No Results from Microneedling?

Question

Looking for some expert advice as I decide if I want to go back for my next microneedling visit. I’ve gone for two sessions so far, using AnteAge and have seen no change in my skin. At first I thought I just needed to wait, but I’ve done two sessions (of the recommended 3) and am 6 weeks past my first visit with no change. I actually think I’ve seen a more noticeable result from chemical peels and daily exfoliation at home. Is this common? Should I bother with my 3rd visit?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses small needles to puncture the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and firmness. While AnteAge is a popular serum used during the microneedling process, it's important to note that results may vary depending on factors such as the individual's skin type and the severity of the skin concerns being addressed.

It's not uncommon for individuals to see little to no improvement after just two sessions of microneedling, particularly if the skin concerns being addressed are more severe or require more time to improve. However, if you've seen more noticeable results from chemical peels and daily exfoliation, it may be worth discussing with your dermatologist or aesthetician whether microneedling is the best treatment option for you.

Ultimately, the decision to go back for your third microneedling session should be based on your individual skin concerns and goals, as well as your satisfaction with the results you've seen so far. If you have any concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a skincare professional to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Best of luck !

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Sometimes results can take a few sessions to notice as it takes time for new collagen to build and the cells to turn over. It also depends on what you are aiming to treat, the depth used for treatment, and the device. If this is an at-home treatment, results usually wont be as great when compared to medical grade devices. If you are treating ice pick acne scarring, this can take several session with general microneedling compared to devices that resurface the skin. However, I have seen great results with microneedling in general. Sometimes it is also good to add different serums, such as exosomes, for example, as this can better stimulate collagen production, regenerate cells, repair damaged cells, and rejuvenate the skin. I would recommend asking your current provider the depth of the treatment they are using and inform that you do not feel you are seeing great benefit. With this in mind, potentially another treatment can be added or substituted. Additionally, good skincare can affect results. I advise all of my patients to be on some form of retinol as this will only lead to more success. Hope this helps!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Microneedling typically does take 3 visits to see a noticeable effect. As you noted, the effect from this procedure will generally be different than chemical peels and can seem less dramatic as chemical peels will typically treat the skin in a deeper manner than microneedling does. However, microneedling can have a larger effect on things like acne scars and other skin irregularities while chemical peels can affect overall skin texture and sun damage.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit with your microneedling provider to discuss your concerns with regard to results.  It may be that a different treatment is more in line with your needs.  There are various microneedling treatments available as well.  One of them is Morpheus8 which combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Actually you likely need up to 6 treatments and you should also do chemical peels and exfoliation. Puncturing and wounding the skin to stimulate collagen takes time and is a wonderful all around procedure.

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