There are different types of microneedling, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. So, which one is better? Here is a look at the different types of microneedling, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Microneedling or Skin Needling Treatment is a new form of minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of tiny needles to create controlled skin injuries to help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, which leads to the production of new collagen and elastin. This procedure treats conditions like psoriasis, acne scars, and stretch marks.
- Types of Microneedling
- Mechanical Microneedling
- Different Types of Microneedling Devices
- Different Types of Microneedling Procedures
- What is the Best Type of Microneedling?
- Treatments and Their Effectiveness & Downtime
- How Deep Does Microneedling Go?
- Skin Conditions and Depth Of Needles For Microneedling
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I Know if My Acne Has Been Treated?
- Conclusion
Types of Microneedling
Depending upon how deep the needle goes into the skin – there are mainly two types of microneedling: superficial and deep. Superficial microneedling uses lower-powered needles to create smaller holes in the skin, while deep microneedling pumps larger needles into the skin and creates deeper wounds. Superficial microneedling is commonly used for treatment for acne. Deep microneedling is used to treat deep scars and wrinkles.
Mechanical Microneedling
Small motorized pen-like device is used to perform this procedure with adjustable penetration depth ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. This can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. Mechanical Microneedling can also be used to treat rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and other skin imperfections and can be performed also at home with a dermaroller, or in a doctor’s office with a dermapen.
The longer the needle length, the more time should elapse between 2 procedures. When using a 1.5-mm needle device, you’ll want to wait at least three weeks between 2 treatments.
The microneedling device uses multiple rows of tiny needles and creates controlled micro-punctures or channels in the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help strengthen the skin and reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks. Depending on the depth setting of the device, the punctures are generally about 1 mm deep. After the treatment, the skin is usually red and inflamed. It may also have tiny scabs. The redness and inflammation usually only last a few hours. After this initial period, the skin becomes dry, flaky, and tight. This condition will typically last for a day or two.
Different Types of Microneedling Devices
There are different types of microneedling devices available on the market, each with its own set of benefits.
1. Derma rollers: Derma rollers are handheld devices that consist of a cylinder with dozens of small needles attached to it. Derma rollers are used to puncture the skin, which is then followed by the application of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or other topical solutions. The results from derma rollers can vary from person to person. Derma rollers are often considered as a DIY tool for use at home and have smaller needles, usually 0.3 mm. Usually, microneedling pen is preferred over dermaroller by professionals because it allows different depths in different areas of the face.
2. Dermapen or Micro-needling pen: These are handheld pen-like devices that use slightly longer needles than the ones used in derma rollers. This device is used by professionally trained aestheticians/dermatologists and may not be used at home. Microneedling pen creates micro vibrations while used over the surface of the skin and penetrates slightly deeper than Derma Rollers.
There are many different types of dermapen on the market. Some are manual, some are electronic. Some have a single needle, while others have multiple needles. The size of the needles also varies. Some dermapens are meant for at-home use, while others are only available through a professional. Some dermapen have different colors of built-in LED light adjustments.
3. Dermastamp: A dermastamp is a microneedling tool with a more concentrated needle formation that is stamped to the epidermis. It can be mechanized or manual and is used for specific site treatment. Dermastamps are a popular choice for targeted patches of uneven skin tone and more focused treatment of individual scars is possible with this device.
Shop-bought at-home microneedling options are both attractive and popular, but, because this treatment occasionally involves penetrating skin deep into the dermis, in-office microneedling is always recommended for proper safety and optimal results.
Also read: Facial After Microneedling (Should You Do It?)
Different Types of Microneedling Procedures
1. DermaFrac
DermaFrac is a 4-in-1 treatment combining microdermabrasion, Microneedling with simultaneous deep tissue serum infusion followed by LED light therapy. This treatment target aging and sun-damaged skin, acne, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dark undereye circles and superficial scars. Dermafrac is a similar procedure to Microneedling but with a sophisticated device having diamond or crystalfree tip for microdermabrasion to abrade the skin, 180 super-fine needles for microneedling, with inbuilt vacuum mechanism and LED light source.
This non-invasive, cost-effective treatment can provide the added benefit of having no downtime with the ability to individually select serums for infusion. The needles of various sizes are used to infuse the anti-aging serum of potent peptides deep into the skin.
2. Microchanneling
Microchanneling is a minimally invasive skincare treatment that uses fine filaments to create microscopic channels in the top layer of skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, which results in the production of new collagen and elastin. Microchanneling can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which are not so deep, scars, and overall skin texture. The treatment is safe for all skin types and has little to no downtime. The treatment is quick and relatively painless and done using a small gun-like device with multiple, very fine, gold-plated filaments-like needles to create shallow channels in the top layer of skin. (Please refer to our info table at the bottom of this article about all the procedures and their respective downtime.)
3. Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling (FRM)
Fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) is a new, minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that offers many benefits over traditional microneedling. It can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. The treatment uses small insulated needles to deliver radiofrequency energy to the skin, producing thermal zones in the dermal structural components which helps to stimulate collagen production and promote healing.
FRM uses fractionated radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of skin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. A series of treatments are typically required for optimal results. FRM is safer and more effective than traditional microneedling, with less downtime and fewer side effects. This procedure has been gaining popularity in recent years. The results are smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Is RF Microneedling Better Than Regular Microneedling?
RF microneedling can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Some studies have shown that RF microneedling is effective and all of the patients studied reported a noticeable improvement in acne scars, but more comparative research is needed.
This technology does not damage the epidermis, and is, therefore, safe for darker skin types.
4. Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy or commonly known as “biorejuvenation” or “biorevitalization” is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting medication into the mesoderm or fat layer of the skin, which is the middle layer of skin.
What Solution is Used in Mesotherapy?
The solution used in Mesotherapy is usually a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, anti-oxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, nutrients, and plant extract that are designed to treat a variety of issues, such as cellulite, wrinkles, and hair loss.
Mesotherapy can be performed on almost any area of the body and is often used as an alternative to more invasive procedures, such as liposuction. There are a variety of different techniques and tools used in mesotherapy. The procedure can also be performed at home, with kits that contain everything you need to perform the treatment. The main reason that the procedure is so versatile is the fact that it can be performed on almost any area of the body.
Mesotherapy has the ability to target fat cells specifically, which makes it an effective treatment for localized fat deposits. Because of its targeted nature, it is also often used in conjunction with liposuction and other cosmetic treatments.
Does Mesotherapy Really Work?
Over the past few years, the use of mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation has increased considerably at a relatively high cost to patients. But there is no scientific evidence to support the claims made by mesotherapy practitioners. The study conducted on 6 volunteers and published in the International journal of dermatology dated Aug. 2012, indicates that mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation does not result in statistically significant changes or clinical improvement in skin conditions. The injectable solution used was a cocktail of a multivitamin solution and non-cross-linked, high-viscosity hyaluronic acid.
However, many people report feeling more youthful and energized after undergoing the treatment. There is also some anecdotal evidence that mesotherapy can help with conditions like cellulite, hair loss, and arthritis.
If you are considering mesotherapy, it is important to consult with a doctor or other medical professional to ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
What is the Best Type of Microneedling?
When it comes to skin rejuvenation, there are a number of different procedures that can be used.
The best approach is a combination of treatments. One’s particular needs should be considered when applying a particular acne scar treatment. Many people differ personally not only in the severity of their scars but also in the manner of their development.
Microneedling can be used in conjunction with other skin care treatments, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Traditional Microneedling is in fact more effective than microchanneling or other treatments because it can treat deeper scarring and wrinkles and needs fewer sessions than microchanneling but with relatively more downtime.
Treatments and Their Effectiveness & Downtime
| Sr. No. | Treatment | Device Used | Downtime | Home/Clinic | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traditional Microneedling | Dermapen/Dermaroller | 3 days to 1 week | can be done at home at less deeper depth | dark circles, deep acne scars and deep lines and wrinkles. |
| 2 | Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling (FRM) | A device with insulated needles that deliver high-intensity radio frequency energy directly into the dermis | 2 days to 1 week | clinic | For darker skin types / Hyperpigmentation, Sagging skin, Large pores, texture irregularities on the skin. Carry a risk of hyperpigmentation for people with medium to dark skin tones |
| 3 | Dermafrac | microneedling device combined with Serum infusion system and LED | 1 to 3 days | clinic | superficial acne scars, dark undereye circles, fine lines, enlarged pores, sun damage, pigmentation, give the skin a more youthful overall appearance |
| 4 | Microchanneling | A linear stamping device with gold-plated filaments like needles | typically 1 to 2 hours | clinic | Hyperpigmentation, skin tightening, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars that are not so deep |
| 5 | Mesotherapy | device with different combinations of features / Needleless device | 3 days to 1 week | clinic/home using Mesotherapy kits | conditions like cellulite, hair loss, removing the excessive fat from the hips, legs, thighs, arms, stomach, tightening loose skin, skin pigmentation |
| 6 | fractional Laser Resurfacing | Home devices employ non-ablative lasers | 2 to 3 weeks for Ablative Laser Treatments / 1 to 2 weeks for non-ablative lasers | clinic/home with non-ablative laser devices | for people with lighter skin tones, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and balancing or removing skin discoloration, improve complexion/results are less noticeable with non-ablative laser treatment |
How Deep Does Microneedling Go?
