What are the risks of microneedling? How to avoid

Microneedling is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in recent times. Widely used by celebrities, it is minimally invasive, and involves puncturing the skin using fine needles. In this sense, instruments such as rollers or even electric pens are used for the process. It is easy to apply in the office, and can also be done at home, as long as you follow the appropriate instructions and use sterile material. However, it is also important to know the risks of microneedling.

This procedure, although excellent in improving the appearance of the skin and helping to reduce acne scars, for example, also has complications. Some of the most common are bruises, keloids, infections, acne and hypertrophic scars. However, it is essential to keep in mind that problems are only a possibility in the case of contraindications. Likewise, the patient is warned of all risks before going through the process.

Check below everything you need to know about the risks of microneedling, as well as what the procedure is and other information about its use.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is an aesthetic procedure that consists of making microperforations in the skin using thin, metallic needles. Much like acupuncture, it has similar principles, but unlike the technique, the needles pierce specific locations multiple times. This way, the effect is concentrated only on the area being treated.

Typically, it is minimally invasive, but it can also be surgical. In the case of the first option, only an anesthetic cream is used. Furthermore, the technique also uses rollers, stamps and electric pens, it all depends on what the patient wants. In addition to aesthetic treatment, the procedure is also indicated in the following cases:

• Acne scars;
• Stretch marks;
• Facial rejuvenation;
• Melasma;
• Flaccidity.

Benefits of microneedling

Needling treatment has several benefits, especially for the appearance of the skin. For those who suffer from aesthetics or skin problems, it is highly recommended. Thus, it is usually excellent in reducing blemishes, restoring scars, reducing stretch marks, stimulating collagen production, better skin absorption of products, reducing expression wrinkles and drug delivery.

Contraindications

On the other hand, there are also risks of microneedling. So that it is possible to avoid any unwanted effects, it is possible to alert patients before they make any decision. There are some people who should not undergo the process. In this sense, it is contraindicated in the case of:

• Skin cancer;
• Vascular diseases;
• Skin irritations and infections;
• Use of anticoagulants;
• Use of oral isotretinoin;
• Herpes;
• Active psoriasis;
• Allergy to needle metal;
• Bleeding disorder;
• Treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Risks of microneedling

One of the main risks of microneedling is carrying out the process at home. Although the technique is permitted, there are several reasons why it is preferable for it to take place in a clinic that follows the regulations and is sterile. Firstly, the treatment usually requires anesthesia, even if local, with anesthetic creams. A product of this type is not easily accessible for everyone, and microneedling can cause a lot of pain.

There is a correct way to carry out the procedure, and it is perfectly known to a professional, unlike the patient. There is a correct way to apply the needles to each region of the face, applying more or less pressure. If a layman does this, the chances of ending up with stains and abrasions are very high. Furthermore, the probability of ending up with an infection is also enormous, whether mild or more serious.

Finally, the equipment used in the process is also very specific, and despite being easily accessible, it is likely that much of it does not have the seal of approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Specific risks

Check below a list of all the more specific risks of microneedling. In this sense, they can be avoided after discovering the contraindications, as a series of patient conditions are enough to know whether it is possible to perform the procedure or not.

• Acne;
• Infections;
• Edema;
• Hematomas;
• Keloids;
• Hypertrophic scars;
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

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