ArticlePDF Available

Microneedling with Dermaroller

Authors:
Satish Doddaballapur
Satish Doddaballapur
Satish Doddaballapur
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Download full-text PDF
Read full-text
Download citation

Abstract

Microneedling with dermaroller is a new treatment modality for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and for facial rejuvenation. It is a simple and relatively cheap modality that also can be used for transdermal drug delivery.
Available via license: CC BY 2.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery - Jul-Dec 2009, Volume 2, Issue 2
110
Satish Doddaballapur
Department of Dermatology, Sagar Hospitals, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
DOI: 10.4103/0974-2077.58529
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Satish Doddaballapur, Consultant Dermatologist, Sagar Hospitals, Bangalore, India. E-mail: satishlakshmi@gmail.com
rEsidEnts’ pagE
introDuction
Dermaroller has recently attained popularity as a
simple means of treating scars, particularly acne scars.
It can be used safely in a dermatologist’s clinic by any
dermatologist with minimum training. This article
describes salient features of this modality.
history
Important milestones in the development of
microneedling are as follows:
• 1995-Orentreich and Orentreich described subcision
or dermal needling for scars[1]
• 1997-Camirand and Doucet described needle
dermabrasion using a “tattoo pistol” to treat scars[2]
• 2006-Fernandes developed percutaneous collagen
induction therapy with the dermaroller[3]
Dermaroller-the instrument
The standard dermaroller used for acne scars is a drum-
shaped roller studded with 192ne microneedles in eight
rows, 0.5-1.5 mm in length and 0.1 mm in diameter. The
microneedles are synthesized by reactive ion etching
techniques on silicon or medical-grade stainless steel.
The instrument is presterilized by gamma irradiation.
Medical dermarollers are for single use only.
the principle-collagen inDuction
therapy
The medical dermaroller needles are 0.5-1.5 mm in length.
During treatment, the needles pierce the stratum corneum
and create microconduits (holes) without damaging the
epidermis. It has been shown that rolling with a dermaroller
(192 needles, 200 mm length and 70 mm diameter) over an
area for 15 times will result in approximately 250 holes/ cm2.
Microneedling leads to the release of growth factors
which stimulate the formation of new collagen (natural
collagen) and elastin in the papillary dermis. In addition,
new capillaries are formed—this neovascularisation and
neocollagenesis following treatment leads to reduction
of scars.[4-6] The procedure is therefore aptly called
“percutaneous collagen induction therapy” and has also
been used in the treatment of photoageing.
Dermaroller for acne scars - the
proceDure
Microneedling is a simple ofce-based procedure. The area
to be treated is anesthetized with topical anesthesia for
45 minutes to one hour. After preparation of the area, rolling
is done 15-20 times in horizontal, vertical, and oblique
directions; Petechiae or pin-point bleeding which occurs is
easily controlled. After treatment, the area is wetted with
saline pads. The entire procedure lasts for 15 to 20 minutes,
depending on the extent of the area to be treated.
A minimum of six weeks is recommended between two
treatments as it takes that long for new natural collagen
to form. Three to four treatments may be needed for
moderate acne scars.
post-proceDure care
Microneedling is well tolerated by patients but erythema
Microneedling with dermaroller is a new treatment modality for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, stretch
marks, wrinkles, and for facial rejuvenation. It is a simple and relatively cheap modality that also can be used for
transdermal drug delivery.
keyWorDs: Dermaroller, microneedling, scars
Microneedling with Dermaroller
[Downloaded free from http://www.jcasonline.com on Sunday, April 29, 2018, IP: 211.197.108.103]
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery - Jul-Dec 2009, Volume 2, Issue 2 111
Satish: Microneedling with dermaroller
may be seen after treatment, lasting for 2-3 days.
Photoprotection for a week is advised as a routine and
local antibiotic creams may be prescribed. The patients
can go back to work the very next day.
