Microneedling

Scars are areas of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g. after accident, disease, surgery) results in some degree of scarring. Scar tissue is the same protein (collagen) as the tissue that it replaces, but the fiber composition of the protein is different. Instead of a nice “basket weave” formation of fibers, the collagen in scar tissue is aligned in a single direction resulting in a pronounced and thicker appearance. Acne treatments for most are long term and can result in scarring.

There are multiple causes of acne including hormone dysfunction, allergies, environmental factors and nutrition deficiencies. Acne scars result after skin follicles become blocked by excessive oils and the physiology of keratin and old skin cells trigger an inflammatory response reaction. The skin will attempt to heal and the scar tissue results as the collagen becomes deformed and thickens. Acne scars are categorized as being “ice- pick”, “rolling” or “boxcar .

How to treat acne scars?

The Dermapen treatment can provide drastic results improving the appearances of the scars. The micro needles of the Dermapen create new collagen and elastin to be generated and deposited called collagenesis, however the added benefit of new capillary growth is also a result which can improve blood supply to the area which helps create healthier existing skin as well as provide a healthy foundation for the new skin. The physical nature of “skin-needling” breaks up this fibrous and uneven scar tissue and stimulates the growth of new tissue. Currently there are ablative and non-ablative treatments offered which can damage the epidermis and evaporate the skin leading to thinner epidermis problems. The Dermapen keeps the epidermis integrity full intact while treating the area which quickens healing time and causes less pain.

How many treatments?

While each client is different and conditions will vary, the typical treatment regimen will consist of 3-6 treatments.

Acne Scars: Acne scars are created by the wound healing process occurring after the acute process of inflammation, follicular rupture and perifollicular abscess formation. The resulting acne scars may be atrophic or hypertrophic (Fabbrocini et al., 2010). Approximately 80% of scars are atrophic associated with a net loss of collagen during the matrix remodeling process. A minority of scars are hypertrophic or have keloid formation.

Atrophic scars are classified as:

Ice pick (70%) – These are the narrow < 2mm punctiform depressions with a “V” cross-section.Boxcar (20%) – These are round or oval scars with well-established vertical edges with a wide base and a “U” cross-section.Rolling scars (10%) – These wide > 4 mm scars have an “M” cross-section and give an undulating appearance to the skin.

Aesthetic MicroneedlingTreatment includes use of corrective topicals and growth factors or with Advanced Peel. Deep MicroneedlingFor deep scarring and stretch marks. May require a topical numbing agent.

About Dermapen® Micro Needling at Boston Cosmetic Specialists

Dermapen® Micro Needling can help patients who

would like to minimize the appearance of wrinkles,

scars, stretch marks, and acne scars while minimizing

pores. It can also stimulate wound healing, as well

as tighten, lift and rejuvenate skin. The device provides

for unparalleled collagen induction via fractional delivery

of micro-needles into the epidermis and dermis. Using

multiple microscopic needles to penetrate the surface

layers of skin, Dermapen creates very small wound

patterns to break old collagen chains and trigger the

healing process to smooth the appearance of wrinkles,

scars and stretch marks. Dermapen® out-performs

previous dermal roller technology not only in results,

but also in patient experience. The precision of the Dermapen® minimizes the effect of the treatment on the tissues surrounding the treatment area much more than the original system. Round areas, like those around the nose and upper lip, are harder to treat with the dermal roller, whereas the Dermapen®’s narrower hand piece can easily treat these areas. Dermapen™ complements other effective anti-aging treatment options offered at Boston Skin Essentials and Cosmetic Surgery center, such as chemical peels, IPL, and laser skin tightening. This will greatly increase their effectiveness.