Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended

My office, as well as numerous offices and spas across the country, are using microneedling for treatment of active acne. However, it is effective for this purpose only when done to enhance penetration of an appropriate serum to reduce inflammation in the skin.

There are much better products than PRP to use with micro-needling because PRP is strongly pro-inflammatory (not good). We do all our micro-needling treatments using a serum from ProCell Therapies that is made for this purpose and contains a high concentration of growth factors derived from stem cells from human bone marrow. These growth-factors are very anti-inflammatory and are much more "skin specific" than PRP which enables rapid healing with significantly less inflammation post procedure, with better results. Stem cells secrete growth factors that modulate inflammation downward while providing pro-healing bio-signals.

A shave excision is typically the easiest, most cost effective, and least likely to scar method of removal especially if you are prone to keloids. With this method the mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. Dermatologic surgeons typically do this procedures expertly.

The majority of microneedling pens on the market utilize a "gliding" technique that produces elongated scratches on the skin due to local tissue trauma. This has been nicely demonstrated in clay models. It is inherent in the technique and can't be avoided. In my office, we use the ProCell Therapies microchanneling system which uses a "stamping" technique that ensures vertical needle insertions into the skin causing very little tissue trauma. This system also uses concentrated human growth factor serums made from human stem cells which has been shown to be superior to PRP.

There is also an at-home microneedling treatment kit just released by Célage Bioscience. This kit uses the same stamping motion, enabling you to safely do microneedling treatments at home with human growth-factor serums derived from stem cells. The kit contains a hand-held microneedling stamping tool with 0.25 mm needles. 

Slower microneedling needle tip speeds are mostly for beginners learning the technique. Faster speeds with more needles, in experienced hands, equates to both shorter treatment times and more skin perforations which causes greater penetration of topically applied serum and potentially better results. In published scientific studies, the optimal needle length for enhanced penetration has been proven to be 0.5 mm.

Microneedling treatments can now be safely done at home with a new treatment kit from Célage Bioscience. This kit will enable you to do home microneedling treatments using a growth-factor serum

derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with a hand-held microneedling stamping tool with 0.25 mm needles. These treatments have been proven effective for treatment of acne scars, fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, and skin brightening. Interestingly, studies are now showing that shorter needle lengths are more effective than longer needle lengths for creating channels that allow for better penetration of topical serums and medications. Longer needles create more tissue damage, swelling and bleeding which can adversely affect penetration of these serums. A published scientific study showed a significantly greater penetration of serum applied after microneedling with 0.5 mm needles vs 1.5 mm needles. 

Microneedling is an excellent treatment for facial scars from many causes, including chicken pox. Combining microneedling with human growth-factor serum makes it even more effective.

I also very effectively treat facial chicken pox depressed scars by injecting a superficial hyaluronic acid filler just beneath the surface of the skin. Restylane Silk works well for this.

Collagen is produced by cells in the skin called fibroblasts, so procedures that stimulate these cells are the most effective. As injections are typically used to go more deeply below the skin, they are not as effective in plumping the skin or improving melasma which is due to pigmentation in the upper layers. Microneedling is ideal for allowing penetration of treatment serums directly at the level where they will do the most good. Interestingly, studies are now showing that shorter needle lengths are more effective than longer needle lengths for creating channels that allow for better penetration of topical serums and medications. Longer needles create more tissue damage, swelling and bleeding which can adversely affect penetration of these serums. A published scientific study showed a significantly greater penetration of serum applied after microneedling with 0.5 mm needles vs 1.5 mm needles. Plus, we are also seeing better results using human growth-factor serums than with PRP. 

In my office, we use the ProCell Therapies system which combines motorized micro-needling with concentrated human growth factor serums made from human stem cells. 

Microneedling treatments can also be safely done at home with a new treatment kit from Célage Bioscience which uses a growth-factor serum derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with a hand-held microneedling stamping tool with 0.25 mm needles.

A shave excision is typically the easiest, most cost effective, and least likely to scar method of removal. With this method the mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. From the appearance of the mole on the photograph it appears that a shave removal would be the best way to go. Dermatologic surgeons typically do both procedures expertly and can decide which would be best for your particular mole.

There are better products than PRP to use with micro-needling because PRP is strongly pro-inflammatory (not good). In my office we do all our micro-needling treatments using a serum from ProCell Therapies that is made for this purpose and contains a high concentration of growth factors derived from stem cells from human bone marrow. These growth-factors are very anti-inflammatory and are much more "skin specific" than PRP which enables rapid healing with significantly less inflammation post procedure, with better results. Stem cells secrete growth factors that modulate inflammation downward while providing pro-healing bio-signals.

To really get the best "bang for your buck" you should consider at-home microneedling treatments. There is a new microneedling treatment kit from Célage Bioscience that will enable you to do home microneedling treatments using a similar growth-factor serum derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Sculptra is supplied in glass vials and is reconstituted with sterile water at least overnight and preferably one to two days prior to use. The immediate result that is seen is due to the water volume and not the effect from the Sculptra itself.

An increase in volume is correspondingly gradual, starting 3 months after the injection and achieving a maximum at approximately 5 to 6 months post injection. Sculptra is gradually degraded into water and carbon dioxide over approximately 9 to 24 months. Newly formed collagen remains and the cosmetic augmentation has been noted to last up to at least 24 months.