Clinical Studies

Efficacy and tolerability of a microneedling device for treating wrinkles on the neck

Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2022; 42(10).

Adults with neck lines had four microneedling sessions a month apart, carried out by trained aestheticians. Independent assessors found a significant improvement in wrinkles 90 days after treatment, and most participants were happy with the results.

Key result: 94% said their wrinkles had improved; 88% were satisfied with the results.

Microneedling therapy for atrophic acne scars: an objective evaluation

El-Domyati M et al. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2015; 8(7): 36–42.

People with indented acne scars had six sessions two weeks apart, and small skin samples were taken before and after. The samples showed significant increases in several types of collagen, including newly made collagen, and the top layer of skin became thicker. Scars and skin texture both looked better, and swelling and redness settled within about two days of each session.

Key result: 34% more new collagen and a 27% thicker top layer of skin after 6 sessions.

Skin needling to enhance depigmenting serum penetration in the treatment of melasma

Fabbrocini G et al. Plastic Surgery International, 2011.

Women with melasma (patches of darker skin) used a brightening serum on both sides of the face, but only one side was also microneedled. Over two months, the microneedled side improved noticeably more, which suggests the needling helped the serum work better. Redness and swelling cleared within two to three days.

Key result: dark patches reduced by 52% with serum + microneedling, versus 35% with serum alone.

Microneedling of scars: a large prospective study with long-term follow-up

Alster TS, Li MKY. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2020; 145(2): 358–364.

People of all skin types with facial and body scars from acne, injury or surgery had between one and six monthly treatments in clinic. Assessors who didn't know the treatment details rated the scars for up to 12 months. Facial and body scars responded similarly.

Key result: every scar was rated at least 50% better, after an average of 2.5 treatments.

Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

This review brought together nine randomised controlled trials of microneedling for indented acne scars, used either on its own or alongside other treatments, published over a 20-year period. It summarises how microneedling compared with other approaches in controlled conditions.

Percutaneous collagen induction therapy for scars, wrinkles and skin laxity

Aust MC et al. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2008; 121(4): 1421–1429.

One of the early large studies of medical needling. This retrospective study reviewed people treated for scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and loose skin. The authors reported improvements on standard scar and skin assessments, and tissue samples showed new collagen forming in a normal pattern.

A randomised evaluator-blinded study of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study

Dhurat R et al. International Journal of Trichology, 2013; 5(1): 6–11.

Men with mild to moderate pattern hair loss were split into two groups for 12 weeks. One group used 5% minoxidil lotion alone; the other used the same lotion plus weekly scalp microneedling in clinic. Minoxidil is a medicine, and this study tested microneedling alongside it, not on its own. Other small studies have shown mixed results, so more research is needed.

Key result: about 91 new hairs per cm² with microneedling added, versus about 22 with minoxidil alone.

Safety profile for microneedling: a systematic review

Dermatologic Surgery, 2021; 47(9): 1249–1254.

This review looked at published studies reporting side effects after microneedling. The most common were temporary, expected effects such as redness, swelling and discomfort, lasting up to about a week. Less common but longer-lasting effects included dark patches, marks from the needles and lumps under the skin. Active infections, darker skin types and metal allergies were linked to a higher risk. Overall, the authors considered microneedling a relatively safe treatment.

Microneedling: a review and practical guide

Alster TS, Graham PM. Dermatologic Surgery, 2018; 44(3): 397–404.

The authors reviewed the published medical literature on microneedling for scarring and skin rejuvenation. They concluded that it can produce meaningful improvement in the appearance of scars, stretch marks and wrinkles, with a quick recovery and limited side effects, and described it as a less invasive alternative to treatments such as laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels.