary to see significant wrinkle improvement. Maintenance sessions every 6-12 months help sustain the results. When it comes to wrinkle reduction, micro needling is considered an effective treatment though results are gradual compared to lasers.
In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks are another common skin concern that many wish to treat with minimally invasive methods like micro needling. Stretch marks (striae distensae) develop when our skin is stretched excessively due to puberty, pregnancy, weight changes, or muscle-building. They have a depressed, scarred appearance due to damage to the dermis layer of skin.
By inducing skin injury and collagen synthesis, micro needling is believed to help improve stretch marks' texture and color. However, there is limited high quality evidence on its efficacy. A 2018 review of studies found low quality evidence that micro needling, in combination with other therapies like platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid, may lead to mild improvement. One study on 44 women found 4 sessions of micro needling combined with vitamin A acid led to significant improvement in striae appearance.
However, a 2016 randomized study on 24 patients found micro needling alone did not outperform placebo treatment for new stretch marks. Overall, more research is still needed, but many dermatologists feel the potential benefits are worth trying for stretch mark reduction, especially in combination therapy. Just keep expectations realistic as results are mild for most patients.
Androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) affects about 50% of men and women to some degree. While topical and oral treatments are the gold standard, some dermatologists have started using micro needling as an adjuvant therapy for stimulating hair growth. It is believed that puncturing the skin boosts blood flow and activates stem cells to stimulate hair follicles.
Some small studies show promising results, but data is still limited. A 2019 systematic review found micro needling increased hair count and thickness in most studies, especially when combined with medications like minoxidil. In one study on 100 patients, 80% saw visible improvement after 12 weeks of weekly micro needling sessions (Dhurat, 2013). However, a 2020 double-blind trial found no difference in hair regrowth between micro needling and placebo.
While individual experiences vary, most dermatologists recommend micro needling as an adjunctive treatment that may amplify the benefits of proven hair loss treatments. More clinical studies are underway, but current evidence indicates it can support hair regrowth in some cases but results are unpredictable. Combination therapy and repeated treatments are recommended for the best outcome.
Similar to hair regrowth, micro needling is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for alopecia areata - an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. By inducing inflammation in the scalp, it is believed micro needling helps reset the immune cells that are attacking the hair follicles in alopecia.
Some small case studies show promise, like a 2016 study where 12 patients had significant hair regrowth after 8 weeks of micro needling (Singh, 2016). However, a more recent double-blind trial on 23 patients found no difference between micro needling and placebo. As with androgenic alopecia, current evidence is limited and mixed. More research is underway.
For alopecia patients looking for non-drug options, micro needling may be worth trying - either alone or with medications like topical steroids. As always, manage expectations, as results seem to vary greatly between individuals. Have reasonable patience, as it may take up to 6 months to see improvement. Work with a knowledgeable dermatologist to establish realistic treatment goals.
Scars - whether from acne, injury, surgery, or other causes - are another common target for micro needling treatment. By prompting collagen and elastin regeneration, needling may help improve scar texture, color, and pliability.
Multiple studies provide good evidence for micro needling's efficacy on scars. A 2020 meta-analysis found it effectively improved appearance of atrophic acne scars compared to control treatments. Another review showed significant improvement in post-burn hypertrophic and keloid scars after repeated micro needling procedures.
Additionally, a study on over 90 patients found 6 sessions of micro needling combined with glycolic acid peel led to over 50% scar improvement and high patient satisfaction. Because scars have distinct structural differences compared to normal skin, rebuilding collagen through micro needling may have more dramatic effects on their appearance.
Based on numerous clinical studies and systematic reviews, the evidence indicates micro needling does have legitimate merit for improving common skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hair regrowth, and possibly stretch marks. Exact efficacy varies based on age, condition, needling device, number of sessions, and aftercare. But the majority of peer-reviewed research shows measurable benefits, especially for firming, rejuvenation, and scar improvement.
Like most skincare procedures, results are gradual and take time. Sessions must be repeated consistently for desirable outcomes, and maintenance treatments are required. While considered safe for most skin types, micro needling does involve risks like infection, scarring, pigmentation issues if performed incorrectly or on unsuitable candidates. Work with a certified dermatologist familiar with needling to determine if it's right for your particular skin goals.
