Did you know microneedling dates back over one hundred years? All the way back to 1905 to be exact, microneedling was first used by a dermatologist to help treat acne scars and other scars using needles on a circular stamp. Fast forward to the 1990’s when it came back around. They started implementing the idea into smaller devices. Over time, the technology has become more precise and a lot more comfortable for the patients.
Microneedling is a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment designed to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It is often used on the face, but can be applied to any area with lax, wrinkled or blemished skin and is especially beneficial when treating scars because it naturally stimulates the body to produce collagen. Collagen is an important protein within the body, not only binding together our bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons and helping our blood to clot (among other things), but also strengthening our skin’s structure, keeping it firm and smooth, and allowing it to quickly heal from wounds.
As we age, however, our levels of collagen naturally begin to decrease. Some of the effects of this include our skin losing its elasticity, developing wrinkles, and healing less effectively and less efficiently. Because of this, finding ways to increase collagen becomes critical for keeping skin healthy and insuring that it remains plump and glowing and better able to repair any damage that occurs. Here’s what you need to know about using microneedling for scars:
First, How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is a rejuvenating cosmetic procedure. Using a handheld device called SkinPen, a clinician delivers thousands of tiny pricks to the skin, also known as microchannels. It is only mildly discomforting (feeling a bit like sandpaper rubbed across the skin), with the application of a numbing cream alleviating most of the irritation. Many patients liken the after-effects of the procedure to that of a mild sunburn: warm, tight, red and tingling skin. This sensation usually only lasts a day or so but signals that the body is properly initiating its own healing response, stimulating collagen, and infusing the skin with the tools it needs to restore proper skin health.
Four Specific Benefits of Microneedling for Scars
Microneedling is especially beneficial when treating scars for the following reasons:
- It Helps Break Apart Scar Tissue No matter how much collagen is produced if it can’t get through the thick scar tissue it will never make a difference. For this reason, using microneedling for scarring is a great option. It breaks up that scar tissue and allows the new, strong collagen fibers to break through and overtake the area. This eventually softens the scar tissue enough that you can barely see it.
- It Promotes the Healing Process
When we are injured — or our skin is broken by the micro pierces of a cosmetic procedure, for instance — the body immediately begins the healing process. In addition to triggering the proliferation of new cells (to replace the damaged ones), it starts to build a network of collagen and other macromolecules in order to provide support for the new cells as they replicate and grow.
- It Evens Out Skin Tone & Improves Skin Texture
Microneedling encourages the upper layer of skin to shed away and helps regulate melanin deposits. A more even skin tone diminishes the appearance of scars. Similarly, plump skin is smoother and more pliable, making it easier for scars to meld with surrounding tissue
- It Increases Product Absorption
Finally, the tiny pricks to the skin caused by microneedling allow enhanced transdermal delivery of nutrients (via serums, creams and lotions). Thus, scar-reducing medications can fully penetrate the skin, increasing their overall effectiveness.
Of course, these are just a few of the benefits of using microneedling for scars. To learn more about the procedure, or to inquire about our other services, please contact our experts at The Institute of Natural Health. We provide a variety of treatment options to address a wide range of issues.
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