What exactly is scar reduction therapy?
Microneedling, CO2 lasers, Fraxel laser, Halo hybrid lasers, chemical peels, and microdermabrasions are all various forms of collagen induction therapy (CIT). All collagen induction therapies have different methods, but they achieve the same goal. They are minimally invasive procedures that aim to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars by stimulating existing collagen and elastin by damaging the skin and letting the immune system do the rest. But everyone's skin condition and immune system is very different and not all procedures produce the same result even for two people with the exact same condition and the same procedure performed.
At Natural Effects, we offer a more tried and true effect with our Dry Needling and Acne Scar Reduction therapies, both of which have proven, dramatic results for reducing various types of scars including burn scars, trauma scars, surgical scars, keloided scars and acne scars.
How exactly does it work?
Microneedling
Microneedling is a form of CIT where micro needles puncture the outer layer of the skin, causing it to induce collagen and your body's natural response to rebuilding itself. Microneedling helps with shallow, pocketed scars and leveling out the surface areas of most scars. It can be done multiple times as long as the skin is healed with no side effects or allergic responses since the depth of the needle is so minor that it does not cause any major damage. Microneedling can also be done "wet" (when a solution or serum is introduced into the skin) or "dry" (without any solution). The method will depend on the scar type as well as the individual client's skin condition since each method has its own advantages.
In the image below, the client has an old surgical scar near her collar bone that has widened and raised over time. We used a variety of techniques including microneedling, dryneedling as well as plasma and scar camouflage to flatten the scar down over time and added a little color to match her skintone in the lighter areas.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling, similar to microneedling, damages the skin to induce collagen. The biggest difference between dry needling and microneedling is that it is much more focused. With microneedling, the smallest sized area that can be done is 1/4 inch. So if you have a scar that is smaller than 1/4 inch, any surface areas would also be affected. Dry needling uses cartridge tattoo needles and can be as small as 0.30 of 1 mm. It is much more effective since it does not damage any skin areas that are healthy and used solely to work on the scarred areas. The other major difference between dry needling and microneedling is that dry needling can go to various depths of the skin. Microneedling depths are set in between sessions and can not be altered unless the area is already worked on. Dry needling is more effective for scar reduction because scar tissues have different thicknesses and depths compared to healthy skin.
Dry needling performed with hyaluron and vitamin c serum on client with deep, pocketed acne scars. This photo was taken 4 days after the procedure.
The redness from the procedure will go away between 7 to 10 days. Depending on the depth of the scar, most clients have dramatic results between 1 to 3 sessions.
Acne Scar Therapy
Most dermatologists will only help treat current acne outbreaks and help with maintenance on the skin to help prevent newer outbreaks. The biggest difference with what we do is repair and reduce damaged skin and older scar tissue on clients that have deeper, pocketed areas of scarring and dimpled skin areas. While there are many different treatments for acne scarring, it boils down to each client's skin condition and how well it reacts to the type of treatment that is provided. For example, Fraxel lasering may help one client while microneedling may help in another. Our procedures are not a one-size-fits-all and it is customized based on your skin condition. We use a variety of techniques including microneedling, dry needling as well as plasma to treat the scar tissue. That is why our procedures are much more effective compared to most others. It is based on the individual skin condition and how it reacts to the treatment.
Client with very deep and old acne scars and he has seen six different dermatologists. Dry needling and plasma treatment performed only after one session each. Photos are taken before treatment and 3 weeks post treatment.
Advantages of Scar Reduction vs. Traditional Surgery
No cutting or puncture of the skin
No injections
No stitches or staples
Minimal side effects
Far less downtime
Less invasive procedure
Most patients can return to work the same day
No thinning of the skin
Significant cost difference
SCARS CAN LOOK DRAMATICALLY BETTER
The idea of further damaging old scars to improve it beyond many people. Properly controlling collagen induction and melatonin will drastically improve most scars. Our body can do wonders when it comes to healing and rebuilding; it just needs a little push in the right direction. Thick, raised scars can be leveled down flat with plasma reduction. Deep, indented scars can be raised with several sessions of microneedling and dry needling. What gives scars its look is usually the texture of the scar tissue. Once the scar texture is improved, then it's a matter of addressing the color of the skin, which can be easily done with skin micropigmentation.
View our Gallery for many more amazing client results!