Can DermaRolling really cause thicker/tougher skin with long-term use?

Question

I have been using a .75mm dermaroller at home, about once every other week, for better absorption of product. I don't press very hard but I recently read that a long term side effect of DR could be increased thickness or toughness of skin due to scar tissue buildup. Is this something I really need to worry about?

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend physician supervised treatments because, as you know, derma rolling is being done to generate collagen which may thickness of the skin

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

While micro-needling works by stimulating collagen production, it is really only enough to combat the appearance of the skin doe to collagen loss from aging. It should not cause scar tissue build-up.However, I recommend against using rollers such as the Dermaroller as they create a more erratic pattern of "tears" through the skin rather than the clean, more evenly distributed punctures seen with motorized micro-needling machines. Also, to get the best results micro-needling should be combined with the application of human growth factor serum which results in healthier collagen and elastic fibers.
 In my office we are getting excellent results using the ProCell Therapies system which combines motorized micro-needling with concentrated human growth factor serums made from human stem cells. Our patients also use growth factor serums at home after their office treatment.

Can DermaRolling really cause thicker/tougher skin with long-term use?

Answers (2)