Is Dermarolling Safe? Effects of Derma Roller’s From A Doctor’s Point of View

You may probably hear your friend tell you about this popular derma treatment called dermaroller. She may have told you that it is effective in removing scars particularly acne scars. You may be interested to try it, but doesn’t have any idea what this new derma craze is all about. So what is it? Is it safe, and what are its potential effects to your sensitive skin?

Dermarolling or Microneedling with dermaroller is one of the new and popular treatments for treating the following skin conditions:

Scars
Stretch marks
Acne Scars
Wrinkles
Use for Facial Rejuvenation

This treatment modality is relatively affordable and simple. It is used in a dermatologist clinic and can even be applied by any dermatologist with a minimum training. There is also home-care dermaroller that can be used safely – as the name suggests, at the comforts of your own home. It is also used for easy absorption of topical, anti-aging creams and other skin care products.

In spite of the good reviews, there are lots of questions raised whether this derma treatment has any potential side effects. Here, you will learn what you need to know about the possible side-effects and how you can prevent it from happening.

How Microneedling or Dermarolling is Being Done?

But first, you have to take a look on how this office-based procedure is being done. The dermatologist will first anesthetize the area to be treated or the one with scars or wrinkles using a topical anesthesia. After making sure that the area is prepared for the procedure, the dermarolling is done for 15 to 20 times in various directions.

There will be pin-point bleeding in the area which can easily be controlled. The whole procedure will take around 15 to 20 minutes. It actually depends on the areas to be treated.

After few weeks, a rejuvenated and natural skin will be formed. For moderate acne scars, it may take around three to four dermarolling therapy before results can be seen.

Effects of Dermarolling and How You can Avoid Them?

So, what are the possible side-effects of dermarolling that you should watch out for? When you are looking for a new treatment, it is advisable that you look into its side effects. Although, an established treatment modality has its safety profile, it is not exempted from having side effects. Using derma roller is not different, but when properly used, there will be lesser side effects.

Derma rollers are easily tolerated by most patients but some skin irritations may be seen after the therapy. This may last for 2 to 3 days. Dermatologist may advice the use of photo protection for one whole week together with a routine application of a local antibiotic cream. Usually patients can return to work the next day after their treatment.

Aside from skin irritation, there are no other side effects reported. Microholes close soon after the treatment, so infection does not happen.

However, in some rare instances, aside from temporary skin irritation, some reported hyperpigmentation. This side-effect is commonly observed in dark-skinned individuals. It occurs because of sun exposure after the derma rolling treatment.

Most of the potential side effects are not really bad at all. It actually depends on the person’s genetic factors, natural skin response and other circumstances. The side effects are not commonly observed to most users.

How about Home-care Dermarollers? Is it Really Safe to use this hand-held device at Home?

Home-care dermarollers can be used for twice a week at your own home. This beauty tool also has the same efficiency and long-lasting results, as the one found in the dermatologist office. After using it, dermatologist advice to clean it with hot water and let it dry. There are also roller cleaners that you can get in the market.

When using a home-care dermarollers just make sure that you read the label carefully and follow the step-by-step instructions, on how to use it. Most of the side effects noted are not caused by the derma rolling itself, but due to the carelessness of the person applying or using the products.

Practical Tips to Avoid Side Effects

The good news is there are lots of practical things that you can do to prevent these things from happening.

Use a Quality Instruments

There are lots of instruments that are offered by various companies. Using poor quality instruments may lead to more serious damage like breaking of needles in the skin.

Tell patients that multiple dermarolling sessions or applications may be needed.

Patients should be aware that multiple sessions may be required for a particular scar or wrinkles to be removed. Scar does not usually get removed in one session only.

Other additional treatments may be required or combined to obtain maximum results for acne scars.
Topical anesthesia creams are used to prevent pain in performing the procedures.
The procedure should have four to six weeks interval before any good results can be seen.

When Not to Use Derma Rollers?

There are some precautionary measures when using derma rollers. If you have the following skin condition, it is best not to use micro-needling. If it cannot be avoided, better seek professional advice first.

It is not safe to use dermarollers when you are:

Undergoing other cosmetic treatments like Botox, cosmetic surgery, chemical peels, filler injections, cosmetic surgery and laser. It is best if you will wait until your skin is fully recovered before using dermarollers.
Taking medication. If you are taking medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, high blood pressure drugs, drugs that cause photo-sensitivity and other drugs that may have some skin side-effects. It is best to consult first your physician before having a derma roller treatment to avoid any complications.
Having abnormal skin problems like fungal infections, keloid scars, skin cancer, eczema, bruised skin and cold sores. Using another skin instrument may further worsen your skin’s condition.

Why Dermarollers is an Incredible Beauty Tool?

Having a scar is stressful particularly if you have it in your face. It may affect your self-esteem and how you talk and relate with people. It doesn’t feel good when you talk to people and they will look into your scars. This can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation. Same thing goes, with other visible scars in the body.

Dermarollers are one of the many popular and effective beauty tools to remove scars. In fact, there are lots of favorable benefits when using this treatment including:

It is a simple procedure.
Affordable
Can be use for Transdermal drug delivery or Topical application of drugs.
Effective treatment for removing scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and acne scars
Use for facial rejuvenation.

Treating scars is always a challenge especially for deep-seated scars. Dermaroller therapy or microneedling is a new addition to the various treatment modalities for removing scars. It is one of the most popular treatments because it is effective in managing scars and it offers simple and easy-to-use beauty tool.

Bibliography

Chawla. (2014). Split Face Comparative Study of Microneedling with PRP Versus Microneedling with Vitamin C in Treating Atrophic Post Acne Scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg.

Doddaballapur, S. (2009). Microneedling with Dermaroller. J Cutan Aesthet Surg , 110–111.

Majid, I. (2009). Microneedling Therapy in Atrophic Facial Scars: An Objective Assessment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. , 26–30.