Treatment Tech: Microneedling

Treatment Tech: Microneedling - History & Theory

The Vampire Facial, Microchanneling, Microneedling, and Dermal Rolling, are all terms for essentially the same procedure. 

I saw a post in a larger Facebook group for estheticians about Microneedling, one of my favorite modalities. The OP asked the masses why people loved it because her at-home DIY experience didn't fit her expectations.  There was quite a bit of confusion about the benefits, drawbacks, and expectations, even amongst fellow professionals. 

Granted, this is a highly subjective industry and is more of an evolving practice with differing opinions. The info dropped had much to be desired, with a lot of name & brand dropping that didn't really apply to the discussion.  So I figured this lovely modality deserved some factual attention.  

HISTORY  

Tattoos and acupuncture have been around since men could make pointy sticks. Microneedling has been around for a long time too. Like over a hundred years. Yes, you read that correctly.  It was used commercially in Germany as early as the 1900s to treat acne and skin scars.

In 1905 we had the first known microneedle with an electric motor used by Dermatologist Ernst Kromayer. He used this technique to treat birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and scars.

Dr. Setterfield is another popular name that is associated with modern-day Microneedling. His book and website, https://needlingguide.com/  has been used as a reference consistently since his book was published in 2010 and has had multiple revisions to include new information and scientific studies.  We've gone from small needle stamps to dermal rollers, then devices like Microneedling pens for easier application. Now we've included energy-based tech like radio frequency in combination with Microneedling to achieve results that used to be untouchable without surgical intervention.  

TREATMENT THEORY

Microneedling leads to reorganizing old collagen fibers and laying down new collagen, elastin, and capillaries, leading to skin tightening. A significant increase in collagen type I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, and tropoelastin from baseline after six microneedling sessions at 2-week intervals. This percutaneous collagen induction leads to an overall youthful appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, suppleness, and elasticity.

The effects are enhanced when the procedure is combined with topical anti-aging serums. Microneedling has also been combined with other ingredients like stem cells, HGH (human growth hormone), hyaluronic acid, and varied types of vitamin c.