Apart from erythema, no other side effects have
been reported. As the microholes close immediately,
postoperative infections do not occur. The procedure
is well tolerated and well accepted by the patients,
is cost-effective, can be done on all skin types and
on areas not suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing,
such as near eyes. Microneedling with dermaroller
can be combined with other acne scar treatments like
subcision, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and
fractional resurfacing, thus maximizing the benets
to the patients.
home-care Dermarollers anD Derma
stamp
Home-Care dermarollers less than 0.15 mm in length
are available for transdermal delivery of substances
like lipopeptides and other anti-ageing products. They
can be used twice a week for up to one hundred times.
After use, the rollers have to be cleaned in hot tap
water and shaken dry. Peptide-based roller cleansers
are available.
Miniature versions of the dermaroller called derma-
stamps have been developed. They are used for
localized scars, eg. varicella scars and their needles
are 2 mm in length with a diameter of only 0.12 mm.
The procedure with the derma-stamp can be performed
in two minutes.
practical tips
1. Use good quality instruments—there are many
instruments from different companies; using poor
instruments may lead to breakage of needles in the
skin.
2. Counsel the patient that multiple sessions may be
needed.
3. Other treatments such as subcision, punch elevation
may need to be combined for optimal results in acne
scars.
4. Application of EMLA cream anesthesia can
prevent procedure pain and help in performing the
procedure properly.
5. Allow an interval of 4-6 weeks between the
procedures to get good results.
references
1. Orentreich DS, Orentreich N. Subcutaneous incisionless (subcision)
surgery for the correction of depressed scars and wrinkles. Dermatol
Surg 1995;21:6543-9.
2. Camirand A, Doucet J. Needle dermabrasion. Aesthet Plast Surg
1997;21:48-51.
3. Fernandes D. Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction. Oral
Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2006;17:51-63.
4. Aust MC, Fernandes D, Kolokythas P, Kaplan HM, Vogt PM. Percutaneous
collagen induction therapy: An alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles
and skin laxity. Plast Reconstr Surg 2008;21:1421-9.
5. Fernandes D, Signorini M. Combating photoaging with percutaneous
collagen induction. Clin Dermatol 2008;26:192-9.
6. Aust MC, Reimers K, Repenning C, Stahl F, Jahn S, Guggenheim M, et al.
Percutaneous collagen induction: Minimally invasive skin rejuvenation
without risk of hyperpigmentation-fact or fiction. Plast Reconstr Surg
2008;122:1553-63.
Source of Support: Nil, Conict of Interest: None declared.
ACSI Fellowships
The ACSI announces availability of fellowships in dermatosurgery under the following experts:
Dr. Neeti Khunger, New Delhi
Dr. Narendra Patwardan and Sharad Mutalik, Pune
Dr. Venkataram Mysore, Venkat Charmalaya, Centre for Advanced Dermatology, Bengaluru
Interested members may apply with the following details:
Name, age, sex, address, telephone, e-mail id, qualication and centre in which they are interested with a copy
of their biodata.
All successful applicants should become members of the ACSI before start of fellowship and submit one
publication in JCAS during their fellowship. The application along with the CV may be sent to:
Dr. Kanwarjit Dhillon, at kanwarjit29@yahoo.co.in
or mysorevenkat@hotmail.com or someshgupta@hotmail.com
Announcement
[Downloaded free from http://www.jcasonline.com on Sunday, April 29, 2018, IP: 211.197.108.103]
... Needle lengths can vary depending on whether the instrument is medically used or used at home. The medical dermaroller is a portable hand-held cylindrical tool that consists of 192 needles organized into eight rows with needle lengths ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm and 0.1 mm in diameter [6]. Home care dermarollers have a needle length of less than 0.15 mm, allowing home use for the treatment of fine lines, pore sizes, sebum production, and the transdermal delivery of anti-aging products [6]. ...
