Dermaroller Skin Needling

Skin Needling is a medical procedure performed by medical personnel, using a Demaroller. A Medical Roller is a hand held instrument studded with needles ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm in length. This roller is gently rolled multiple times, back-and-forth in a star-like fashion over the whole area to be treated. The 30 minute procedure produces thousands of tiny wounds which can penetrate as deeply as the dermis and start up the inflammation phase. The minute wounds caused by the needling, trigger the release of growth-factors that form new tissue layers and natural collagen with hardly any downtime at all.

These minute injuries cause micro-bleeding, not visible on the skin and each tiny wound goes through the classic phases of wound healing which induce growth factors and collagen induction. These growth factors are responsible for the production of the new collagen which is deposited in the dermis.

 

When should one start Dermaroller Skin Needling?
Human skin is a living organ which performs dynamic activities such as growth, repair and maintenance. Our skin requires cytokines and growth factors as key modulators of skin cell metabolism and their levels decrease with the aging process which results in slow cell renewal and defective skin defense systems. If endogenous cytokines and growth factors are stimulated in the aged skin by Skin Needling, they improve skin elasticity and plasticity via accelerated rejuvenating processes.

The good news is that the latest treatments such as Skin Needling are more effective than ever and treatments should be started sooner when the skin has a much greater ability to rejuvenate. If wrinkles are left and they become ingrained and scar like they are much more difficult to treat. Loss of collagen in the face causes the dreaded sagging problem which can easily be slowed down and prevented (to and extent) with early treatment.

What are the typical areas that are treated?
Skin Needling is able to treat: fine lines and wrinkles around eyes, mouth, cheeks, neck and décolleté. Other areas of the body can also be treated such as the abdomen, back of the hands and arms. All forms of acne scars, most surgical scars including facelift scars, abdominal scars, breast plastic operation, post liposuction scars, orthopedic scars, stretch marks and burn contracture scars can safely be treated. In addition stretch marks on the breasts and body and loose body skin are also safely treated.

The most commonly treated area with Skin Needling is the face, for skin rejuvenation. At Clínica Privé we use a variety of needle lengths so as to be able to treat different depths and therefore affect different concerns on the skin. Rollers with longer needles are used on more difficult problems such as acne scarring, deep ingrained wrinkles around the mouth, burn contractures and surgical scars, whereas shorter needles are used for general rejuvenation.

The only type of scars on which Skin Needling would not have a positive result, is keloidal scar tissue. Skin Needling cannot be performed on any active inflammatory condition including active, inflamed acne.

What To Expect After Dermaroller Skin Needling procedure?
These minute injuries cause micro-bleeding on the skin (with the shorter needle lengths the bleeding is hardly visible, if at all). The needle only penetrates through the epidermis and does not remove it, thus the skin’s natural protective barrier remains intact. The pierced epidermis rapidly heals in a matter of hours. After the procedure, the treated skin has the appearance of moderate sunburn which improves over the next 24 to 48 hours. Make up can be worn the following day. Post-procedure treatment foundation can be worn immediately after the procedure.

The results are not instantaneous as it takes at least 90 days for collagen to be manufactured and matured in the skin. Treatment effects are cumulative and a softening of fine lines and wrinkles will usually be seen within 6-8 weeks of each treatment. Over a period of 6-12 months, this new collagen slowly shortens and an added benefit is progressive tightening of the skin over the next few months.

Can this be combined with other procedures?
Skin Needling can be combined at a later stage with other non invasive procedures such as Laser Genesis, LED Light Therapy, Botox, Fillers, superficial chemical peels, CO2RE Fractional Laser, transdermal mesotherapy and other non ablative laser procedures such as 3 D Skin Rejuvenation. These other procedures usually address different problems of ageing such as dull complexion, pigmentation, sagging of jowls, forehead and flabby necks. Combined procedures usually give superior results.

Is Dermaroller Skin Needling safe?
One hour before the treatment a local numbing agent is applied to the area making the procedure with the cosmetic Roller almost painless. Because the epidermis is not removed, and the skin’s barrier has not been removed, the skin is still very capable of performing all its protective functions, including rapid healing, making this treatment much safer than many other more invasive options.