Beginning in the 1950s with 5-needle mesotherapy from Michel Pistor, MD to the needle stamping device first used in 1995 by Desmond Fernandes, MD, microneedling has become a mainstay in modern aesthetics, thanks to the safety, efficacy and utility of the latest technologies.
Today, treatments are valued at over $540 million with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2022 to 2030, stemming in part from continued innovations in technology and an ever-increasing range of treatments.
According to Diane Duncan, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Fort Collins, Colo., there are more than 20 microneedling systems available in the U.S. While mechanical microneedling is the main tool for skin resurfacing, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling adds the ability to lift and tighten skin within the same treatment.
“Non-thermal microneedling is popular, but in my opinion, not nearly as effective as thermal or RF microneedling,” Dr. Duncan stated. “In order to get clinical results from non-thermal microneedling, a fairly aggressive approach with multiple passes is needed.”
“I think the concept of using artificial intelligence (AI) and a very intelligent measurement of energy is the trend,” stated J.D. McCoy, NMD medical director at Contour Medical (Gilbert, Ariz.). “The latest device from BTL Aesthetics (Marlborough, Mass.), Exion, uses AI so that each pin senses skin impedance, allowing the device to adjust energy accordingly. A single pass is all that is needed, so treatment comfort and efficiency are optimized. In the extended mode, RF energy can be delivered twice as deep as the needle depth chosen.”
The Versatility of Microneedling
Desmer Destang, DDS, MSc, medical director at Dermalogics Aesthetic Dermatology (St. Lucia, Caribbean) treats mainly patients with darker skin types.
“Microneedling represents the only treatment to date that can be used on all skin colors to facilitate harmonious cellular communication between the fibroblasts, melanocytes and keratinocytes. Because of this amazing super-power, microneedling can be combined with several treatments. RF is the main booster for microneedling to date and works especially well for skin laxity and acne scars. We also love doing smooth polydioxanone (PDO) thread skin therapy at the same microneedling appointment for patients with wrinkles and acne scars .”
This is a sample article from The Aesthetic Guide.
Become a free member of the AMS to access all digital issues.
What did you think about the article? Let us know your thoughts.
#LasersandEBDs