How come I've seen zero results with microneedling?

Question

A board certified dermatologist performed 3 treatments. There was blood. My scarring is mild. Each treatment has been 6-8 weeks apart. No prp or growth factors were used, but to my understanding, results should still be there. What gives?

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Microneedling is a great treatment for collagen stimulation, improvement of skin texture, fine lines and some scars. The average treatment is done in three sessions but for scars more treatments are needed. In my practice I use the patient's own PRP and there is medical research that shows in doing so the results are better.

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

First of all, I hope that pre and post-treatment pictures were taken.  The results of microneedling occur slowly over about 6 weeks after each treatment and, therefore, it is easy to not realize that improvement that is happening.  Often, when my patients think there has been no change, we discover that, in fact, nice improvement has happened when we compare pictures.If the pictures show no change, a few things may be going on.  Sometimes the skin does not respond as well as we expect to a particular treatment.  You may be a better candidate for a procedure such as a CO2 laser to reduce your scars or your scars may need 4 - 6 treatments instead of the traditional three. PRP does definitely improve the results of microneedling, so if you decide to do more treatments, I would suggest that you find a physician who incorporates this into the procedure.

Julian Orenstein, MD · Answer

Great question. Microneedling, an excellent choice with a proven track record for success, allows skin to rejuvenate, and is a natural, biologic process. A common misperception is results are going to be immediate. In fact, three is just a start and you may be surprised to know six is an optimal number of treatments. You can expect very nice results once you have had the full course of treatments. 
Another aspect of this is the fact that the more dramatic scarring you have, the faster you will see results, and so comparing before and after shots may reveal a better result than you imagine! One option to enhance the results is PRP: platelets from your own blood sample act as stem cells. They contain growth and healing factors and augment the effects begun with microneedling. 
Starting yourself on microneedling in the first place is the right move. Allowing your immune system to work its magic may take time and patience. And, as always, you should keep in mind that individual results vary based on age, degree of scarring, sun, smoke or other environmental exposure,

Theodore Staahl, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Microneedling best results are seen after a series of treatments.  We recommend minimally 4 for mild scarring or rejuvenation. Certainly there is variability from patient to patient, but you should see some results.  Because microneedling works by stimulating collagen it takes time to see results.  You've had 3 so you should see something.  I would request comparison of before and after photos.  You may also need more treatment for optimal results.  I also recommend adding PRP.

How come I've seen zero results with microneedling?

Answers (4)

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