Microneedling in All Skin Types: A Review

April 2017 | Volume 16 | Issue 4 | Original Article | 308 | Copyright © April 2017


Lauren Meshkov Bonati MD,a Gorana Kuka Epstein MD,b and Tamara Lazic Strugar MDa

aDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY bFoundation for Hair Restoration, Miami, FL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Microneedling procedures are growing in popularity for a wide variety of skin conditions. This paper comprehensively reviews the medical literature regarding skin needling efficacy and safety in all skin types and in multiple dermatologic conditions.

METHODS: A PubMed literature search was conducted in all languages without restriction and bibliographies of relevant articles reviewed. Search terms included: “microneedling,” “percutaneous collagen induction,” “needling,” “skin needling,” and “dermaroller.”

RESULTS: Microneedling is most commonly used for acne scars and cosmetic rejuvenation, however, treatment benefit has also been seen in varicella scars, burn scars, keloids, acne, alopecia, and periorbital melanosis, and has improved flap and graft survival, and enhanced transdermal delivery of topical products. Side effects were mild and self-limited, with few reports of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and isolated reports of tram tracking, facial allergic granuloma, and systemic hypersensitivity.

DISCUSS: Microneedling represents a safe, cost-effective, and efficacious treatment option for a variety of dermatologic conditions in all skin types. More double-blinded, randomized, controlled trials are required to make more definitive conclusions.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(4):308-314.

INTRODUCTION

Microneedling (MN), or percutaneous collagen induction therapy, was introduced in the 1990’s for the treatment of scars, striae, and laxity.1 By rolling or gliding a needling device across the skin, thousands of vertical channels of injury are created, triggering a scarless healing cascade and neocollagenesis.2 With lack of heat or chromophore target, MN offers an excellent safety profile in all skin types.

Mechanism of Action

Needles carry an electric potential that stimulates fibroblast proliferation.3 MN-induced mechanical injury triggers the release of potassium and proteins that alter intercellular resting potential, drawing in fibroblasts and stimulating neocollagenesis and revascularization.4 MN studies have shown up-regulation of TGFβ3, a cytokine that prevents aberrant scarring, increased gene expression for collagen type I, and elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor.5,6,7 Histological studies have shown huge variation in epidermal thickness. Randomized murine studies have reported statistically significant epidermal thickening from 140% up to 685% after MN plus topical vitamins A and C when compared to control.7,8 A human study of 480 patients treated with MN plus topical vitamins A and C reported 40% thickening of the stratum spinosum lasting up to 1-year later.9 Increased collagen types I, III, VII, and tropoelastin in human biopsies were found after 6 sessions of MN10 with elevated levels of collagen type I and elastin persisting at 6-months.11 Number of melanocytes was unchanged post-procedurally.9 Acne Scars MN Monotherapy Many studies have demonstrated statistically significant efficacy with MN monotherapy for acne scars in all skin types.12-17 A randomized, evaluator blinded, clinical trial of 46 patients with atrophic acne scars, compared MN versus nonablative fractional Erbium 1,340-nm laser.18 After 3 monthly sessions, there was no statistical difference between groups on the Quantitative Global Grading System for Post-Acne Scarring scale at 2 and 6 months post-treatment (P=0.264). Of note, 13.6% of laser patients experienced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), while the needling group had none. Another randomized, spit-face study of 30 patients with atrophic acne scars treated subjects with either fractional Erbium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser or MN over 5 monthly sessions.19 Objective and subjective assessments at baseline and 3-months after post-treatment showed clinical and histological bene t in both treatment groups. However, the fractional Er:YAG group demonstrated 70% improvement, versus 30% in the MN group (P<0.001), and significantly lower pain scores with fractional Er:YAG. The MN group experienced shorter downtime. Another randomized, evaluator-blinded study of 30 patients with acne scars compared 4 monthly sessions of MN or 100% trichloracetic acid (TCA) chemical reconstruction of skin