Microneedling - Difference between a pen and roller? Benefits?

Microneedling in a nutshell is: creating tons of micro-preforations in the skin in order to stimulate the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin fibers that will tighten, firm and smooth the skin. It is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and even those tough stretch marks. It is the perfect tool for maintenance to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.  Used in combination with solutions such as growth factors, hydroquinone, and vitamin c, you can achieve optimal absorption. 

Scarring and Stretch Marks-

A little info behind scarring and stretch marks: these are both created by an acceleration of collagen and elastin fiber production in the skin in order to heal or accommodate to skin conditions or changes. These rapidly produced fibers become tight and tethered in a way that forms a thicker patch of scar tissue. The only way to correct this is to break up those tethered fibers and cause a healthy production of new cells and fibers. Microneedling treatments reach depths that allow their needle preforations to puncture the tethered fibers causing a repair response that will dull the appearance of unsightly texture issues. 

Pen Vs. Roller-

The microneedling pens that are on the market have taken the microneedling technique to a more fine-tuned level. These pens have the ability to change speed and depth of the needle preforations by simply twisting a dial near the top or bottom of the device. This allows for better control and a treatment that can now precisely target problem areas such as scarring or deeper wrinkles. As you can see in the photo, the pen (left) has a smooth up and down motion to it, leaving behind clean puncture marks. Examples of the microneedling pen are: Rejuvapen, CosmoPen, Dermapen, and MDPen. 

The rollers are a less controlled way to get your preforations that cause collagen remodeling and restructuring. This method tends to have a significantly higher amount of pain involved in comparison to the pen. With some of these rollers you are required to change out your tip in order to change your depth of penetration. Results are achievable with both devices, however, the microneedling rollers are somewhat of an older form of mechanic collagen induction therapy. Looking back at our photo, you'll notice the preforations made by the roller are a little wider, showing that the needles sort of pull the skin open as they roll across the surface. This could potentially lead to higher risk of infection or prolonged healing. 

Benefits-

This mechanical way of restructuring your collagen formation is becoming more and more popular among med-spas and medical practices across the world. It can be a surprisingly comfortable treatment when a topical anesthetic is used. I have seen this collagen induction therapy dramatically improve acne scars, stretch marks and deep wrinkles- which are some of the most difficult skin problems to correct. I would strongly recommend this treatment option to anyone that is unhappy with their skin's texture, or anyone that wants a great anti-aging treatment without going the route of laser resurfacing or neurotoxins. 

At 23 years old I received my first microneedling treatment with Rejuvapen. I did not expect to see any noticeable results simply because I still have a pretty strong collagen formation at my age and don't suffer from any scars or wrinkles. Within a day or two of receiving my treatment I noticed a tightness and firmness to my skin that wasn't there before. I definitely could see the benefits in the healthy, smooth glow my skin was now giving off. I love this treatment and think it should be done in combination with any of our services. 

*Important Tip: Microneedling results are always best when a series of treatments are preformed. 
**Warning: There are microneedling pens all over the internet for "at home" use, it is safer to have this procedure preformed by a trained professional. Offices maintain sanitary conditions and have the necessary tools and topical to ensure the treatment is done properly and so that maximum benefits can be achieved. 

To schedule a free consultation or a microneedling treatment at Northwest Laser Institute please call 208::888:7831

For patient reviews on certain devices or for further information visit: http://www.realself.com/microneedling

Coming soon.. The New Cellulite Treatment: Z-Wave by Zimmer