Microneedling Effective in the Treatment of Facial and Nonfacial Scars

by | Mar 30, 2020 | 2020, Alternative Therapies, Skin Health

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. This study demonstrates the benefits of microneedling for various facial and nonfacial scars across a broad range of skin phototypes.

microneedling -skin healthAn increasingly popular cosmetic practice, microneedling involves using a dermaroller fixed with small needles to create microwounds for the stimulation of collagen production 1. The controlled skin injury also induces release of other functional factors which support cell growth and cell proliferation, including platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor 2,3. By promoting neocollagenesis and scar remodeling 4, microneedling has proven to be an effective treatment for various dermatologic conditions, including burn scars and acne scarring 5-7. As a more readily available treatment tool than standard surgical procedures or energy-based treatments for scars 8-10, microneedling is not only a more cost-effective approach to treating scars, but is also associated with lower risk of further scarring 11,12. Microneedling also holds a distinct advantage over laser treatments in that it does not increase risk of dyspigmentation during skin irradiation in patients with darker skin 13. While a growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of microneedling for a variety of skin conditions, the majority of studies have not examined the effects of microneedling in different types of scars. Thus, in a 2020 study 14 published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, investigators looked at effects of microneedling treatment in patients with a range of facial and nonfacial scars.

A total of 120 patients (101 women and 19 men, mean age = 47.5 years) with any facial or nonfacial scars resulting from acne, trauma, or surgery were enrolled in a prospective observational study in which they received microneedling treatment once a month for up to 6 consecutive months. Scars were treated with a handheld motorized microneedling device with needles ranging from 2.5 to 3 mm in depth. Hyaluronic acid gel was applied to scars during treatment, but no other topical treatments were applied during the rest of the study. Scars were photographed and clinically evaluated by blinded assessors using the Global Assessment Score (GAS) at baseline; prior to each treatment session; and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following the final treatment session.

On average, patients received 3.2 microneedling treatments. Across all patients, scars were seen to improve, based on GAS, by at least 50% (mean improvement score of 3.07) after an average of 2.5 treatments. In over 80% of patients, improvement ranged from 50-75% based on GAS, and in 65% of patients, improvement was over 75%. In general, no significant clinical differences were noted in treatment response of facial vs. nonfacial scars. As well, no significant clinical differences were observed between treatment response of atrophic acne, traumatic scars, or surgical scars. Side effects were limited to erythema (skin redness) and edema (puffiness of skin), which lasted only 3 to 7 days on average.

Findings from the present study illustrate the efficacy of microneedling for the treatment of scars, both facial and nonfacial, resulting from various causes. The first investigation to examine the long-term effects of motorized microneedling in a variety of skin phototypes, evidence from the trial suggests that, without the use of additional topical skin treatments, microneedling treatment once monthly is sufficient to produce clinical improvement in the appearance of scars within 6 months. Microneedling appears to be a safe, effective, and less expensive treatment for scars than conventional surgery or laser-based treatment protocols. Additional studies are needed to determine optimal treatment procedures for specific types of scars and to explore the potential utility of combination treatments. Primary limitations of the study relate to the absence of an active control group and a disproportionate ratio of male to female subjects.

Source: Alster TS, Li MKY. Microneedling of scars: a large prospective study with long-term follow-up. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2020; 145(2): 359-363. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006362.

© 2019 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Posted March 30, 2020.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity.

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