Until recently, there were limited options to fix what can be embarrassing marks like acne scars, stretch marks from pregnancy, and lines left from surgical incisions or other trauma. Experts say that’s changing because of a minimally invasive technique called skin needling. It works to rejuvenate skin, through a unique and controlled injury process. Dr. Shaun Parson explains microneedling and why the benefits are beyond skin deep.
by Dawn Tongish
and Shaun Parson, MD
Uses For Microneedling
For the newcomer who has never tried skin needling, it may sound a little bit like ’tilling’ the skin. With microneedling therapy a device with thin needles is used to make tiny holes in the skin that help to revitalize damaged skin. The needles puncture the skin, prompting the skin to repair itself. “I think microneedling is a great device that allows us to change some things that before we only had a surgical fix to repair,” says Dr. Shaun Parson. Parson, a plastic surgeon practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona, says skin needling is an exciting procedure because of the promise it delivers to patients who thought they may be forced to live with their ‘marks’ . “We can now fix things like acne scars and stretch marks using skin needling.”
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What Makes Needling Effective
If you are a gardener, you will understand the importance of aerating the soil. If you apply some of the same principles to the skin, microneedling makes sense. “Microneedling is a small, controlled needling into the tissue, so that we have a controlled collagen and elastin release,” says Parson. Think of it has intentionally damaging the skin, to get it to repair itself. Parson adds that in the process the dermis and epidermis will thicken, and become more visually appealing. He says the procedure produces an array of skin improvements including more firmness, and a reduction in scar tissue and wrinkles, along with an overall healthier glow. “When people don’t like the acne scars on their face or the stretch marks from having a baby, this is the fix. There is no area that can’t benefit if they have scars or discoloration.” Parson recommends exercising caution if using an at home needling device. “These procedures are best left to professionals.”
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More Benefits of Skin Needling
Alright, you don’t like needles! Most people tolerate microneedling, even those who aren’t a fan of the needle prick. According to Parson, the pain is minimal. “We numb the skin with a topical anesthesia and then it feels like you are rubbing sand paper over the skin.” There may be some redness for 48-72 hours. The treatment is often repeated every six weeks for 2-3 treatments. Microneedling is performed in an office setting and is generally completed in 15-20 minutes and is often more cost-effective than other treatments, like the laser. The price can range from a few hundred dollars for a single treatment into the thousands of dollars for a series of treatments, which is usually recommended. There are additional benefits with some of the improved devices. Parson says that products, like Vitamin C and and repairing anti-oxidants can be delivered deep into the tissue via a microneedling device. “We can get the product in at a deeper level to begin the healing and have the building blocks to heal in a more effective way.” Even though it may be difficult to get past the idea of puncturing the skin to heal it, Parson says needling is here to stay. “I really think this is the way of the future.”
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