Skin needling, also called micro needling, is a treatment used to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and skin texture by creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response.
It is usually performed using a roller embedded with very ne needles that make multiple pinpoint puncture wounds in the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin.
The dermal damage created leaves the epidermis primarily intact; so the healing period is rapid and there is no risk of permanent structural damage, sun sensitivity, skin colour loss or hyper-pigmentation. There is usually minimal discomfort and local anaesthetic cream is usually applied before the procedure.
After treatment, the skin is red and swollen for around one to two days, with a light graze-like scabbing effect forming over the treated area on day two of recovery. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within 48 hours of treatment.
Multiple treatments are usually necessary to achieve significant improvement in the appearance and depth of lines and scars. Treatment effects are cumulative and can be seen six to eight weeks after the initial treatment. In comparison to the prolonged recovery time required by laser resurfacing and chemical peels, the short recovery period makes skin needling an effective alternative method for improving lines and scars. Modified skin needling rollers that do not require anaesthetic cream or recovery time are also available for home use, to extend the effects of a professional treatment.
Skin needling can also be used to help deliver other products containing active ingredients to cells in the dermal layer of the skin. As well as this, it is suitable to treat sensitive areas such as the neck, backs of the hands and under the eyes, and can be safely carried out on all skin types and colours.
