08 Jul New Study Shows Microneedling is a Great Treatment for Acne Scarring
Acne is a medical condition and can cause permanent scarring—it is not a rite of passage, not just for teenagers, and can be painful both physically and emotionally. That’s why at RefinedMD we are committed to helping you get the clear, healthy skin you deserve. Unfortunately, acne doesn’t always disappear when you get active breakouts under control. Scarring from acne can be permanent, but there are technologies and procedures to erase these painful reminders. Microneedling has always been a popular tool for treating scars and a recent study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery supports this notion.
In the paper “Microneedling Monotherapy for Acne Scar: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” researchers examined how acne scarring responded to microneedling. Acne scarring is created when collagen is “dumped” at the acne site. Researchers stress that the scarring “not only represents a cosmetic problem but also poses a psychological health risk.” There have been several studies in recent years that explore the safety and efficacy of microneedling, and these researchers undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (or RCTs) to compare microneedling with other available treatments.
The Study of Acne Scarring
Three databases—Embase, PubMED, and Cochrane Library—were used for the study. The latest study included took place in June 2021. In total, 12 studies were analyzed which included 414 people. Researchers looked at how microneedling worked with and without radiofrequency treatments. The pooled estimate of those treated with microneedling and no radiofrequency found a mean difference of 0.42 coupled with a “significant difference at the 5% significance level.” The next group, which combined microneedling with radiofrequency, showed “no significance at the 5% significance level.”
There were no reports of secondary scarring in the study. Ultimately, researchers found that the best results were yielded when microneedling was used without radiofrequency and “microneedling is a favorable choice for the treatment of acne scarring.” In other words, the researchers reported what dermatologists and skin care experts have long known—microneedling is an excellent tool to undo the signs of past acne breakouts.
What to Know About Microneedling
When it comes to “microneedling” there are many different tools and techniques. It is critical to never try DIY approach with microneedling. You might see so-called microneedling tools available for sale, but they are not medical-grade and (if they are) microneedling should always be applied by a professional. You need to achieve the perfect micro-injury with microneedling in order to yield safe results. There have been many cases of DIY microneedling that caused permanent scarring.
There is also a myriad of microneedling devices available. Working with skin care professionals who are dedicated to always having the latest, safest, and best tools on hand is essential to getting the results you want. Also keep in mind that microneedling is typically an ongoing treatment. It will take several sessions to best minimize acne scarring. When the scarring is optimally lightened, many clients stick with monthly microneedling sessions to continue enjoying the other benefits of the treatment–younger-looking skin, fewer lines and wrinkles, better tone and texture, and simply more radiant skin.
Is Microneedling for You?
Microneedling can be used on men and women of all ages and with all skin tones and types. It can also be combined with other treatments like a chemical peel or laser skin rejuvenation for even better and faster results. Although the study showed that radiofrequency does not boost microneedling results, there are other treatments that pair well with microneedling. We will work with you to determine a game plan for your best results. Overall, microneedling has long been known as one of the best add-on treatments for a variety of procedures.
If you are also having current, active breakouts, we can develop a system to both get acne under control and erase signs of old breakouts. The skin is the biggest organ we have and there are over 3,000 skin conditions. Microneedling can help with many of them, from acne to sun damage and early signs of aging. Connect with RefinedMD to schedule your consultation or appointment. Simply call the office, complete the online form, or start a live chat during business hours.