From the Guidelines
Microneedling is primarily effective for treating wrinkles and improving skin texture rather than adding volume to the face. This minimally invasive procedure creates tiny punctures in the skin using fine needles, which triggers the body's natural wound healing process and stimulates collagen and elastin production 1. The new collagen helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, reduce acne scars, and enhance overall skin appearance.
Key Findings
- Studies have shown that microneedling can improve skin conditions from photoaging, with significant improvements in wrinkles, texture, and skin quality 1.
- Microneedling combined with autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) is more effective than microneedling alone, with improved outcomes in acne scar treatment and facial skin rejuvenation 1.
- Histopathology has shown changes such as increased dermal thickness, neocollagenosis, increased collagen volume, enhanced collagen organization, and increased fibroblasts after microneedling treatment 1.
Treatment Recommendations
- For optimal results, most patients require 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments recommended every 6-12 months.
- While microneedling effectively addresses surface-level concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and texture irregularities, it cannot replace lost facial volume that occurs with aging.
- For volume restoration, dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid products (Juvederm, Restylane) or biostimulators (Sculptra) would be more appropriate treatments.
- Many practitioners combine microneedling with other treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or growth factors to enhance results, with studies showing improved outcomes in skin quality and texture 1.
Side Effects and Safety
- Side effects are typically mild and include temporary redness, swelling, and sensitivity for 1-3 days post-treatment.
- Adverse events are rare, with most studies reporting no significant increase in the risk of adverse events with microneedling treatment 1.
From the Research
Microneedling Effectiveness
- Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production and can be used to treat various dermatologic conditions, including scars, acne, melasma, photodamage, skin rejuvenation, hyperhidrosis, and alopecia 2, 3.
- The procedure has been shown to be effective in improving the appearance of scars, striae, and rhytides, with expedient recovery and limited side effects 4, 5.
- Microneedling can be used to treat both volume and wrinkles, as it stimulates collagen production and enhances skin rejuvenation 4, 5.
Treatment of Volume and Wrinkles
- Microneedling has been shown to be effective in treating acne scars, varicella scars, burn scars, keloids, and other types of scars, which can help improve skin volume and texture 2, 3, 5.
- The procedure can also be used to treat wrinkles, as it stimulates collagen production and enhances skin rejuvenation, resulting in improved skin elasticity and firmness 4, 5.
- While microneedling can be used to treat both volume and wrinkles, the majority of studies have focused on its use in treating scars, with only a few studies specifically investigating its effect on wrinkles and aging skin 6.
Safety and Efficacy
- Microneedling is considered a safe and effective treatment option for various dermatologic conditions, with minimal side effects and limited downtime 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The procedure has been shown to be well-tolerated, with few reports of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, tram tracking, facial allergic granuloma, and systemic hypersensitivity 3, 5.
- Further research is needed to fully establish microneedling as an evidence-based therapeutic option for treating scars, wrinkles, and other skin conditions, as the current literature has some methodological shortcomings 5, 6.