... The medical dermaroller is a portable hand-held cylindrical tool that consists of 192 needles organized into eight rows with needle lengths ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm and 0.1 mm in diameter [6]. Home care dermarollers have a needle length of less than 0.15 mm, allowing home use for the treatment of fine lines, pore sizes, sebum production, and the transdermal delivery of anti-aging products [6]. ...
View
... ( 14) Microneedling technique creates abundant microwounds that directly stimulate the injured tissue to release various growth factors that play a direct role in stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis and deposition within the dermis. (15) This leads to the release of fibroblast growth factor , platelet derived growth factor and transforming gro-wth factor alpha and beta (TGF α and TGF-b) lead-ing to neovascularization and neocollagenesis. (16) Trauma increase melanin synthesis through creation of inflammatory response ranging from tyrosine kinase induction in early stage to the late upregulation of growth factors, proteases, and extracellular matrix components. ...
... (23) Microneedling technique act by the creation of abundant micro holes in the skin that directly stimulates the release of multiple growth factors that play a role in stimulation of collagen synthesis and elastin production and deposition within the dermis. (15) This leads to the secretion of fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha and beta (TGF α and TGF-b) that lead to neovascularization and neocollagenesis . (16) Microneedling affects also by transdermal drug delivery because of administration of drugs using the microneedling allows the drug particles to pass through the stratum corneum layer, thus allowing more drug particles to enter the skin. ...
View
... However, it is inappropriate for extensive face rejuvenation or treating minor body areas. Dr. Desmond Fernands pioneered a unique procedure, whereby the skin is continuously pierced with a drum-shaped device equipped with many tiny needles, which preserves the epidermis while promoting collagen renewal [5]. This breakthrough accelerated microneedle therapy development, leading to various products, including motorized, radiofrequency, and nano microneedles [6]. ...
... Its advantages include a short recovery time, enhanced percutaneous topical medication absorption, and high tolerability across various skin types. Moreover, during melasma treatment, it exhibits few side effects, with the most prevalent one being transient redness and mild discomfort, which are handled well by patients [5]. ...
Review of Applications of Microneedling in Melasma
Article
Full-text available
Background Melasma, a common skin pigmentation disease, can negatively impact patients' mental health, social interactions, and physical appearance. Although we now have several treatments accessible, such as medicines, chemical peels, and phototherapy, which can help ease symptoms to some extent, the requirement for a long‐term effective and safe treatment for patients is far from met. In the face of this problem, microneedling, as an innovative treatment, provides a new avenue for treating melasma. Although microneedling has been extensively investigated for treating other skin issues such as inflammation, scarring, and photoaging, research into its use in melasma treatment is still in its early stages. Objective This study aimed to gather and assess clinical information on microneedling's effectiveness in treating melasma, covering research gaps and serving as a beneficial reference for clinical therapy. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles with the keywords “microneedling,” “percutaneous collagen induction”, and “melasma.” Following a thorough assessment, we selected 64 clinical studies that matched the requirements for in‐depth analysis. Results After thoroughly reviewing these data, we concluded that microneedling has tremendous potential for treating melasma. Microneedling can significantly improve treatment outcomes, especially when paired with additional therapies such as topical medicines or phototherapy. Conclusion Overall, the evidence reported in this study demonstrates that microneedling is an essential advancement in melasma treatment. Not only can it improve the efficacy of topical drugs and other treatment modalities, but it also has an excellent safety and tolerability profile, making it desirable to patients and clinicians. While the current findings are encouraging, more study is needed to refine treatment protocols, investigate the long‐term consequences of microneedling, and establish it as the standard of care for melasma treatment. We anticipate that microneedling will play an increasingly important role in the future of melasma treatment, providing our patients with more hope and a broader choice of treatment alternatives.
View
... They may be utilized two to three times weekly for a maximum of 100 applications. Post-usage, the rollers must be cleansed with hot tap water and then shook dry ( Figure 1) [9] . ...
... Dermaroller[9] ...