If performed properly, micro needling can absolutely work to refresh the complexion, reduce wrinkles, tackle scars, and stimulate new collagen - in many patients. But patience and managed expectations are important. Not everyone sees the same dramatic improvements portrayed on social media. Be wary of "too good to be true" before and after photos. As with most cosmetic procedures, your mileage may vary.
Seeing noticeable results from micro needling takes time and multiple treatments. Most dermatologists recommend 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After each session, you may notice slight swelling, redness, and mild tightness for 2-3 days. Existing wrinkles or scars won't dramatically disappear after the first needling procedure.
It typically takes about 4-6 weeks for new collagen to form under the skin's surface, at which point you'll start noticing incremental improvements in tone, texture, and firmness. Improvement often continues for up to 6 months as collagen regeneration ramps up after each session. With consistent treatments, patients commonly see moderate improvement after 3 months and more dramatic results after 6.
For conditions like deep wrinkles or surgical scars, 8-10 sessions may be recommended. Maintenance needling every 6-12 months helps maintain results. While some effects are immediate, the full benefits take time to emerge. Be patient, follow aftercare instructions, and schedule repeat treatments for the best long-term outcome.
While generally safe when performed properly on suitable candidates, micro needling does come with risks and downsides to consider:
· Discomfort during the procedure - A numbing cream is recommended to reduce needle pain.
· Temporary side effects like redness, swelling, bruising lasting up to a week. Follow proper aftercare to minimize downtime.
· Potential infections if needles aren't sterile - Only go to properly trained aestheticians.
· Bleeding, scarring, pigmentation issues are possible with overly aggressive needling. More is NOT better.
· No guaranteed results - Individual outcomes vary widely. Multiple sessions may be needed, or you may not see any improvement.
· Requires repeated treatments and 4-6 month maintenance. Results fade without follow-ups.
· Generally not advised for those on blood thinners due to bleeding risk.
· Improper technique could potentially worsen scars.
While generally well tolerated, be sure to carefully review risks with your provider. And don't expect photoshopped miracle cures you see on social media. Have realistic expectations about potential results and downtime. When performed correctly on suitable candidates, micro needling is considered relatively low risk. But side effects can occur.
Because everyone's skin condition and needling response is unique, there is no universal "success rate" for micro needling procedures. Results vary widely based on the underlying skin issue being treated, patient age and genetics, depth of needles, number of sessions, and proper aftercare.
Some clinical studies have shown good improvement rates for specific conditions:
· Fine lines/wrinkles - Up to 80% significant improvement after 4-6 sessions.
· Surgical/traumatic scars - Around 60-70% at least moderate improvement after 6-8 sessions.
· Acne scars - 50-60% rated mild to significant improvement in studies.
· Stretch marks - Only 20-30% saw noticeable difference with needling alone. Combination treatment with lasers/RF more effective for striae.
· Hair regrowth - Wide variability from 30-80% seeing moderate regrowth on scalp after 6 months needling.
But remember, clinical trial subjects often get the best providers using medical-grade devices. Your real-world results may vary significantly. Work with an experienced dermatologist who can advise if you are a good candidate. Go in with realistic expectations.
For most patients who tolerate the procedure well, follow aftercare diligently, and complete the recommended treatment series, some level of moderate improvement is typically achievable. But guaranteed success on any particular skin issue is never assured.
While outcomes vary widely for different conditions and individuals, the preponderance of evidence indicates micro needling is an effective treatment for certain skin concerns when performed properly. It can improve wrinkles, refresh the complexion, reduce mild to moderate scarring, and possibly support hair regrowth when combined with other treatments. Multiple sessions are required for best results.
However, not everyone responds equally to micro needling. It carries risks of side effects like infections and scarring if performed incorrectly. Have realistic expectations about potential results. Work with a qualified dermatologist familiar with the procedure to see if it aligns with your skin goals. While not a guaranteed miracle cure, micro needling offers relatively safe, non-surgical skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime for many patients.
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