How long does it take to see results from microneedling? FAQ

How long does it take to see results from microneedling? FAQ

Your skin may immediately feel tighter as collagen induction begins within 48 hours of treatment. The results will become more obvious 4 - 6 weeks later and continue to improve for 3 - 12 months. New collagen created should last between 5 - 7 years.

The results will depend on what you are treating. For wrinkles, scars and stretch marks the new layer of collagen will create new smoother skin in the area. This is because like scars and stretch marks wrinkles involve the collagen fibres in the area becoming misaligned and running parallel to each other.

When micro needling initiates the wound healing cascade it starts to create a new layer of smooth collagen. In this layer the collagen fibres are aligned perpendicular to each other in a web like structure. This is the way young healthy skin should look.

In the image below you can see an example of the how the fibres in two common forms of scarring have aligned in a parallel way. This is compared to the more web link structure seen in healthy skin.

When assisting hair loss most scientific studies have tended to focus on a 12 week period and results such as increased hair follicle growth are often seen after the first 4 weeks.

To achieve more dramatic results when assisting androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia it is recommended that treatment be ongoing. Studies have found that micro needling can increase the absorption of common hair loss drugs such as minoxidil or natural remedies such as saw palmetto.

How long does derma roller take to work?

Derma Rollers are a form of micro needling. After a derma roller treatment collagen induction begins within 48 hours. Over the next 3 - 12 months the epidermis creates a new smooth collagen matrix. This new collagen lasts for between 5 and 7 years.

How long does it take for skin to heal after Microneedling?

This depends on the length of microneedles used. When using 0.5mm needles the skin will usually appear red and inflamed after treatment but should return to normal within 24 hours. Treatment with a 1.5mm derma roller can lead to recovery times of 2-3 days.

It is often advisable to minimise sun exposure for up to 2 weeks after a treatment session as the skin may remain photosensitive for this period of time.

The use of some cosmetic ingredients on the skin such as vitamin A can increase inflammation and dryness of the skin after treatment. This may elongate recovery times.

The image below shows skin immediately after skin needling with a 0.5mm roller. By the following day the skin had completely returned to normal.

How often can you get microneedling?

Microneedling should be performed no more than once a fortnight when assisting wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. More often than this and the skin does not have time to effectively heal. When assisting hair loss, research recommends micro needling sessions once a week. Microneedling should never be performed daily.

When using a 0.5mm derma roller it is recommended to have 6 sessions over 12 weeks. Then take a break to allow the new collagen layer to completely form. The 6 sessions can be repeated 3 - 6 months later.

When using a 1.5mm dermaroller or longer it is often better to space treatments 4 - 6 weeks apart to allow for the longer recovery times. 1.5mm derma rollers are better used in a clinical environment than for home use.

When assisting hair loss it is usually better to use a 1.0mm dermastamp than a dermaroller. The derma stamp does get hair tangled in the axel which can be torn out. The 1.0mm length is ideal as remaining hair in the area can often provide a cushioning affect so slightly longer microneedles are required.

How often should you get skin needling?

Skin needling is now another term for microneedling. Skin needling should be performed once every 2 weeks when using a 0.5mm derma roller or smaller. If using a 1.5mm dermaroller or longer then up to 4 - 6 weeks should be left between treatments.

How often should you dermaroll at home?

When derma rolling at home it is usually best to use a 0.5mm derma roller. The smaller 0.5mm microneedles can be used once every 2 weeks. It is not recommended to use a 1.5mm dermaroller or longer at home as they can create bleeding.

Correct needle length or needle size is vital for safety and sterility when microneedling at home.

How often should you microneedle the face?

To assist wrinkles the face should be microneedled once every 2 weeks using a 0.5mm derma roller. When assisting scars especially acne scars then it is better to use a 1.0mm dermaroller or dermastamp once every 2 weeks.

The face is a more delicate sensitive area than the thighs or stomach. For this reason it is better not to use any microneedles longer than 1.0mm on the face at home. Longer needles should only be used in a clinical environment with effective infection control.

How often to use a derma roller on the scalp?

Derma rollers can be used on the scalp once a week if there is very little hair remaining. If there is still hair in the area then it is better to use a 1.0mm dermastamp on the area once a week. This avoids hair becoming tangled in the axel of the derma roller and being torn out.

Can I use my derma roller everyday?

Yes if you are using a 0.3mm derma roller or shorter. This is done solely to increase absorption of products through the skin. Generally it is not advised as the skin does not have adequate time to heal. 0.5mm derma rollers or longer should never be used daily.

Using any size of dermaroller daily can lead to very dry skin. Puncturing the outer layer of the epidermis leads to Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). In other a small amount of the skins fluids escape each time you derma roll.

For this reason treatments are better done every 2 weeks.

How often can I use a 0.5 dermaroller?

A 0.5mm derma roller is best used once every 2 weeks. This allows adequate time for the wound healing cascade to occur, naturally inducting collagen. Using a 0.5 mm dermaroller more often than this does not allow enough for the skin to repair itself.

How many sessions of skin needling do I need?

When using a 0.5mm derma roller it is best to have 6 sessions over 12 weeks. This means allowing 2 weeks between each treatment. If you are having skin needling with 1.5mm dermarollers or longer in a clinic then it is usually better to have 3 sessions 4-6 weeks apart.

In this way how many skin needling treatments you have is determined largely by the microneedles length. Longer needles have longer recovery times and are spaced further apart. You normally have less of these more invasive treatments.

How long should I dermaroll my face?

Using a dermaroller on your face at home should take less than 5 minutes. Rolling across an area of skin 15 times creates on average 250 micro punctures / cm. Research has suggested that any more than this is unnecessary to achieve results in collagen induction or increased product absorption.

Is microneedling permanent?

No cosmetic treatment is permanent as the process of aging is ongoing. On average the new collagen created by micro needling will last 5 - 7 years. A series of micro needling sessions can be repeated several times a year to create more long lasting results.

How long between microneedling sessions?

It is best to leave 2 weeks between microneedling sessions. This allows ample time for the skin to recover from a treatment with a 0.5mm dermaroller. Some clinics will allow 4 - 6 weeks between treatments when longer more invasive procedures are used.

What is microneedling used for?

Most microneedling treatments are performed as part of a cosmetic process called collagen induction therapy. This is separate from the limited use of microneedling for transdermal drug delivery and vaccination.

What are derma rollers made of?

Generally the microneedles are formed from stainless steel. These can be formed individually or as part of a disk. A recent innovation is the introduction of hypoallergenic Biopolymer microneedles. This avoids nickel allergy and as the Bioploymer needles are created in one mould they can never fall out.

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