Is microneedling still considered an effective procedure?

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

Hello, hope you are well. Microneedling with or without RF is a great procedure when applied in the correct circumstances. Like anything else, I view it as a tool that should only be deployed when the job calls for it. If you have visibly hanging skin (jowling, 'turkey neck', etc) and your goal is to eliminate those problems, then I consider it to be inappropriate as a standalone treatment modality. If you have mild skin laxity (usually in early adulthood) and/or skin texture issues (acne scarring, large pores, etc), it can be a great, minimally invasive option. For visibly sagging skin, the gold standard treatment remains a face and neck lift. It really depends on the individual circumstances.
Best,Dr. Tower

When it comes to expensive PRP treatments for aesthetic reasons, unfortunately, the hard science to support their use lags well behind the heavy marketing and advertising hype and social media buzz. Professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling), which I have been performing for well over twenty-three years, is an effective technique for improving superficial skin TEXTURE and color irregularities. But, for optimal results in treating these, the procedure typically requires more aggressive microneedling perfomed using injected local anesthesia--an approach that typically cannot be done or achieved with less aggressive at-home treatments. But, microneedling would not be expected to be effective for sagging. For this, the use of an appropriately injected, robust HA lifting or volumizing filler would be more appropriate and effective treatment. You would be wise to seek consultation and treatment with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

In my opinion, micro needling still is an effective treatment. I use it with radio frequency and think that is more effective than without it. I think the procedure mainly helps with issues on the surface of the skin, like wrinkles and textural irregularities. Sagging skin is sometimes better dealt with using surgery. Photos or an examination of you would be helpful to give you the best advice.

Yes. Its an effective procedure to induce collagen. Adding platelet rich plasma or radio frequency makes it even more effective.

Yes, Morpheus8 treatments which combine microneedling with RF technology are effective at improving overall skin tone and texture. Common concerns that are addressed with this treatment are sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, crepey skin, stretch marks and more. See my website or a provider near you to learn more.