Micro Needling: What It Is, Benefits, and Possible Risks

If you have acne scars, enlarged pores, or other related skin concerns, your dermatologist may recommend micro needling. It is an invasive cosmetic procedure used to treat various skin concerns.

Also called collagen induction therapy, this treatment has become quite popular among people these days and is considered a safe option to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

This article explains exactly what this cosmetic procedure is, along with its benefits and uses.

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What is Micro Needling?

This cosmetic procedure involves pricking the skin with sterilized, tiny, and thin needles, which causes your body to produce more elastin and collagen and helps you achieve flawless and younger-looking skin.

Micro needling can help reduce the appearance of several skin concerns, including wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, acne, skin-pigmented issues, alopecia, loose skin, and more. This treatment is commonly used on the face, however, it can help reduce stretch marks in other areas of your body as well.

It can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. (Photo via Pexels/Karolina Grabowska)

In fact, various studies suggest that it can be effective for stretch marks, particularly on the abdomen and thigh area. Additionally, all types of scarring on other parts of the body can also be cured with this cosmetic procedure.

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What Does Micro Needling Do?

One of the most important things that micro needling does is help your skin produce more collagen. Though it involves pricking the skin that causes slight injury and redness, the entire procedure works by encouraging your skin to create new collagen-rich tissues. The new skin tissue that’s created gives a toned and bright texture and makes the skin firmer overall.

The entire procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you might need at least five to six sittings to see the difference.

Your dermatologist will first apply a numbing cream to the affected area so that you don’t feel the needle. They will then move a pen-shaped tool with tiny needles around the area, making small cuts that might lead to bleeding. A serum or cream will then be applied to your face after that. The goal is to start the healing process by sending elastin and collagen to fill in the injured area.

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What is Micro Needling Good For?

This invasive cosmetic treatment has gained immense popularity among people for the benefits that it offers.

Some major advantages of micro needling can include:

• reducing the appearance of wrinkles, spots, and fine lines
• reducing the appearance of different scars, such as acne scars, blemishes, and more
• reducing hyperpigmentation
• improving skin tone and elasticity
• reducing pores
• reducing stretch marks
• helping with hair growth, especially in people suffering from alopecia

It can reduce acne scars and pigmentation. (Photo via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

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Does Micro Needling Work? Possible Risks Discussed

Yes, this cosmetic procedure is effective and does work, offering great results. However, just like other cosmetic processes, it too carries certain risks and side effects that you must know about before going for it.

The major side effects are skin irritation and redness that might persist for a few days. Additionally, you might also notice certain severe side effects, including infection, bruising, peeling, and bleeding. If you experience any of these, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

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Safety and Precautions

This cosmetic treatment is not suitable for people with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, active acne, and open wounds. If you’ve recently had radiation therapy, talk to a doctor before opting for this procedure. Women who are pregnant also need to consult their doctors before receiving treatment.

Compared to expensive laser treatments, micro needling is a reasonable option and may also give amazing results for people with darker skin tones. This is because this procedure doesn’t involve heat the way laser processes do. However, before opting for any cosmetic treatment, talk to your dermatologist and ask what’s best for your skin type and texture.