Should I pursue microneedling for my skin problems? (photos)

Question

Hi I'm a 24yr old black african American man that has very old and dull looking skin that makes me look 30 with terrible acne scars. I've been looking intensely into mirconeeding and found a good place to do the procedure but it gonna cost $3000. So my first question is does this price seem reasonable? And should I even pursue mirconeeding to first my skin problem?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Julia Stevenson, MD · Answer

This is a great question!  Microneedling is a great adjunct to a great skin regimen.  It is helpful in improving acne scars and the overall tone of the facial skin.  It's difficult to tell with some of the lighting, but microneedling would help with some of the acne scars, but even more importantly, a good skin regimen that can help with oil production, acne occurrences and poor size.  Microneedling is contraindicated in areas with active inflammation and infection, which is why it's important to have a good handle on acne prior to undergoing microneedling.  With regards to the cost, the price is usually for a package of treatments.  One treatment will not produce the results that most people are looking for if it is to treat acne scars.  Cost is not only based on number of treatment sessions, but also if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used in the process, which will increase the price.  So, there are alot of variables in pricing.  Be sure you know all that is included in that price.
All the best!

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Microneedling is a great procedure for your skin.  It will help soften acne scarring, brighten skin, tighten skin and improve tone and texture.  Acne can not be active while getting the series of treatments.  Microneedling will open pores releasing pus and bacteria trapped in your pimples, this can cause more acne to form.  Make sure you are following a solid skin care regimen.  If there are 1 or 2 pimples, a treatment can be done just avoid areas. Follow a regimen for acne prone skin, be sure to exfoliate , you can start a low dose retinol at home to help with acne / oil production.  Retinol is a great  treatment to start to keep the skin bright, smooth and also help with fine lines over time.  Be careful in the sun with this product!    As far as cost, a single microneedling treatment without prp can be $400-$500.  Microneedling w/prp $1000.00-$1200/tx.  Series of 3 microneedling treatments with out prp is around $3000.  Whatever you do, make sure you are going to a board certified , experienced provider.  Good luck to you, hope this helps.

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Should I pursue microneedling for my skin problems? (photos)

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