View
... The cosmeceutical industry has shown significant interest in MN technology due to its effectiveness in these applications. For instance, microneedle rollers are commonly used to treat large areas of skin, enhancing skin permeability to facilitate the delivery of cosmetic agents (Park et al. 2010;Doddaballapur 2009). ...
Hollow microneedles: from materials to market—a comprehensive review
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2025
  • MICROSYST TECHNOL
Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative to conventional drug administration methods, presenting numerous advantages such as painless penetration, improved patient compliance, and enhanced safety. Traditional drug delivery systems and needle-based injections often present challenges, including pain, discomfort, and risk of infection, driving the exploration of transdermal approaches. Among various transdermal technologies, microneedle (MN) systems have emerged as a particularly innovative and effective method for delivering therapeutic agents through the skin. Microneedles are also increasingly used for extracting interstitial fluid for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. While significant research has been conducted on different microneedle types—solid, hollow, coated, and dissolving—hollow microneedles have garnered particular interest for their industrial and commercial potential in drug and vaccine delivery. This review highlights recent advancements in hollow microneedles, detailing their geometries, suitable materials, modern fabrication techniques, applications in various biomedical fields, and commercially available products.
View
... Most studies were done on patients primed with topical Vit A and Vit C creams. 4,5,6 The procedure is therefore also called "percutaneous collagen induction therapy". ...
Micro needling - Facts and Fictions
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2013
On 24th June 2013, the author's name was changed from Bahuga to Bahuguna.Two sentences were added to the section 'Tall Claims' on p.3. The corrected PDF is available by clicking on the link below. Micro needling or what is more commonly known as the derma-rolling is a new minimally-invasive avatar of an age old procedure. Micro needling has recently attained popularity as it is cheap, effective and can be used safely with minimal training. The basic principle is to create a controlled injury, thereby inducing the body to respond by producing more collagen in the treated area. Microneedling can be combined with other acne scar treatments for better results. Although it may not do justice to all the indications claimed by a plethora of manufacturers, if used judiciously it can prove to be a wonderful addition to the armamentarium of a dermatologist. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.5392 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 1-4
View
View
View
View
View
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Collagen Induction
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2005
  • Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin
PCI is a simple technique and, with the right tool, can thoroughly puncture any skin easily and quickly. Although a single treatment may not give the smoothing that is seen with laser resurfacing, the epidermis remains virtually normal. When the result is not sufficient, treatment can be repeated. The technique can be used on areas that are not suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing.
View
Percutaneous Collagen Induction: Minimally Invasive Skin Rejuvenation without Risk of Hyperpigmentation-Fact or Fiction?
Article
  • Dec 2008
Photoaging is generally treated by ablative procedures that injure the epidermis and basal membrane and lead to fibrosis of the papillary dermis. Damaging the epidermis significantly can cause potential adverse effects such as dyspigmentation. It was recently shown in clinical trials that percutaneous collagen induction therapy is an alternative for safely treating wrinkles and scars and for smoothening the skin without the risk of dyspigmentation. The purpose of this study was to increase current knowledge regarding whether percutaneous collagen induction therapy presents an effective means for skin rejuvenation without risk of dyspigmentation, as the authors' clinical data suggested. Fifty-six rats were assigned to three groups: group A (n = 24), percutaneous collagen induction therapy plus skin care; group B (n = 24), skin care; and group C (n = 8) controls. The authors evaluated the effect of percutaneous collagen induction therapy on the epidermis, melanocytes, and the pigmentation markers interleukin-10 and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Percutaneous collagen induction therapy left the epidermis intact without any damage to the stratum corneum, any other layers of the epidermis, or the basal membrane. No signs of dermabrasive reduction of epidermal thickness were evident 24 hours after the procedure. The number of melanocytes neither increased nor decreased in any of the groups. DNA microarray experiments demonstrated that interleukin-10 was increased in percutaneous collagen induction therapy-treated skin after 2 weeks. Concerning the MC1R (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) gene, gene expression microarray analysis indicated a faint down-regulation both 24 hours and 2 weeks after percutaneous collagen induction therapy. Percutaneous collagen induction therapy offers a modality with which to rejuvenate and improve skin appearance and quality without risk of dyspigmentation.
