Microneedling is a treatment method where a hand-held device with multiple tiny and thin needles is used . The end-point of the treatment being either erythema (redness) or pin-point bleeding.
We have been using microneedling for a few years to treat post acne scars , traumatic scars ,stretch marks and skin rejuvenation. It yields visible and wonderful results although in a few conditions especially scars , it is aided by a combination of other procedures as well . As for skin rejuvenation, even as a stand alone treatment after a few sessions , visible results can be appreciated.
The principle in using it in skin conditions is that it breaks the fibrotic thick strands that causes scarring and also helps in stimulating new ground substance (collagen and elastin) for the skin thereby adding to the rejuvenation process that works inside-out.
Of late, we have been using microneedling in patients who experience hair-fall or rather patterned hair loss and honestly we have been seeing extremely gratifying results.The basic mechanism is that it stimulates multiple growth factors on stimulation and creates micro channels to help in better penetration of applicatory medicines thereby providing a dual benefit.
The most common question regarding microneedling is – Is it painful?
Over the scalp , the pain is negligible . On the face , pain is minimised by using numbing creams and ice-packs.
Downtime or healing time varies with the part of the body treated.
For Hair – No downtime ! The more reason why our patients like this treatment ! Most often in severe hair loss we do combine it with platelet rich plasma therapy to get good results.
For Skin – Downtime varies between 3-5 days.
The number of sessions varies again depending on the area of treatment . Overall for the scalp approximately 15 sessions at fortnightly intervals are recommended .For acne scars , stretch marks , traumatic scars etc., on an average of 6-10 sessions(in combination with other procedural treatments) at a gap of atleast 3-4 weeks is recommended . For skin rejuvenation , as a stand-alone , once every 4-6 weeks for an average of 6 sessions are recommended.
P.S: The number of treatments differs for each individual as the duration and severity of the condition to be treated varies.