A needle facial treatment might sound quite intimidating but for those who have tried this type of procedure, the results are testaments of 21st-century dermatological breakthroughs. Since people have started becoming keener on how they present themselves in recent years, more and more skincare innovations have gained in popularity. 

For plenty of medical innovations, those that have withstood the test of time are the most reliable ones. Needle facial treatment or microneedling has been around for centuries. This age-old skin resurfacing and rejuvenation technique is not only proven in terms of effectiveness but also in its ability to improve the appearance of the skin quickly.

The History of Needle Treatments in Beauty and Aesthetics

Methods of needle facial treatments can be traced back to ancient Chinese medical practices. Chinese emperors would use needles to puncture certain areas of the face with the concept that it could cure diseases and treat blemishes. Back then, the belief was that blemishes were signs of damaged internal organs. Microneedles were also used along with herbal medicine to prevent hair loss or baldness among men and were used by women to reduce fine lines or wrinkles. 

The microneedling technology we have today, however, is based more on the concept established in Germany around the 1900s. In the early days of this needle facial treatment, the main goal was to eliminate or reduce the appearance of scars and acne. Renowned German dermatologist, Ernst Kromayer used a motorized microneedling device to treat skin irregularities such as birthmarks, scars, and hyperpigmentation.

More advances in needle facial treatment came to light in the mid to late 90s. Dr. André Camirand performed a procedure on his patients in which he tried to hide enlarged hypertrophic scars by tattooing their skin. Then he noticed that the pigments tattooed on the patients were gradually dissolving and were replaced with their natural melanin instead. The scars began to noticeably improve in color, texture, and overall appearance. Soon, Dr, Camirand came up with the idea to use a tattoo gun on the skin without adding pigment.

Around the same time, Dr. Des Fernandes established a concept we now know as dermarolling. By using a smaller microneedling stamp, he was able to create a more portable and simpler needle facial treatment tool. Dr. Fernandez originally introduced the device to stimulate collagen production at the 1996 International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Congress. Sales initially started in the Asian regions but the device gained international popularity soon after. 

Today, a microneedling or needle facial treatment can be performed in many dermatological clinics. Different kinds of devices that utilize microneedling technology have also been invented in recent years. Since microneedling is proven as one of the safest and most effective skin resurfacing and rejuvenation methods, experts have done plenty to even improve and modify needle facial treatment techniques. 
 

Kinds of Microneedling Methods

As aforementioned, getting a needle facial treatment or microneedling started garnering international fame at the beginning of the 21st century. As the technology grew in popularity, experts also found ways to diversify its application and improve the innovation further. Today, there are several types of microneedling methods that have been made available through the advancement of science and technology. 
 

Basic Microneedling - Considered as the original form of needle facial treatments, microneedling in its purest form has withstood the test of time. Microneedling is performed and works the same way as it was expected in the past. By using multiple tiny needles to puncture the skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production to repair, resurface, and rejuvenate the external layer. 

Though the original microneedling treatment has been around for decades, it’s still one of the most reliable skin treatments in terms of getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps improve skin texture by getting rid of scars and blemishes. The original microneedling method is minimally invasive and requires minimal to zero downtime. Although redness might be experienced within the first 24 hours, there are usually no other side effects providing that proper care is done after the needle facial treatment. 

Dermarolling - As microneedling evolved throughout the years, its application also adapted to public demands. A dermaroller is a type of small microneedling stamp that one can purchase to perform the needle facial treatment in the comfort of their own homes and works similarly as a microneedling device. 

The small stamp consists of a roller that is covered by microneedles that penetrates the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. If implemented within your skincare routine, dermarolling can result in smoother, even-textured skin. Just like the original form of microneedling, it can also aid in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Dermarolling needles come in many sizes depending on the specific skin condition that needs to be addressed. 
 

Microneedling with PRP - Compared to regular microneedling, this needle facial treatment is combined with another method to induce collagen production. Platelet-rich plasma or PRP can be added to a normal microneedling session and has proven to decrease redness and swelling after the procedure. In some studies, evidence shows that this type of needle facial treatment drastically boosts the outcome of a microneedling procedure for acne scars.

Microneedling with PRP is commonly favored by many since it can speed up the results of a normal needle facial treatment. It can accelerate the reduction of wrinkles or scars, and even out skin tone. Although microneedling with PRP can also be done anywhere in the body, most patients prefer to have this needle facial treatment on the face.
 

Microneedling with Radiofrequency - Considered as a new addition to microneedling technology, this needle facial treatment combines the potential capabilities of radiofrequency and microneedling. The procedure efficiently stimulates elastin and collagen production by penetrating the skin with microneedles and delivering radiofrequency through each tip. 

This needle facial treatment causes less injury to the skin and therefore requires less downtime compared to other procedures. Just like the other methods, this enhanced form of microneedling is capable of efficiently eliminating or reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation.