by César A. Maúrtua, MD, Anesthesiologist and Integrative Medical Practitioner |
Microneedling is a simple, relatively new concept that can make the skin look younger by reducing lines, scars and discoloration. Applying tiny micro-punctures to the skin with fine needles stimulates the body’s natural healing response, promoting the proliferation of skin cells and the production of collagen. It is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, but there is significantly more to it than that.
The microneedling concept was conceived in the 1990s in Germany, where the devices are now manufactured under the Dermaroller™ trademark. A Dermaroller consists of surgical stainless steel microneedles that are precisely imbedded in a small drum-like device that looks much like a tiny lawn aerator. It was originally created for medical indications, but other uses for the device were subsequently identified and imitators of the concept soon followed.
The Medical Dermaroller comes in several sizes, to treat a variety of skin conditions. Studies show that it reduces acne, scarring, stretch marks, oiliness, hyperpigmentation, cellulite and enlarged pores. Because the microneedles of the Dermaroller penetrate the outer layer of the skin, the procedure can dramatically increase the effectiveness of skin treatments such as topical hormone medications, serums, creams and gels.
The Medical Dermaroller procedure requires a topical anesthesia due to the depth at which the microneedles of the medical device penetrates the skin. These devices are designed for single treatments only, by a qualified medical provider who has been trained in their use.
Around four to five days after undergoing the Medical Dermaroller procedure, the client begins follow-up treatments with a Home Dermaroller, which helps to accelerate, stimulate, thicken and rejuvenate the skin. The Home Dermaroller has a shallower penetration, so it does not require topical anesthesia and this phase can be done at home by the client.
The client simply rolls the Home Dermaroller on the skin two to three times per week, as instructed, to accomplish a particular goal. Generally, the client should only feel a prickly sensation and there is rarely any pain. The Home Dermaroller is easily cleaned and, depending on the amount of skin area that is being covered, can be reused up to 150 times over the next year or so.
To date, more than 275,000 medical cosmetic procedures were performed worldwide without complications. With appropriate training, safeguards and preparation, the Dermaroller is a safe and effective tool that can help persons of all ages, complexions and races to achieve dramatic results in skin restoration.
Dermaroller™ services are offered at Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa in Reno.
References:
- Banga, AK et al. New Technologies to Allow Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins and Small Water-Soluble Drugs. Am J Drug Deliv 2006; 4 (4): 221-230.
- Guohua, L. et al. Microchannels created by sugar and metal microneedles. Journal of Pharmaceutical Science 2009; 99 (4);1931-41.
- Prausnitz, M. The Mechanics of Microneedles. Proceedings of the second Joint EMBS Conference, Houston, Tx, Oct.23-26, 2002.
- Fabbrocini, G et al. Acne scar treatment using skin needling. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2009; 34:874-79.
For more info, contact Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa at (775) 853-6600 or visit online at www.steamboatsprings.org.
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