Skin needling is one of the most effective dermal therapies for optimizing skin regeneration. It’s a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation and uses micro needles on a medical grade roller or pen that is moved over the skin to create tiny, evenly-spaced punctures on the skin. 

The purpose of this procedure is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Skin needling is mostly used on the face and can treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores.

With skin needling treatments back in the spotlight, it is important to note that microneedling is different from mesotherapy. While they are often used interchangeably, these are two entirely different procedures.

Before deciding on getting either skin needling treatment, knowing what entails each procedure will help you determine which works best for you.

Microneedling: For Acne Scars and Skin Aging

Microneedling therapy, also called collagen induction therapy, is a safe and minimally-invasive dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin and encourage the production of collagen.  Initially for skin rejuvenation, this therapeutic technique treats a wide range of problems such as acne scars and stretch marks. Microneedling can also be used together with certain anti-aging procedures, such as sun spot removal and eyelid surgery.

You may be an ideal candidate for microneedling treatment if you have certain skin concerns that haven’t responded to at-home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures. Note, however, that while collagen has a possible role in hair growth, microneedling is not effective for hair loss.

• Microneedling vs. Home Roller

Microneedling is a professional procedure while home rollers, or dermaroll devices, are an inexpensive alternative to microneedling. However, unlike microneedling, rollers hardly puncture the skin at all, and the before and after difference when using a derma roller is not as visible compared to microneedling.

• How It Works

During microneedling treatment, fine, short needles are inserted into the skin, particularly in the face, for rejuvenation. The pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin. The skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This revolutionary process, called collagenesis, naturally promotes collagen production in your skin without damaging it.

In turn, the new skin tissue becomes more even in tone and texture. It’s normal for your skin to lose collagen because of age or injury. By encouraging your skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too. 

• Benefits and Risks

A systematic review done in 2018 shows that microneedling is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate skin and treat scars and wrinkles. The review also showed that microneedling is effective when combined with topical products or with radiofrequency. So if you’re still asking, “Do microneedles work?” The answer to that is yes.

The medical community generally considers microneedling to be safe and effective, but there are still some risks. The primary risk is skin irritation after the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days. Other side effects could include:

• Swelling
• Discomfort at the site
• Bruising
• Dryness
• Flaking of the skin

You need to call your doctor if you’re experiencing severe side effects such as bleeding, bruising, peeling, or infection. Also, not everyone is a suitable candidate for microneedling, so forgo this treatment if you have:

• An active skin infection 
• Active acne
• Keloid scarring
• An unstable skin type
• Certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema
• Open wounds
• Had radiation therapy recently
• A history of skin scars

Pregnant women are also discouraged from undergoing microneedling as the healing and collagen production process automatically induced after getting the micro-injuries might steal away vitamins and nutrients that would otherwise be reserved for the child you’re carrying.

Seeing a dermatologist or medical skin care professional who is experienced in these types of procedures will help minimize the risks.

• Procedure and Target Areas

During the procedure, the esthetician will make small pricks under the skin using an electric impulse pen holding several single-use microneedles of various diameters. These pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure. The estheticianwill move the tool evenly across your skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even, too.

To reduce the chances of pain, the esthetician will use a topical anaesthetic before starting the procedure. The esthetician may then also apply a serum or calming treatment. In total, you can expect to be at the office for a couple of hours at least.

Microneedling is primarily used on the face. The target areas for microneedling are:

• Acne scars
• Age spots or sun spots
• Large pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Uneven skin tone
• Other types of scars
• Stretch marks, particularly on the thighs and abdominal area

• Preparations and Expectations

Before the microneedling procedure, ask your esthetician about ways you can prepare so you can have the best possible results. 

They may recommend that you stop:

• Taking medications, such as ibuprofen and medications for acne treatment
• Using topical retinoids

After microneedling, expect minimal recovery time since the procedure isn’t invasive. Skin irritation and redness within the first few days after the procedure are normal. Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen is a must.

Microneedling offers fairly immediate results, so expect that you will look plump, pink, and luminous for a couple of weeks. On a short-term basis, it plumps the skin and makes the skin look more radiant from inflammation and very superficial swelling.

Delivering Youthful Glow Into Your Skin with Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that rejuvenates and tightens your skin, and removes excess fat. A series of superfine fat dissolving injections of vitamins, minerals and amino acids cocktails are delivered into the mesodermal layer of the skin. The term “meso” means middle, which refers to the middle layer of your skin where the fine needles will be injected. 

Originally for pain relief, the technique was developed 1952 by French physician Dr. Michel Pistor. Today, however, mesotherapy is used to:

• Remove fat in areas like the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and face
• Fade wrinkles and lines 
• Reduce cellulite 
• Tighten loose skin
• Treat alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss

Mesotherapy is also considered a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction or lipolytic injections for removing unwanted fat. 

• Mesotherapy vs. Microneedling

While both procedures can be done in the face and involve needling technique, mesotherapy and microneedling are different procedures. Mesotherapy uses a needle which is used to inject into the lower layers of the skin using a meso device, whereas microneedling gently moves multiple microscopic needles over the face.

• Benefits and Risks

With mesotherapy, your skin gets a high concentration of vitamins and other ingredients. When done correctly, mesotherapy ensures that the products are delivered to your skin properly. 

Compared to other procedures like skin lasers and plastic surgeries, mesotherapy is a less expensive alternative and can be a part of your anti-aging skin routine. It can also address multiple skin needs and even brighten your skin.

However, it also has risks and side effects. Side effects that have been reported include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Erythema (redness of the skin)
• Itching
• Edema (swelling caused by injury or inflammation)
• Mild pain (on the treated area)
• Skin hyperesthesia (increase in skin sensitivity)
• Tender subcutaneous nodules in the treated area
• Pigmentation issues
• Hypersensitive skin reactions (rashes etc.)

• Procedures and Target Areas

The procedure involves tiny superficial injections of Hyaluronic Acid directly into the epidermis and mesoderm (middle layer). This helps to nourish and rejuvenate, boost cell activity and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

During each session, your esthetician may apply numbing medicine to your skin to minimize pain. You’ll then get a series of injections using a special short needle. The needle may be attached to a mechanical gun to deliver many injections in a row. 

After a course of mesotherapy injections, your skin will look hydrated, glowing, radiant and firmer. However, for the treatment to be most effective, skin therapists recommend that you get a course of 4 to 6 treatments at 2 to 4 week intervals.

• Preparations and Expectations

Consult your esthetician before going in for mesotherapy. You might need to avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs at least one week before the procedure because these medications increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.

During the treatment, a topical anaesthetic will be applied on the areas to be treated. Your esthetician will use a microneedle to inject the ingredients into the target area. The injections are then delivered at different depths of around 1 to 4 millimetres into your skin.

Should I Get Microneedling or Mesotherapy?

Microneedling works best for those battling severe acne scars and skin aging, and generally those with no health issues and can withstand minor pain. On the other hand, mesotherapy is an advisable treatment for skin tightening, treating cellulite and other selected skin aging issues, and hair loss.

In Canada, microneedling can range from $200 to $700 per session, while mesotherapy can range from $200 to $600. However, these procedures are not covered by insurance because they are considered cosmetic procedures. This means that all payments are made out of pocket. 

Achieve That Perfect Youthful Skin With Us

Before going in for a skin needling procedure, it is best to seek the advice of a skin expert so you know what you’re in for. Talk to one of our medical experts from the em clinic team and learn more about our microneedling and mesotherapy treatments by calling (519) 668-7449 or emailing us at info@emclinicandspa.com.