Depth-wise, there are two types of microneedling: spa-depth and medical-depth. Spa-depth microneedling is less invasive and typically requires no numbing agent. Medical-depth microneedling penetrates deeper into the skin and may require the use of a topical numbing agent.
Spa-depth microneedling uses shallower needles to penetrate the skin at 0.5mm deep, resulting in less downtime and side effects. The purpose of this procedure is to stimulate collagen production, which can lead to firmer, smoother skin. Spa-depth microneedling is considered a relatively safe and effective treatment for light wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Medical-depth microneedling is a more invasive form of the procedure that penetrates deeper to 2.5mm into the skin. This type of microneedling is often used to treat deep acne scars and other types of scar removal, as well as stretch marks and more prominent wrinkles. Medical-depth microneedling can be associated with more side effects than spa-depth microneedling, such as bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
Both types of microneedling can be effective in improving the appearance of the skin. However, medical-depth microneedling may provide more dramatic results.
Skin Conditions and Depth Of Needles For Microneedling
| Sr. No. | Skin Condition | Depth of Needle to Choose for Home Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under eyes circles | 0.25 mm |
| 2 | Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores | 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm |
| 3 | Stimulate hair growth | 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm |
| 4 | Wrinkles, skin aging, moderate acne scars, skin discoloration, pigmentation disorders | 0.75 mm |
| 5 | Stretch marks, surgical scars | 1.5 mm |
| 6 | Deep acne scars | 2 mm (not recommended for home use on face) Avoid Temple Areas |
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is yes. A dermatologist can assess your individual skin concerns and determine whether microneedling is right for you.
While microneedling is generally safe, there are some people who should not undergo the procedure.
People who should not do microneedling include those who have active acne, active herpes simplex virus (HSV), or any other open wounds or infections on the face. Microneedling can also make certain skin conditions worse, such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Also, people who are on blood thinners or those who are frequent alcohol drinkers and pregnant women should avoid microneedling.
If you are unsure whether microneedling is right for you, it is best to consult with a dermatologist or other skincare professional. They can help you assess your individual risks and determine whether the potential benefits of treatment outweigh them.
The ideal depth for microneedling depends on your goals. If you are hoping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, then a shallower depth may be sufficient. Deeper needle penetration can be more effective for treating acne scars or other types of scarring.
Needle depths can range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Your dermatologist or aesthetician will be able to recommend the ideal depth for your specific goals. Generally, depths between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm are safe for most people. Depths greater than 2.5 mm should only be performed by a trained professional, as there is a greater risk for side effects such as bruising, bleeding, and infection. Depth of 0.5 mm – 1.5mm should be used on the face, neck & chest and 1.5mm – 2.5 mm on other parts of the body should be used.
Yes, Microneedling can be used by diabetic patients. But they should avoid going deep.
How do I Know if My Acne Has Been Treated?
Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to improve the appearance of acne scars.
Six signs that your acne is being treated after microneedling:
- The size of your pimples will decrease.
- The redness and inflammation of your pimples will decrease and the size of nodules underneath will start getting smaller.
- The number of pimples you have will decrease.
- You will see a decrease in the number of breakouts.
- The breakouts you do have are less severe.
- Your skin appears to be healing if it is starting to look clearer.
Conclusion
Microneedling is a great way to improve the appearance of your skin. There are many different types of microneedling like Dermafrac, Mesotherapy, Microchanneling, Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling (FRM), etc. So it is important to choose the one that is best for you. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try a less aggressive option. If you are looking for dramatic results, you may want to try a more aggressive option. Also, it depends on what effects you want to achieve. You may also talk to your dermatologist to find out which type of microneedling suits you perfectly.
Hope this detailed information will help you.
Also read: Facial After Microneedling (Should You Do It?)
Hi, I’m Annie,
What drives me is the ability to empower women by cultivating the self-confidence in their inner beauty, enhancing their self-image, and showing them that overall beauty needn’t be either difficult or costly and that they can seamlessly mould their style to suit their everyday needs, without having to make an either / or choice. I’m constantly surprised at every transformation and it drives me on to the next. My knowledge is enhanced by 18 years of hands-on experience, and learning from every new assignment.
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