FightAcne.com Interview with:
Miesha Merati, DO, FAAD
The Parker Skin and Aesthetic Clinic
Beachwood, Ohio
FightAcne.com: Would you briefly explain the microneedling procedure and what it is used for?
Response: Microneedling has gained popularity over the recent years due to its accessibility, relative ease of use, and impressive results for a variety of skin concerns including scar remodeling, pigmentary disorders, alopecia, acne, rejuvenation and rhytide reduction. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with needles ranging from 0.5 to 3mm in length that puncture the epidermis, and sometimes the dermis in a controlled fashion. Penetration of the skin allows for the release of growth factors, collagen, elastin, and dermal drug delivery. Microneedling exists in many forms, including the roller device, dermastamp, automated pen, and fractional radiofrequency.
FightAcne.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Our review found that microneedling is a relatively safe procedure with minimal adverse effects including, but not limited to, expected erythema, edema, pain, and temporary skin irritation. Rarer side effects included post-inflammatory pigmentary alterations, infection, granuloma formation, and systemic reactions.
FightAcne.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Clinicians and patients should be well-informed of the benefits and potential risks so that microneedling is performed safely and effectively. Recently, over-the-counter microneedling devices have become available to the general public; the consumer should understand that at-home microneedling is not without risks.
FightAcne.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: It would be interesting to compare the rate of adverse effects from consumer-performed over-the-counter microneedling to clinician-performed microneedling.
Any disclosures? The authors have no relevant disclosures to report.
Citation:
A Systematic Review Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Microneedling
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(1):45–54.by Asha Gowda, MD; Brayden Healey, DO; Harib Ezaldein, MD; and Miesha Merati, DO
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