View
Subcutaneous Incisionless (Subcision) Surgery for the Correction of Depressed Scars and Wrinkles
Article
  • Jul 1995
A new method of subcuticular underming for the treatment of depressed cutaneous scars and wrinkles is introduced. To define the newly coined term "Subcision" and to describe this minor surgical procedure for treating depressed scars and wrinkles. A tri-beveled hypodermic needle is inserted through a puncture in the skin surface (hence, "incisionless" surgery), and its sharp edges are maneuvered under the defect to make subcuticular cuts or "-cisions." The depression is lifted by the releasing action of the procedure, as well as from connective tissue that forms in the course of normal wound healing. This technique is useful in treating a variety of cutaneous depressions, including scars and wrinkles.
View
Needle Dermabrasion
Article
  • Jan 1997
In this article we describe a technique of needle dermabrasion (tattoo without pigment) used to improve achromic, hypertrophic, and unsightly scars. It is simple, safe (no complications), and it gives us consistently good results.
View
Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Scars, Wrinkles, and Skin Laxity
Article
  • May 2008
Skin laxity, rhytides, and photoaging are generally treated by ablative procedures that injure or destroy the epidermis and its basement membrane, at least in the beginning, and subsequently lead to fibrosis of the papillary dermis. The ideal treatment would be to preserve the epidermis and promote normal collagen and elastin formation in the dermis. Percutaneous collagen induction takes us closer to this ideal. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 480 patients in South Africa and Germany with fine wrinkles, lax skin, scarring, and stretch marks treated with percutaneous collagen induction using the Medical Roll-CIT to produce tighter, smoother skin. Most patients had only one treatment, but some have had as many as four treatments. Patients were prepared with topical vitamin A and C cosmetic creams for a minimum of 4 weeks preoperatively. On average, patients in Germany rated their improvement between 60 and 80 percent better than before the treatment. Histologic examination was carried out in 20 patients and showed a considerable increase in collagen and elastin deposition at 6 months postoperatively. The epidermis demonstrated 40 percent thickening of stratum spinosum and normal rete ridges at 1 year postoperatively. Percutaneous collagen induction was started in 1997 and has proved to be a simple and fast method for safely treating wrinkles and scars. As opposed to ablative laser treatments, the epidermis remains intact and is not damaged. For this reason, the procedure can be repeated safely and is also suited to regions where laser treatments and deep peels cannot be performed.
View
Combating photoaging with percutaneous collagen induction
Article
  • Mar 2008
  • CLIN DERMATOL
Medical clinicians are used to being consulted by patients who want to restore their youthful appearance. Although structural changes to the face and body may be achieved with surgery, for example, face lifts, the impression of youth also relies heavily on young-looking skin. It is desirable to have thicker and tighter skin to properly fulfill the desire for youth. Percutaneous collagen induction offers an antiaging effect to improve the appearance of old skin. It allows us to improve our patients' skin from the inside outward as well as from the surface. Experience has shown that percutaneous collagen induction works optimally when combined with a scientific skin care program to restore a youthful appearance. In addition, the same technique has proven to be very effective in minimizing acne scars and burn scars by removing scar collagen and replacing it with normal collagen. Consequently, scar contractures and depressed scars are improved. With the introduction of percutaneous collagen induction therapy in 1997, a simple and fast method was developed with regard to safely treating wrinkles and scars and producing lasting smoothness. As opposed to ablative laser treatments, the epidermis remains intact and is not damaged. For this reason, the operation can be safely repeated if needed, and it can be also applicable to regions where laser treatments or deep peelings cannot be done.
View