HOW TO TREAT ACNE WITH MICRO-NEEDLING?

How To Treat Skin Acne With Micro-needling?

In an earlier article, we elaborated upon skin needling cosmetic procedure to treat enlarged pores (Read our article on Treating Enlarged Pores With Skin Needling).

In today’s article, we will help to educate you further on how to treat skin acne with microneedling.

About Micro-needling

Micro-needling is a procedure that involves puncturing the dermis (superficial layer of the skin) multiple times with tiny needles attached to a device. Micropunctures are created using microneedles which produce a controlled skin injury without damaging the epidermis. These micro-injuries lead to minimal superficial bleeding and set up a wound healing cascade with the release of various growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-alpha and beta (TGF-α and TGF-β), connective tissue activating protein, connective tissue growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). The needles also break down the old hardened scar strands and allow them to revascularize. Neovascularization and Neocollagenesis are initiated by the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and the intercellular matrix. A fibronectin matrix then forms after five days of injury that determines collagen deposition, resulting in skin tightening persisting for around 5–7 years in the form of collagen.

Micro-needling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation, however, now it is being used for a very wide range of indications including acne scar, acne, post-traumatic/burn scar, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and many more. Moreover, during the last few years, many new innovations have been made to the initial instrument, which was used for micro-needling.

Micro-needling procedure

The procedure should only be performed by a trained Aesthetic practitioner with a sound understanding of adipose tissue and the patient’s overall physiology and anatomy.

The treatment area is cleaned first, and then a topical or local anesthetic agent is used to minimize the discomfort. An ink ‘tattoo grid’ is drawn on the treatment area to guide the delivery of injections. The marks are then removed with an alcohol-soaked swab after the cosmetic procedure is over.

After preparing the area, the skin is stretched with one hand, and a device with a head made up of several tiny needles is used on the treatment area. The device vibrates quickly, enabling it to puncture the dermis (superficial layer of the skin) several times in a few seconds. It touches the dermis to spur the body to heal itself and produce new collagen and elastin. Thus creating a smoother, firmer, more radiant complexion.

The overall micro-needling treatment procedure will take between 10 and 20 minutes, though patients need to buffer more time if they are receiving topical anesthesia. Usually, multiple micro-needling sessions are required based on the patient’s requirements, spaced one month apart. The needles are inserted deeper into the skin at each session since the skin becomes thicker and able to withstand a deeper penetration over time.

The treatment area is soaked with saline or ice packs to comfort the patient post-procedure. After that, the patient is advised to use sunscreen regularly and follow sun-protective measures. The overall procedure is well-tolerated by the patients, and there are usually no post-treatment sequelae except slight swelling and redness that generally last up to 2–3 days.

Application of micro-needling for treating skin acne

The advent of fractional microneedling radiofrequency has expanded the application of microneedling to acne vulgaris as well. It directly targets the sebaceous glands and helps in reducing the sebum production. It is also known to reduce the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes.

The amalgamation of microneedling with radiofrequency has further expanded the prospects of the application of this technology. Insulated needles are used to penetrate the skin and release radiofrequency currents from the needle tips producing thermal zones in the dermal structural components and accessory glands without damaging the overlying epidermis. This triggers long-term dermal remodeling, neoelastogenesis, and neocollagenesis. The depth of the needles can be adjusted from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm allowing us to target different layers of the dermis discretely. The aesthetic practitioner can exercise good control over tissue damage by adjusting the power level and duration of the energy pulse. Microneedling radiofrequency (MNRF) technology does not damage the epidermis, and is, therefore, safe for all skin types. Its indications include scar treatment, hyperhidrosis, skin tightening, rejuvenation, and many more.

About IIWAM training in the micro-needling treatment procedure

It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects of skin rejuvenation with micro needling aesthetic procedure under our best cosmetology courses.

  • Aesthetic medicine & skin anatomy?

  • How to select the best device for micro-needling?

  • What are the various methods & techniques for micro-needling?

  • What are the various complications of micro-needling?

  • How to avoid various complications of micro-needling?

  • How to treat various complications of micro-needling?

Apply for the best online aesthetic courses from IIWAM today.  

About IIWAM Aesthetic Education

International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (https://www.iiwam.ac/education) is a private teaching institution that provides International Aesthetic Medical Certification programs for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners. Prof Dr Morthy, the course director for the Institute, is a key opinion leader for Aesthetic Medicine in the region, and a trainer for several teaching institutions.

The International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM) has academic affiliations with several countries, including Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India and Indonesia. With our insignia of “Be Certified & Be Recognized”, the Institute develops knowledgeable, skilled, and confident aesthetic practitioners of international repute.
IIWAM is the only Institute to have its Programs certified by City & Guilds of London, CPD Standards Office (UK) and  European International University (Paris). IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider for Malaysian Medical Association.

IIWAM also offers Cosmetic Procedures and Stem Cell treatment at IIWAM Wellness Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/wellness) that are safe, effective, and affordable.