Microneedling – Do You Really Need a Qualified Doctor? Is Microneedling at Home Just as Safe and Effective?

microneedling, wrinkles, Inland Empire, acne, acne scars, sun damage, wrinkles, scars

Microneedling is a popular and effective way to rejuvenate skin.  Every month, thousands of people search for information on microneedling in Inland Empire, where I practice.  If you’re thinking about having this done to improve acne scars, wrinkles, rosacea or stretch marks you’ll want to read this article.  This inexpensive, minimally invasive treatment can help improve all of these skin problems.  Some will tell you that you don’t really need a specialist like a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist for effective microneedling.  You can purchase a roller and do it yourself at home.  Is that a good idea?  Please consider some facts.

acne, microneedling, Inland Empire, Skinpen
Before & After microneedling using the Skinpen. Compliments of Elizabeth Steigner

Microneedling:  Generally Safe and Effective

Studies and real-life results demonstrate that microneedling can improve a number of skin conditions.  Wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars and other scars all respond to this minimally invasive method.  Microneedling can also effectively rejuvenate dull or aging skin.  It is a considerably better option for darker complexions, often avoiding the discoloration caused by other methods.

Microneedling, when done correctly, pierces the skin at a 90 degree angle.  The needles penetrate deeply enough to cause minor injury to lower skin layers.  This spurs the skin into repair mode.  It can stimulate production of both collagen (which anchors skin) and elastin (which helps skin stay firm and elastic).  Studies have found a 400% increase in collagen and elastin 6 months after treatment.  Interestingly, collagen fibers form in the matrix pattern seen in healthy skin rather than the parallel pattern found in scar tissue.

Microneedling can provide good results after 4-5 treatments.  For some conditions, it can allow genuine improvement without the downtime and discomfort of ablative lasers.  However, it is important to note that these good outcomes have been primarily seen in doctor’s offices or medical spas closely supervised by qualified physicians.

Can you save money with DIY microneedling at home?

microneedling at home, microneedling rollerThere is no question that microneedling rollers designed for home use cost less than microneedling performed by medical specialists.  However, this is one more example of the adage:  “You get what you pay for.”  Microneedles used by physicians are considerably longer than those generally offered for home use.  Getting the length right matters.  Needles that are too short cannot achieve the same results as professional-length needles.  Needles that are too long can injure the skin.

In its article, “The FDA May Soon Regulate At-Home Microneedling on the Skin,” Allure Magazine quoted Dr. Patricia Wexler, a New York City dermatologist featured in New York Magazine‘s “Best Doctors” issues.  Dr. Wexler said about this procedure:

Home devices do not give the same degree of sterility, or uniformity of application.  The at-home user may also not be aware of contraindications, such as herpes infection, an acne breakout, a psoriasis flare, a rosacea flare, an open wound, and active skin cancer, or recent chemotherapy.

Keloids (raised scars) can also be a contraindication, which is why Dr. Wexler stresses that any wound has the potential to create a scar.  Dr. Shari Marchbein a practicing dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine also warns:  

Additionally, if an inappropriate technique is used, or if the needles are not sharp enough, there is a risk of causing superficial tears to the skin.

Since any wound can create a scar, and at-home microneedling rollers can cause wounds, does it make sense to save a little money to make your skin look better in a way that risks making it look worse?  Read on.      CONTACT Dr. Machida Inland Empire, CA 

The Right Microneedling Technique by a Qualified Doctor Avoids Infections and Allergic Reactions

microneedling Inland Empire, Skinpen, acne, scars
Skinpen microneedling performed by Cathy Resnick, LE

Microneedling is generally quite safe, so safe that some may feel there’s no risk of an infection from needles that small.  Unfortunately, there is.  Health magazine recounted an incident where people were infected with HIV after microneedling with Vampire Facials, which work patients’ own processed blood into their skin.  The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported:

NMDOH is investigating two cases of HIV infection among VIP Spa clients who received injection-related procedures at the VIP Spa between May and September 2018.

How could two microneedling patients having procedures that utilized their own blood get HIV infections?  Both tested positive for the same HIV sub-type, indicating that they received it from the same source.  This raises suspicion that the spa ignored manufacturers’ warnings and tried to clean and reuse microneedles.  But there’s no reliable way to sterilize them.  It appears likely that trace amounts of one patient’s blood were left on the microneedling device, and then injected into the next patient’s skin.  It’s no wonder that the New Mexico Department of Health warned:

Any persons desiring cosmetic services involving needle injections should verify the services are being provided by a licensed medical provider.

JAMA Dermatology reported on three patients who developed prominent, long-lasting facial rashes after a vitamin C preparation was spread on their faces before microneedling.  Untreated areas had no rash.  Two of the three patients eventually responded to weeks of treatments.  At the time of publishing the third still had her rash

Clearly, if you want microneedling that’s both safe and effective, it’s important to choose the right physician.  You definitely don’t want to do this at home.

Safer and Effective Microneedling in Inland Empire

microneedling Inland Empire, acne scar Inland Empire, acne scars, skin rejuvenation, acne, Skinpen
Microneedling using the FDA-approved Skinpen. Compliments of Cathy Resnick, LE

At STC Plastic Surgery in Inland Empire, California, we regularly perform microneedling to help patients improve their skin in a variety of ways.  We use new microneedles for each patient.  We never reuse them.

In addition, we avert allergic reactions like the ones described above by avoiding spreading preparations on patients’ faces to be injected by the FDA-approved Skinpen device we use.  We don’t offer Vampire Facials, so there’s no risk of HIV.  I believe it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If regular microneedling isn’t enough to help an individual patient improve acne, wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks or scarring, we also offer laser treatments and Renuvion.  One of these modalities will be right for you.

CONTACT Dr. Machida Inland Empire, CA

Please share this article using the links below:

About Dr. Brian Machida, MD, FACS

Dr. Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. He has an exceptional level of experience, having performed ( read more )

Articles by Dr. Brian Machida, MD, FACS

Nasolabial Folds – Facelift or Filler? What’s the Most Cost-Effective Solution?

What’s your best and most cost-effective option for improving your nasolabial folds – filler injections or a facelift? Expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida discusses the pros and cons of each method, including how much each will cost you. [Read More]

Facelift Inflation – Does a Higher Price Guarantee a Better Result?

Inflation – now it has hit the facial plastic surgery market. Is facelift inflation necessary? Can you get an outstanding facelift for less in the United States? [Read More]

Bags Under Your Eyes – What’s the Better Solution – Blepharoplasty or Filler Injections?

If bags under your eyes are making you look older than you feel, what’s the best way to treat them? Is blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery – the best way to go? Or, are fillers a good option? An expert facial plastic surgeon reveals the facts. [Read More]

How Can You Afford a Great Facelift?

Can you afford a facelift in this time of inflation? How can you get an outstanding new look that fits your budget? For a great, affordable facelift Inland Empire highly experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida tells what should be on your checklist. [Read More]

Marionette Lines – How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Marionette lines can make you look old and sad when you don’t feel that way. How can you get rid of marionette lines? Is a facelift the only way? Are there marionette lines fillers? Does Botox work? Inland Empire, California expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Machida tells you the answers. [Read More]

Sagging Cheeks – What’s the Most Cost-Effective Way to Rejuvenate Them?

If you want to firm up your sagging cheeks, what’s the most cost-effective way to do it? A highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon tell you how. [Read More]

Thick Neck? Tech Neck? Why Neck Liposuction Often Fails in Younger People

Do you have a thick neck? Or, have you developed a Tech Neck? Many younger people with these issues turn to neck liposuction. But this may not solve the problem? Why not? Could there be a better solution? An expert facial plastic surgeon gives you the facts. [Read More]

Is the Ponytail Facelift a Better Facelift?

Should you get the Ponytail Facelift? Is the “new facelift” better? Highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Machida of Inland Empire, CA discusses what the “new facelift” can and cannot do and presents what might be a better alternative for you. [Read More]

Facelift Scars – Will People See Yours?

If you’re considering a facelift, are you worried about facelift scars? A highly skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon discusses whether or not you need to be concerned about facelift scars, and what to do if you have noticeable facelift scars. [Read More]

How to Make a $27,000 Beverly Hills-Quality Facelift Cost Much Less

How much should an outstanding facelift cost? A highly experienced facial plastic surgeon, who performed 4,000 facelifts and taught at the University of Southern California, shows how the right surgeon using the right methods can make a great facelift much more affordable. [Read More]