I get hypertrophic scarring. Can I still get microneedling on my face (not on my scars)?

Question

I am of Southeastern Asian descent with relatively light skin who gets hypertrophic scarring after injuries. Can I still get microneedling on my face? I don't have any hypertrophic scars on my face but I would like to eliminate my sun spots and acne scars. I've tried IPL on its lowest setting and it made my sun spots worse.

Christina Steil, MD · Answer

Microneedling when performed correctly has a minimal risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation, however this side effect has been described. Scars post microneedling are likely due to excess pressure during a treatment, however if your skin is prone to healing poorly then one should exercise caution.Microneedling is a great treatment option for acne scars in patients prone to hyperpigmentation because there is no heat generated in the skin during the treatment.  Prior to being treated on the entire face, consider having a small test area treated to see how your skin reacts.  Scars usually develop in areas that are prone to tension and pull, so with correct technique your risk of scarring should be no greater than the typical patient.

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

Given your skin type you need to be pre treated & protected with melanocyte (color producing cells in skin) suppression prior to treatment with Microneedling or Halo hybrid fractional laser.  HALO laser, FDA approved in 2014 has been tested to be safe even in African American skin type.  We have had excellent results in all skin types with this laser treating scars, uneven pigment, texture, laxity, lines, wrinkles and melasma.
Combination of PRP (platelet rich plasma) with laser or microneedling may get you results faster with quicker recovery.  No matter which modality you choose, you will need to proceed with caution, seek a thorough skin exam, and will need multiple treatment sessions and possibly a combination of therapies.  Wish you the best of luck.

I get hypertrophic scarring. Can I still get microneedling on my face (not on my scars)?

Answers (2)

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