Microneedling in Medellín

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is the treatment. Dermapen and dermaroller are the names of some of the devices used for it, and many people search for the treatment by those names. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these devices have many small, thin needles that prick the skin, and they can be a roller, a stamp, or a pen-shaped tool. The goal of these controlled micro-punctures is to trigger your skin's own repair process and collagen production. Some devices also add radiofrequency to the needles, and the FDA notes that these carry different risks. Your aesthetic physician chooses the device and the needle depth based on your skin.

It's mainly recommended for acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and lack of firmness. The FDA has authorized some devices, for adults 22 and older, to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, wrinkles on the face and neck, and surgical scars on the abdomen. Active ingredients or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be added, a combination the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) mentions for acne scars. The FDA points out that it hasn't reviewed the safety or effectiveness of these combinations. Whether to combine, and with what, is up to your physician.

Microneedling mainly targets texture and acne scars. If something else is your main concern, one of these may help more:

• Dark spots or melasma: a plan for dark spots and melasma, which starts by finding out what's causing them.
• Sun damage or fine lines: laser treatments.
• Active acne: chemical peels.
• Dull or dehydrated skin: skin boosters.
• Mild sagging, if that's the main issue: collagen biostimulators or radiofrequency.

At your consultation, we'll tell you which one, or which combination, makes sense for you.

According to the FDA and the AAD, it may not be right for you, or it may be better to wait, if:

• You're pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You take blood thinners or aspirin, or you have a bleeding disorder.
• You have a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, or keloids.
• You have an active cold sore, a skin infection, or painful or pus-filled pimples.
• You're taking, or recently took, isotretinoin (often known as Accutane), the oral acne medication.
• You have a tan or were out in the sun recently.
• You're getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

At your consultation, we review your medical history and tell you whether it's right for you.

Every procedure has risks, and this one does too. The FDA lists:

• More common: redness, tightness, dryness, itching, peeling, burning, bruising, bleeding, and scabbing.
• Less common: lighter or darker patches of skin, lines on the face, a cold sore flare-up, swollen lymph nodes, infection, or burning and itching when you apply makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen.

According to the FDA, most of these show up shortly after the session and go away, but some can be permanent. The AAD adds that the risk of infection, scarring, or lasting discoloration is higher when the person doing it isn't trained. Before you decide, your physician walks you through each one.

Tell your physician what medications you take, especially blood thinners or aspirin, whether you're allergic to topical anesthetics, and whether you tend to get cold sores. According to the AAD, you may need to follow a skin care routine before your session, which sometimes includes stopping retinol. The FDA suggests asking whether a new needle cartridge is used for each patient and each session.

Afterward, redness usually lasts 1 to 3 days. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun and to products with retinol, glycolic acid, or alcohol. Avoid tanning and protect your skin from the sun. Your physician will tell you when you can wear makeup again.