Micro-needling (MN) is a cosmetic procedure where sterile needles are used to create microscopic punctures in the skin by using a micro-needling device. These microscopic punctures cause inflammation. For the skin to heal, cells in the skin release molecules that help in producing collagen, elastin and growth factors which rejuvenate the skin. Micro-needling is also known as collagen -induction therapy.
What is micro-needling good for? Traditionally, MN has been done on the face (even thighs) to revitalise the skin, to reduce wrinkles and on scars to help cosmetic improvement of the scar tissue. Generally, Micro-needling is used as an anti-aging treatment.
Can I do micro needling myself? Although there are micro-needling devices that are marketed for home use, one should be careful as there are differences between the devices used professionally and those that are used at home. The home devices don’t give the same benefit. They increase the risk of infection and sub-optimal results due to differences in the puncture rate, wrong depth of needle penetration, reduced sharpness of needles & sterility issues of the needles.
Some of the side effects of MN are pain and redness, risk of infection, bruising and scarring. Patients on blood thinning medicines, pregnant, certain skin and medical conditions, diabetics should avoid this treatment.
Does it work on the scalp? Micro-needling procedure has also been used by some practitioners on the scalp for treating hair loss due to its postulated mechanisms of skin cells producing growth factors during the healing process.
It is not the the first, second or even third line treatment for hair loss but can play a part for some patients and for specific type of hair loss.
There is some scientific evidence showing that if used in a precise manner that follows a specific step by step process with the correct hair loss treating solutions, an enhanced effect on hair growth may occur for some people.
At the Hairology Centre, we also provide this treatment for some of our patients. We use our unique prescribed hair growth solutions during the micro-needling process. The recommended course is for the first 3 months of starting hair loss treatment.