What’s the deal with … Microneedling and scars?

can microneedling cause scars

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Can the Dermapen cause scarring?

It’s no secret that we’re pretty obsessed with the Dermapen here at Lovoir Beauty. But it would be dishonest of us to ignore the very real concern (at least, if Google search results are to be believed), around whether it can cause scarring.

First, the good news.

Treating scars

One of its most popular uses is to actually treat scars. And there’s a good reason for that.

Let’s first explain the biology behind scars.

Every wound, unless very minor, results in some degree of scarring, which – despite being made up of the same tissue it replaces – is formed very differently. Quite simply, instead of forming like a basket weave, the collagen in scar tissue is aligned in a single direction, resulting in a raised, thicker appearance. What’s more, if left untreated, scars can thicken over time.

microneedling for caesarian scars

So, how can it help?

Microneedling breaks up uneven fibres and encourages the growth of new tissue by pricking your skin with fine needles to promote the production of new collagen, with positive results produced by clinical studies overall. As a result, new, healthy collagen helps smooth out the skin’s appearance.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, to hear that acne scars – which are caused by excessive oils blocking skin follicles (or picking at your spots – we won’t judge) – are such a popular candidate for this treatment.

Causing scars?

And now for the … equally good news.

You see, whilst there are possible side effects associated with almost any cosmetic procedure, the Dermapen is as far removed from these as one could possibly hope for.

Allow us to explain.

Microneedling, as an umbrella cosmetic term, does carry with it various – if minor – risks. You wouldn’t expect anything different, really, seeing as it uses needles to make fresh wounds in your skin! It is even possible to experience acne breakouts immediately afterwards but, if left alone, should be mild and will clear up on its own.

Depending on how severe your acne is, therefore, microneedling may – or may not – be the best treatment. The general consensus is that when it comes to acne grades 3 or 4, microneedling isn’t advisable. You may also want to speak to a doctor beforehand if you get keloid scars, as it may not be the best option for you, either. However, acne grades 1 and 2 can respond incredibly well to microneedling – especially when treated with the Dermapen.

Read more about microneedling here

Either way, practitioners everywhere will recommend avoiding sun exposure, exfoliants and alcohol-based skin products for a few days after the procedure. There are many other recommendations too, such as drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the treatment and giving your skin a short detox from makeup. Vitamin C – taken with a collagen supplement – is another holy grail which therapists are advising to combine with the treatment – especially when treating acne scars – thanks to its collagen-producing properties.

However, when viewed in the context of other skin therapies, such as laser, the risks associated with microneedling are really rather tiny. It doesn’t damage or remove the outer layer of skin, and is even considered safe for thin, sensitive and darker skin, too – as well as being more effective than more aggressive methods to treat acne scars.

micro needling is effective on scne scars

Reduced risk

What’s more, when conducted using the Dermapen, these risks almost disappear entirely.

That’s because it works on the same principle as the Dermaroller – a mechanical device which rolls microneedles all over the skin – but in a more precise, targeted way.

Instead of rolling the needles haphazardly over the skin, which often fails to reach small or curved areas, such as around the eyes, nose and upper lip, the Dermapen moves the needles in and out about 1920 puncture channels per second, targeting only the affected areas in the quickest way possible.

Furthermore, whilst the Dermaroller works on a single depth, the Dermapen boasts an adjustable needle depth to allow different penetration levels for different areas of the face. Finally, the needles penetrate the skin vertically, as opposed to those in the Dermaroller which do so at an angle, leading to a much lower risk of unwanted side effects.

As a result, studies have found that those treated with the Dermapen found the procedure much less painful than those with the Dermaroller, also experiencing a significantly shorter downtime. What’s more, they felt the results to their acne scarring were far better than those that had been treated with the Dermaroller.

In short, it causes even less damage to the epidermis than the Dermaroller, making an almost already side-effect friendly procedure virtually risk-free. Is it any wonder that Dermapen reviews are so great?

So, what are you waiting for?

Book an appointment now!