Microneedling is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons. Many of its proponents claim its restorative benefits, including firmer, more elastic skin, shrunken pores, the elimination of skin blemishes, and even the reduction of scar visibility. The bolder the claim, the less credible it may seem. Microneedling for scars? Aren’t scars permanent? You can’t do anything about them, right?
Wrong.
What Makes a Scar?
Simply put, a scar is the body’s way of healing over old wounds. The skin is made up of layers. When those layers are wounded, skin cell and tissue regeneration form to heal it, but it doesn’t mean it mends perfectly. The deeper the wound, the more significant the resulting scar both in appearance and touch. People end up with scars for all kinds of reasons; here are some of the most common ones:
- Acne. A face full of unsightly acne scars are an embarrassing and frustrating reminder of the awkward puberty years. Scars from acne tend to be shallow, compared to the deep scars often associated with more significant injuries. That doesn’t mean the acne scarring itself is insignificant — your feelings about it and desire to lessen its visibility are valid. What it does mean is that acne scarring can be among the easiest of scars to successfully treat through microneedling. Although acne can appear anywhere on the body, scarring from acne may frequently and predominantly be noticed on the face.
- Personal injuries. Whether it was the time you crashed your bike on a gravel road when you were ten or a car accident resulting in minor injuries or cuts as an adult, personal injuries can make up a significant number of scars. Scars from personal injuries tend to be more random in their placement, especially since personal injuries tend to be unpredictable. But you don’t have to live with one or two random scars, especially if they make you feel self-conscious. Because personal injuries vary, so will the depth and size of the scar.
- Surgical scars. These scars will typically run the deepest, because all layers of the skin are cut through in order to complete the surgery. Skin tissue must regenerate at each level of the cut, leading to a deep scar. Whether it’s from a cesarean section, joint surgery, or any other non-laparoscopic surgery, a surgical scar is practically a given. Surgical scars tend to feel thicker to the touch and are distinctly more visible.
- Stretch marks. Although these scars affect the outer layers of skin and don’t run as deep as surgical scars, they could be a discouraging reminder of long-gone youth. Stretch marks may range from light and shiny to dark and dull. This can wreck your confidence, whether it has to do with the skirts you select, the blouses you feel comfortable in, or wearing your favorite bikini. Although over-the-counter products may promise to get rid of or fade stretch marks, there isn’t a cream on the planet that can make good on these promises. Skin care cream alone cannot reverse or erase scar tissue since the scar is wounded skin several layers deep. In order to fade the visibility, you must start with breaking down the scar tissue and regenerating fresh skin cells.
What Happens During Microneedling?
Microneedling is a procedure that stimulates your skin’s production of collagen and elastin. How? It uses tiny needles to repeatedly puncture the dermis. Your body floods the area with its natural wound response, and the collagen and elastin production are naturally stimulated. Through microneedling, your body responds to miniscule “injuries,” and its own natural healing responses are kicked into high gear. As a result, skin tone naturally evens out, pores shrink, and blemishes fade. Due to its non-invasive and non-surgical process, this relatively simple procedure to restore smoothness and freshen your complexion is not just reserved for celebrities anymore.
How Can Microneedling Improve the Appearance of Scars?
Microneedling also helps with the appearance of scars. Since the process encourages new skin cell production, it also breaks down old scar tissue. Think about that: old scar tissue is broken down and fresh skin cell regeneration is promoted. Through a series of microneedling treatments — the number of which depends on what is being treated — scars may be markedly improved in their overall texture, color, and appearance. Microneedling can help stretch marks blend into the surrounding skin, resulting in a less visible appearance.
Does It Really Work?
We believe in the benefits of microneedling for scars and other skin imperfections. Our investment in your series of treatments cultivates a real relationship. You’ll see the evidence for yourself. Read this report from a study of microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars performed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine (NLM), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for scientific evidence of the efficacy of microneedling. This study found that all but two participants “achieved a reduction in the severity of their scarring by one or two grades. More than 80% of patients assessed their treatment as ‘excellent’ on a 10-point scale. No significant adverse effects were noted in any patient.”
Begin Your Journey Today
We’ve been told all our lives that scars are permanent and that nothing can be done about them. But there is something that can be done about them, and you don’t have to miss out on the opportunities you deserve to enjoy. Do you live with embarrassing scars and the insecurities that frequently come with them?
If your scars cause insecurity or embarrassment, there is something you can do to treat them. Contact us today with any questions or if you’re ready to rejuvenate and heal your skin.