Could Microneedling fix a keloid scar or would it aggravate the growth? (photo)

Hi and thank you for your question! History of keloid scar formation is among the contraindications of microneedling and hence, I do not recommend that you do microneedling on keloid scars. I hope it helps and good luck! 

These scars can be improved with a combination of vascular lasers like yellow laser, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an scarring expert. Silagen gel should be used twice daily with jan marini bioshield. Best, Dr. Emer

First, I would caution you not to be self-treating. Microneedling, except for the use of home rollers with needle depths of no more than 0.15mm-maximum to 0.5mm, should be left to the hands of experienced professionals. Certainly, therefore, performing any treatment on an area such as yours that has already proven itself to be keloid-prone should best be placed in the care of a board certified aesthetic physician with extensive experience in microneedling and scar treatments. Microneedling with needle depths of at least 1.5mm-2.0mm and the accompaning topical application of tyrosine and lanatoprost would likely be helpful for both smoothing the uneven surface texture of this scar and helping to restore more normal pigmentation. The further addition of topical triamcinolone acetonide suspension (and perhaps additionally 5-FU) may be helpful for reducing the risk of keloid recurrence. Wishing you the best of luck.

Hi and thank you for your question. I am my own experiment in using my microneedling for a keloid. I micro needled my own keloid on my right forearm for a keloid scar that developed after an excision of skin cancer. I was disappointed that I developed the keloid as this has never happened before. I did two sessions about a month apart and gradually it smoothed out and looks like a normal flat scar now. So, the answer is yes, in some people it can help. The important question is that all microneedling is not the same and the type used along with our growth factor serum is what made the difference. Best of luck to you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Schneider

Thank you for your photo. It appears that you no longer have a keloid however you have a wide atrophic scar. Microneedling will not remove this scar. This scar is better treated with an excision and re-closure to exhange the oval scar for a thin line. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Microneedling is contraindicated in people with tendency to make keloids. Although it is difficult to assess your concern from the picture you provided, I suggest you get a consultation from a doctor with experience in microneedling because I am not totally sure from the picture if you have a real keloid or simply a large scar.

More information needed and an examination. Is this hard or soft? Looks like steroid atrophy. RF devices could help, followed by silicone gel, same with fractional LOW DENSITY Co2 laser. Micro needling itself is not indicated. Many solutions, but a clinical examination is essential. 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.