2 questions on microneedling

Microneedling is a popular treatment for improving the appearance of atrophic scars, such as pitted acne scars, and your questions touch on important considerations for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Depth of Microneedling for Atrophic Scars: You’re correct that atrophic scars involve a loss of tissue, which can affect the optimal depth for microneedling. While the typical recommendation for pitted scars is a needle depth of 1.5-2.5mm, the actual depth needed can vary based on the individual’s skin thickness and the severity of the scars. In some cases, less depth might indeed be effective, especially if the scar is not deep or if the surrounding skin is thinner. It is important to tailor the treatment to the patient's specific skin characteristics and the nature of the scar. A professional assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate depth for each individual.

Puncture Angle for Breaking Up Tethered Scar Fibers: The idea of using diagonal punctures instead of vertical ones is an interesting concept. In theory, diagonal punctures could potentially help to break up tethered scar fibers more effectively by introducing varied angles of micro-injury, which might disrupt the fibrous tissue more thoroughly. However, standard practice typically involves vertical punctures due to the uniformity and control they offer, as well as the ease of use with most microneedling devices. Further research and clinical trials would be beneficial to explore the potential advantages of different puncture angles in microneedling for scar treatment.

Both of these considerations highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans and the potential for ongoing innovation in microneedling techniques. Consulting with a dermatologist or experienced practitioner can provide further insights and tailored recommendations based on the latest research and clinical experience.