Does microneedling cause collagen breakdown and premature aging?

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

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, actually stimulates the body to produce more collagen rather than breaking down the collagen that is already there. This treatment reverses many signs of aging, including early signs of skin laxity, fine lines and dull skin tone. It is also a good option for scar revision for some patients. However, the treatment is only as good as the experience and expertise of the doctor administering it. I advise you to find a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist for a full evaluation and treatment recommendations. An experienced provider should be able to produce excellent results for you.

Hello and thank you for your question.  Microneedling is a collagen building procedure that can help tighten skin and improve overall skin tone.  That being said, microneedling results rely very much on the person performing procedure.  There are many types of microneedling systems and products used before, during and after the procedure.  Have a few consultations with experienced, board certified providers to discuss your concerns.  Make sure you are confident in your providers knowledge and skill to perform your procedure.  My personal opinion, microneedling is a great procedure to maintain healthy, glowing skin.  Hope this helps. 

If microneedling is done properly, it should enhance collage production with better and tighter proteins and help slow down the aging process. However, during the red phase, you do need to avoid sun to minimize more damage.

Hi Yolanda00,
Microneedling, also known as CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) stimulates the collagen production. The results are not short term, it is actually the opposite. Microneedling addresses many skin issues such as, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, pigmentation and acne scars. Microneedling is done to help prevent premature aging of the skin. 
I would recommend having a treatment so you can experience the results for yourself! PRP is always recommended with all microneedling treatments.
Best to you,

Microneedling stimulates collagen production. It should be performed my an experienced medical provider using a medical grade device. I do not believe that microneedling would result in premature aging. 

To answer your question- yes, case reports are possible, however  any procedure needs to be evaluated on a risk benefit ratio. Microneedling has come a long way over the past few years and can help skin via several methods. Firstly it releases cytokines and growth factors in the epidermis and dermis- the top and bottom layers of your skin. This in turn remodels scars and the dermal layer of the skin. Additionally needles can break up scars themselves. This leads to new collagen formation, and in practice can provide limited skin rejuvenation. 



Microneedling is both user dependent and method driven. Simple needles can be used, growth factors can be added after the procedure, including PRP, or controlled heating during the procedure. This controlled heating is delivered via RF, and is called RF microneedling. RF can then be delivered via insulated or insulated needles. Even the energy level, depths, density, pulse duration and so many other variables can be controlled. This together with the added benefits of growth factor infusion makes this one of the most complex procedures in procedural dermatology. I use everything from Dermapen, though to newer generation insulated and non-insulated devices including INFINI micro-needling radiofrequency, Intensif and others. Newer generation devices can provide an added advantage in some, but not all patients. In my practice, I combine microneedling with many different forms of energy devices, depending on the expectations of the patient. Tailored microneedling combination will always give the best results. 



Like most procedures, its 80% skill level of the specialist and 20% dependent on the brand of the energy device- microneedling system. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia. Realself Advisory Board Member