Improving Acne Scars with Microneedling
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are the most common type of skin scarring and usually result from insufficiently treated acne. Acne scars can be mild or severe and may be temporary or permanent.
Acne scars occur when the skin is damaged during an acne breakout or as a result of picking at a pimple. The acne may have healed but the scar remains behind. Sometimes this scarring is permanent if the person does not get treatment for it.
Acne Scar Treatment with Microneedling
Acne scar treatment with micro-needling is one of the approaches to improve scars and make them less visible. Microneedling has been shown to improve the appearance of acne scars, reduce pore size, and improve skin texture.
This type of treatment is commonly used by dermatologists to get to improve acne scars, especially for people who have had severe acne or when other treatments have failed. It is also safe for people with darker skin tones.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a device with tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin. The process stimulates collagen production which helps to heal the skin and improve its appearance.
How Microneedling Works?
Microneedling is a process of using needles to puncture the stratum corneum, the outer layer of skin. The thin needles are rolled in a specific direction across the skin, causing capillary blood flow and triggering collagen and elastin production. The procedure usually involves mild discomfort and can be done on most skin types.
As it stimulates natural healing processes, micro-needling has been shown to improve scars, acne scarring, wrinkles, or fine lines by stimulating collagen production and generating new blood vessels. It also has been suggested to speed up the healing process of surgical wounds, skin ulcers, and burns by stimulating the migration of fibroblasts.
The process starts with cleaning the face with an antibacterial solution and applying a numbing cream to reduce pain. Then, the anesthetic gel is applied to the face before proceeding with microneedling. The microneedles are then rolled over different parts of the face, depending on what you want to achieve – such as reducing wrinkles or scars.
Microneedling vs. Lasers for Acne Scars- Which Is Better and Why?
Microneedles are a less expensive alternative to lasers for treating acne scars. Microneedles are also less invasive, making them a more suitable option for people who have sensitive skin.
Lasers can provide both quick and long-lasting results compared to Microneedling Treatments. They are also more expensive but sometimes worth the expense. Side effects of laser treatments for acne scars are more than micro-needling techniques such as skin darkening or loss of pigment which is usually temporary, rarely permanent, or bruising and longer downtime due to post-treatment swelling, peeling, and redness.
