Microneedling is one of many treatments available to reduce reducing fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, enhance collagen and elastin production and reverse signs of ageing. We suggest you set up a consultation to assess which treatment would be suitable in your case.

Microneedling

Microneedling can be used in medicine for a very wide number of purposes and treatments. Whenever there is a trauma to the body a process is initiated to minimise the damage and repair the damage. During that process a number of important substances are released to trigger repair and healing.

Microneedling is a controlled trauma to the skin depending on which area is being treated and what the aim of the treatment is.

Depending on which area of the skin and what conditions is treat, microneedling can induce controlled trauma/injury that stimulates the body/skin’s own capacity to heal itself. An important part of this repair process is the activation of the collagen producing capacity of the skin which leads to a wide range of beneficial effects including filling in of fine lines, a more plump and glowing skin with a more youthful look.

What are the indications for Microneedling?

Microneedling is a natural of induing a general activation of the repair processes of the body and can be used for a number of conditions, including

  • Reduing wrinkels and fine lines
  • Anti-ageing
  • Shrink pores
  • Acne scarring
  • Pigmentation
  • Sun damaged skin
  • Ageing skin
  • Dull and dry skin
  • Increase the uptake of skin products
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Hair restoration (please see below)

Microneedling for hair loss

Microneedling, if used correctly it can stimulate the hair follicle and regrow hair.

According to one study from 2013 the base line hair count changed with 91 hairs/cm2 in a group patients treated with Microneedling and Minoxidil 5% while the group of patients receiving only treatment with minoxidil only had a hair count increase of 22.2 hairs/cm2 from baseline.
The effect of Microneedling is believed to be due to a number of reasons, including the release of growth factors from platelets. The activation of platelets also increase the release of epidermal growth factors and stimulate skin regeneration.
The trauma caused by the microneedling activates stem cells in the bulge area of the hair follicle as part of the wound repair and skin healing processes.
Further the Microneedling also causes the expression of hair growth related genes such as B catenin, Wnt3a and Wnt10b

Skin repair and healing after a trauma to the skin is a very complex process. Despite massive research we do not have a 100% understanding of what exactly what happens. The role or stimulation of the hair follicle during a controlled trauma is also not fully establish.

Microneedling at home?

Microneedling has a very wide range of functions and is quite popular. Some people opt to start treatment at home without seeing a doctor to assess their conditions. This may work well in many situations, but too many patients have made a wrong assessment and/or used derma roller without medical supervision leaving them with scars, infections and/or permanent disfiguration.

As with all medications and treatments caution is advised, just like over-the-counter medicines: That something is good does not mean the more the merrier and if something is available without a prescription it does not ensure that any dosage or any usage would be safe.

How is the Microneedling performed?

  • An anaesthetic cream is applied to minimise any discomfort during the procedure
  • Depending on the specific process the doctor may use sterile water/Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)/nothing to lubricate the skin
  • Depending on the area and conditions being treated the microneedling itself may take some 20-45 minutes and leave the skin red
  • After the microneedling a moisterizer, vitamin c serum or other product may be applied to the treated area or to it may be left un-treated.
  • Depending on the conditions and how severe it is, you may need between 4-6 to even 10-12 treatments and in some cases even use it with regular intervals to maintain the results, like in medical hair restoration