Puncturing the Skin With Needles: What’s the Deal with Microneedling?

When it comes to improving skin tone and texture, the use of tiny needles to prick the top layer of the skin may be the last thing on your mind. While this technique (called microneedling) may not sound so appealing, it is actually painless and effective. It can rejuvenate the skin and address a variety of skin conditions.

Here at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we use an advanced automated skin-needling device called Dermapen Medical. It can help:

• • Improve fine lines
  • Make wrinkles less visible
  • Reduce surgical and acne scarring, and pigmentation
  • Promote skin tightening
  • Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

What is microneedling and how does it work?

Microneedling uses a mechanized device (Dermapen) that creates thousands of miniscule needle punctures in the top layers of skin. It has two parts: an electric hand piece that plugs into an electrical outlet (for delivering a constant stream of power) and a disposal needle tip (contains 12 microscopic needles).

The Dermapen device precisely controls these tiny needle punctures to achieve a specifically set depth, spacing, pattern, and frequency. The process breaks up fibrous and uneven scar tissue and stimulates the growth of new ones. It can also improve blood supply and provide a healthy foundation for new skin.

What does the procedure involve?

In preparation for the procedure, the needle tip is inserted into the hand piece. To ensure safety and comfort, each patient receives their own individual sterile and sealed disposal needle cartridge. The device is then turned on, causing the tip to oscillate at a rate of 110 revolutions per second.

The tiny punctures in the skin lead to micro-trauma, which forces an immune response from the body. This then triggers the production of new and healthy skin. The needle pricks, furthermore, help deliver nutrients to deeper skin layers during the treatment.

Is microneedling painful? Are there any side effects?

Patients can experience minimal discomfort, but a numbing cream can be used to make the procedure more comfortable. Most describe the feeling of the treatment as a deep facial with vibration.

Mild side effects such as redness and tingling sensation are common after the procedure. This redness will typically subside within two to three hours following the treatment.

The procedure has five to seven days downtime and most patients are able to return to work the next day. Visible results can be seen after six to eight weeks and will continue to improve over time. A minimum of five sessions is required for best results.

What makes Dermapen different?

Unlike laser treatments (which not everyone is a good candidate for), Dermapen can be used on all skin types. It can also help deal with a number of skin problems such as age spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, stretch marks, and even deep acne scar.

Compared to typical microneedling rollers, Dermapen is safer and more effective. This is because it has an adjustable and multi-speed settings that enable personalized treatment. The needles pierce the skin at 90-degree angles to increase the procedure’s effectiveness and absorption of skin care products.

What about home microneedling?

Although microneedling rollers today are widely available for home use, a professional treatment is much more recommended. This is because home treatment may increase the risk of side effects and may not provide the results you are looking for.

If you are interested in microneedling or are thinking of getting one, it is best to consider seeing a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor who is skilled and experienced in performing the procedure. 

To determine if you’re a good candidate for microneedling contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor in Singapore, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez.