Does Microneedling Help Melasma

Melasma, also known as hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can occur on the face and neck. It is caused by over-production of melanin in the skin. Luckily, there are various ways to treat it and microneedling is one of them. In this guide we will look at how many microneedling sessions you need and how deep the needle should penetrate into your skin. We will also compare microneedling vs chemical peel for melasma.

In this guide, we find out: Does Microneedling Help Melasma, how many microneedling sessions for melasma, microneedling depth for melasma, and microneedling vs chemical peel for melasma.

Have you recently observed some brownish pigmentation on your face? Or are you in between 20’s to 40’s and you observed a symmetrical light to dark brown macules on the photo-exposed areas of your skin? If you do, you may be having melasma, so what is it? Can you still remove it? And can dermarolling therapy help?

A lot of new and emerging studies have explored and documented the possible potential of dermarolling therapy in treating various skin problems and conditions. One of the current researches is focused on determining whether dermarolling treatment is effective in reducing or removing melasma. So what is melasma and how can dermarolling therapy remove or reduce this skin problem?

But Before that, What Do You need to Know about Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic type of skin lesion which results from blotchy, brownish and symmetrical facial pigmentation. It is common among women compared with men. Usually, it starts as early as 20 years of age and or up to 40 years of age. The not so good thing about melasma is that it can trigger psychological issues such as distress and feelings of embarrassment.

Patients with melasma have hypermelanosis wherein the skin lesions are characterized by presence of macules with an irregular border. The macules vary from dark to light brown. It is commonly seen in the photo-exposed areas.

It is commonly seen among women of childbearing age and also to middle-aged women. Clinically, there are three presentations of melasma:

Epidermal melasma is seen in the suprabasal and basal layer of the skin. When the melanin is found in the superficial and middle dermis it is called dermal melasma. When the two findings of melasma are present in the patient, then it is referred to as mixed melasma.

This characteristic of melasma is very important because the success of the dermarolling treatment will depend on the type of melasma you have. If you have deeper skin lesions, it is important to note that even prolong dermarolling session may not completely remove your melasma. In short, you may not expect complete removal of melasma.

The type of melasma you have will determine if you will be completely free of melasma or not.

Recently, dermatologist has been using microneedling with dermarollers to apply active topical medications by piercing the skin using microneedles. Dermatologists used sterile stainless steel dermarollers with symmetrically aligned microneedles. They used dermaroller with 190 microneedles, and moved it back and forth into the part of the skin with melasma.

The length of the needle may vary depending on the skill of the trained medical professional. It also depends on the extent of predicted skin damage.1

How is the Dermarolling Procedure Being Done and Is it Really Effective?

There are a lot of studies done to evaluate the effectiveness of dermarolling therapy in treating melasma. Current studies have shown promising and good results of microneedling or dermarolling therapy for managing melasma. 1

In fact, dermarolling therapy has also been used for patients with recalcitrant melasma or those cases where patients are unresponsive of sunscreen or topical lightening products. In a case study, the patients with recalcitrant or unresponsive to other medical topical agents volunteered to undergo a dermarolling or microneedling therapy.

They were given topical anesthesia which is applied 30 minutes before the dermarolling session. A 1.5 mm microneedle is used during the dermarolling procedure. During the procedure, the dermaroller is applied in a back and forth movement. Approximately, there are 10 movements for every four directions.

This causes discrete and punctuate bleeding plus diffuse erythma. After the procedure the patient were instructed to use depigmentation formula and tinted sunscreen with SPF 60. A similar procedure was done after 30 days of the initial treatment.

After the treatment, all the volunteers were satisfied with the outcome of the dermarolling procedure. The patients were able to notice an improvement on their skin after having few sessions of dermarolling therapy. They were able to observe skin lightening after microneedling.

Is there any potential side effect of dermarolling therapy?

Dermarolling, also known as microneedling, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves using a device covered in tiny needles to puncture the skin. This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. While dermarolling is generally well-tolerated, most patients do experience some discomfort during and after the treatment.

According to recent data, approximately 70% of patients who undergo dermarolling treatment report feeling some level of pain or discomfort. This pain is typically described as a mild to moderate stinging or burning sensation, similar to a sunburn. However, around 30% of patients do not experience any pain at all during the procedure. This could be due to individual pain thresholds or the use of numbing creams or anesthesia prior to treatment.

In terms of post-treatment discomfort, most patients report feeling some level of redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area. These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. In rare cases, patients may experience more severe pain or irritation, which should be reported to their healthcare provider immediately.

It is important for patients considering dermarolling treatment to be aware of the potential for discomfort during and after the procedure. Doctors may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, applying ice packs, and avoiding sun exposure to help manage any discomfort. Overall, the majority of patients find the benefits of dermarolling to outweigh any temporary pain or discomfort they may experience.

In conclusion, while some patients may experience discomfort during and after dermarolling treatment, the majority find the procedure to be well-tolerated. By understanding the potential for pain and taking steps to manage it, patients can achieve the desired results of smoother, healthier-looking skin.

As a matter of fact, patients were able to return to their daily activities immediately after the dermarolling procedure. Most of the patients who had dermarolling sessions were responsive to the treatment. When ask if they would like to repeat a similar procedure in other similar indications – all patients unanimously agreed.

how many microneedling sessions for melasma

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using a device covered with tiny, shallow needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries prompt the skin to stimulate collagen production, which helps improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

During a microneedling session, a dermatologist or aesthetician will first cleanse the skin and then apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. The skin is then treated with the microneedling device, which creates controlled injury points that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. This leads to the production of new collagen and elastin, which helps improve skin texture and tone over time.

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can be used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, and chest. It can also be combined with other skincare treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or serums, to enhance results.

One of the main benefits of microneedling is its ability to reduce the appearance of acne scars. By stimulating collagen production, microneedling helps to smooth out the skin’s surface and improve overall texture. It can also be effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as the increased collagen production plumps up the skin and makes it appear more youthful.

Overall, microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for improving skin texture and reducing the signs of aging. It is suitable for all skin types and can be customized to meet individual skincare needs. If you are looking to boost collagen production and achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin, microneedling may be the solution for you.

In conclusion, microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of acne scars and signs of aging. By stimulating collagen production, microneedling promotes skin regeneration and enhances overall skin texture. Consult with a skincare professional to determine if microneedling is right for you and to discuss the best treatment options for your skincare concerns.

If you suffer from certain skin conditions and you’re in good health, but haven’t responded to other dermatologic procedures, microneedling could be for you.

Fast-Acting Skin Treatment

Some people report seeing results a week after their first microneedling treatment. These results include a slight reduction in the appearance of acne, a more even skin tone, and smaller pores.

But everyone is different. Everybody’s skin is different, so some people will heal faster than others. It also depends on the severity of your issues. For instance, if you have deep acne scarring, you may not see results until you have undergone two or more treatments.

After your first session, you’ll receive several post-treatment instructions. It’s important to follow these carefully. The instructions are designed to help your skin heal so you can achieve the results you want.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Microneedling involves thousands of tiny needles puncturing the top layer of your skin. The needle pricks create an injury, accelerating both the production of collagen and healing.

It is an ideal treatment if you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots, fine lines, and pigmentation. The treatment also works to improve the overall texture of your skin.

While microneedling may sound painful, it isn’t, provided the area is first numbed. After your procedure, your skin may be a little pink, and you may notice a few puncture wounds, but these fade within a few days.

microneedling depth for melasma

Melasma can be frustratingly difficult to treat for all the reasons I highlighted in my last blog post. But there’s growing optimism that that might not always be the case.

New research indicates that energy-free microneedling, typically in conjunction with potent fade creams and strict sun avoidance, can be an effective treatment for melasma across all skin tones. Let’s get into how it works and why.

How it works

Lasers are generally great for eviscerating excess melanin. But the heat they generate can make melasma worse, triggering the formation of even more discoloration in the weeks following treatment. By contrast, mechanical microneedling generates no such heat.

Through a series of clean, controlled punctures, microneedling is able to reach the deeper dermis that’s often affected by melasma. There, via its healing mechanisms, we’re essentially forcing the surrounding skin to make brand-new skin that hasn’t yet been agitated by hormones or the sun.

Exactly how deep the punctures are will depend on a few factors: the location of the pigment, the patient’s susceptibility to creating more melanin as a result of inflammation (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH), the overall sensitivity of the skin, and the amount of downtime a patient’s willing to endure.

That said, the greatest improvement generally results from varying the depth of the punctures across the face, based on the depth of the pigment that’s being targeted and the thickness of the skin (the cheeks can tolerate a deeper puncture than the nose or around the eyes).

In a new study – a review of 459 melasma patients from seven different countries – researchers found that “topical therapy with microneedling improved melasma severity with a large effect,” with the best results seen at 12 weeks. The key phrase is “topical therapy with melasma.” On its own, said one of the study’s coauthors, microneedling doesn’t help.

The other part of the equation

Lighteners enter the equation at different phases. First, dermatologists will usually have patients “pretreat” their skin for two weeks prior to microneedling with a bleaching cream – either a prescription-strength hydroquinone or a formula that contains hydroquinone plus a retinoid and low-dose corticosteroid.

Then, during the microneedling, active ingredients are inserted into the punctures as soon as they’re made or slathered on the treated skin right after. Every dermatologist has their own preferred formulation, but most include some combination of tranexamic acid, glutathione, vitamin C, and niacinamide, most of which are traditionally administered intravenously. Platelet-rich plasma is also popular.

Most patients will undergo several sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. For the first few days after each treatment, it’s a good idea to use only gentle cleansers, healing ointments, and mineral sunscreens. 

As with most medical procedures – and this should certainly be considered one – there is the potential for complications, which makes it all the more important to seek out a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience administering topical therapy with microneedling.

microneedling vs chemical peel for melasma

Do you have skin discoloration, wrinkles, or another condition that makes you feel self-conscious? Microneedling or chemical peels may help you. 

Microneedling uses a dermal roller on your skin to initiate a healing response, encouraging collagen production to tighten your skin. Peels come in varying strengths and use chemicals like alpha-hydroxy acid, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol to remove dead or damaged skin. 

At the office of Allen Sapadin, MD, we perform both treatments, and we can help you understand which one is right for you. As a dermatologist and aesthetics specialist, Dr. Sapadin offers many cosmetic procedures to boost your confidence. 

At our office in Hackensack, New Jersey, our talented team is excited to help you choose which treatment is best for your needs. 

How can these cosmetic treatments help me?

Microneedling and chemical peels can take your skin from damaged and dull to younger looking and healthier. Each method treats several skin conditions, from scarring to sagging, and we perform both at our office.

Reduce acne scars

No matter what kind of acne scars you have, microneedling and chemical peels both work to reduce their appearance. By promoting collagen production, microneedling allows your skin to heal, which means you see fewer scars as you continue treatment.

Chemical peels also reduce acne scarring, but they do so by removing layers of damaged skin, so you see less scarring.

Smooth your skin

Microneedling produces tiny wounds with a dermal roller. Small sterile needles prick your skin repeatedly, prompting your body to heal. The healing process encourages collagen production, and when it does, you see smoother, healthier, and more youthful looking skin.

Chemical peels can also even out your skin tone and texture by removing damaged areas that cause roughness.

Say goodbye to sun damage

Microneedling can restore collagen where sunlight has broken it down, creating a lasting reduction of wrinkles and sagging skin. Chemical peels safely burn away the top layer of your damaged skin and a new layer of skin appears, smoother and more youthful looking.

How to choose the right procedure

Microneedling and chemical peels treat many of the same conditions, but the same therapy won’t work for everyone. 

Chemical peels treat more surface damage, like wrinkles, texture issues, and scarring. Microneedling treats conditions like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin. 

Chemical peels work to remove damaged layers of skin, and microneedling works by inducing a healing process that replaces damage by filling it in with collagen.