I was told pulse duration was fraction of a second. How many milliseconds is that? Is that long enough to improve acne scarring?

Much more difficult than just dealing in a PD, depth and level on the device. One thing that is uncertain is where the scars lie. In the context of severe acne scars I always use a cannula to determine the depth of scars. Now, as for the PD or pulse duration its as simple as diving 300 over 1000 that it its 0.3 of a second. The PD or energy levels (joules) is the 1-20 or 1-30. This is arbitrary as each device has their own reading. This is made more complex with insulation, no insulation of afire of insulation. The end points clinically are far from the the screen shot of 'acne scar settings' as each patient will have different depth of scarring. 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