The treatment our dermatologist in NJ uses for acne scars is microneedling. Microneedling is a skin treatment that involves pricking the skin with tiny, sterilized needles using a small, handheld device.
Pricking the skin may appear harmful to scars, but it isn’t. The action increases collagen production, which aids in new tissue growth and healing. It’s great for fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and acne scars.
When your pores become clogged with dirt, oil & bacteria, acne develops and results in various bumps, blemishes & lesions. If dealing with acne wasn’t bad enough, you may also have to deal with scars left by pimples. An acne scar can develop if you pick at your skin or have cystic acne. Like other types of scars, acne scars can last for months or even years.
Swollen acne lesions cause acne scars. The swelling of the acne pore causes a break in the follicle wall, resulting in acne blemishes. Some of these breaks are minor, leaving only shallow scars that heal quickly. On the other hand, some cause damage to the surrounding tissue, resulting in deeper scars. The skin still tries to repair them by forming new collagen fibers, but it is no longer as smooth and flawless.
What is RF Microneedling?
Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates facial skin with tiny needles and RF waves. RF waves are released into the channels by the needle, causing additional damage, which improves the results of conventional microneedling.
The procedure involves a controlled skin injury. Damage to the skin encourages the growth of new, healthy skin, which can help with common skin problems like acne scars and wrinkles. Microneedling is also recommended as a standard anti-aging treatment to tighten skin and address fine lines and wrinkles.
How Many Microneedling Sessions for Acne Scars?
To treat those deep scars that have troubled you for years, your dermatologist can use a unique electronic microneedling device. The machine can control the needle’s depth and offers a variety of other features. If you have moderate acne scars, you’ll need a series of three to six treatments one month apart and if your scars are severe, you’ll probably need closer to six sessions.
What Should You Do To Get Ready for a Microneedling Session?
During your initial consultation and in the days leading up to your appointment, your dermatologist will provide you with these details. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the procedure. Although you will be uncomfortable, your dermatologist will use a numbing agent first.
In preparation for your microneedling procedure, you should do the following:
- Limit your alcohol intake and avoid anything that could delay healing in the week leading up to your appointment.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Your face should be clean and bare before visiting the clinic.
What Can You Expect After a Dermatologist’s Microneedling Session?
Most people do not require any recovery time following the microneedling procedure. Because the procedure is non-invasive, you can go about your daily routine. However, the minor injuries caused by the needles may cause some irritation.
There may be some redness as well. Because your skin will be extremely sensitive, your dermatologist will advise you to use sunscreen or avoid the sun for a short period of time. After a few weeks, you should see some results. However, you will need several sessions to maintain these results and achieve your desired skin.
When To Avoid Microneedling
If you have an acne breakout presently, your doctor may advise you to halt the procedure until your acne settles down temporarily. Microneedling is not recommended for anyone pregnant, has open wounds, has active skin inflammation such as psoriasis or eczema, who recently had radiation therapy, or easily scars.
Microneedling Before and After Acne Scars
Microneedling before and after the procedure shows how well this non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment can improve your complexion’s overall appearance. Microneedling makes the skin plumper and more radiant. The appearance of aging is reduced. Skin texture and tone improve, and acne scars and other skin imperfections are also reduced.
Recovery From Microneedling Procedure
After a microneedling procedure, the majority of patients recover within a week. Redness, dryness and skin flaking are expected during the healing process and usually go away after a few days. You should limit your strenuous activities and focus on your skin for a few days.
Procedure Side Effects
Prolonged erythema, warmth, tightness, itchiness, dry skin, or the appearance of patchy hypopigmentation are all possible side effects of a microneedling procedure.
Procedure Results
The effects of microneedling will not be visible right away, but will develop for a few days or weeks as the skin heals and rejuvenates. The effects can last up to five years and treatments can be done as frequently as once a month, though the candidate’s need for treatments will vary.
At the Skin Cancer and Surgery Center of NJ, we know how important acne scar patients feel about their condition, how their scars affect their mental health and how badly they want to improve their quality of life and avoid the agony of ongoing treatments. Our microneedling RF device technology has effectively proven to cure severe and recalcitrant acne scarring.
