In recent times, microneedling has become all the rage in Singapore — incorporated in treatment regimes by almost anyone, from your everyday beauty aficionado to professional aesthetic clinics. Microneedling refers to the use of strategically placed “pricks” on the skin with a derma roller. These create micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which, in turn, rejuvenates the skin and smoothens complexion.
Not only can microneedling be used for the face, but it can also be used on the scalp to treat hair loss by stimulating the growth of new hair follicles.
Sounds fairly simple right? Not exactly. It’s important to know that microneedling isn’t a DIY treatment or a quick fix. Just like every other treatment, there is a right way to perform a microneedling procedure, such as using the right needle length and applying the correct amount of pressure. This is to prevent injury to the tissues on the skin, and to ensure an effective treatment with optimal results. Read on to find out how, if not done properly, microneedling can destroy your hair.
Infection
As a microneedling procedure creates small, targeted injuries on the skin, it puts you at risk of infection, especially if the needles you’ve used are not sterile, if the treatment area is not sanitised before microneedling, and if proper aftercare protocol is not followed. To prevent an infection, you should:
- Ensure a clean treatment area before you start your procedure.
- Ensure your derma roller is properly sanitised, and that your needle cartridge is new, unused and sterilised.
- After your microneedling treatment, keep your scalp clean and dirt-free.
People who try out microneedling at home often disregard the importance of proper sanitation, and this could lead to a slow healing process and even infections. If you experience long-term swelling, redness and pus, please visit a doctor immediately.
Skin damage
Having the proper tools and techniques make a huge difference when it comes to microneedling. Using needles of the wrong size, applying too much pressure and penetrating too deep into the skin, could lead to skin damage and cause trauma to the nerve endings.
- “Tram track” scarring — Aptly called “tram track” scarring because of its resemblance to track lines (lines on the skin), this type of scar is caused by excessive derma roller use.
- Discolouration — Bruising can be caused by too much pressure, or simply because some people are more inclined to bruise than others. This often subsides within a few days.
Inflammation and irritation can also lead to other forms of scarring and hyperpigmentation. To lower your risk of skin damage, you should:
- Be patient and give your skin ample time to heal and regenerate before your next microneedling procedure.
- Avoid microneedling too aggressively to prevent skin irritation.
- Avoid taking blood thinners before your treatment to prevent bruising.
- Use the right microneedling device with the correct needle length.
- Employ the right technique to prevent unnecessary scarring and bruising.
Allergic reactions
Everyone’s skin sensitivity differs, and an at-home microneedling treatment may put you at risk of an allergic reaction from the type of cream or serum you use. Many of these topical creams and serums are only meant to be used for the surface of the skin and contain harmful ingredients that are not meant to be deposited inside a wound. This could cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
To prevent skin sensitivity or adverse skin reactions, look out for serums meant specifically for microneedling treatments, and avoid those that contain silicones, preservatives, acids and fragrances that may be too abrasive to the skin. It also helps to look for serums with ingredients that boost the skin’s natural healing process.
TrichoLab’s microneedling treatment for hair loss uses a patented hair growth and anti-hair loss formula — a cocktail of botanicals, peptides, and growth factors, for a more effective procedure and optimal results.
It is important to note that microneedling may not be suitable for everyone, and can worsen your skin condition instead of improvising it. This is especially so for those with skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. Make sure to get a thorough skin analysis with a professional first to assess your suitability.
Uneven hair growth
Derma rolling may worsen scalp health and adversely affect hair growth if used incorrectly, causing opposite outcomes and further triggering hair loss. This may be due to an infection, an inflammatory response, or damaging the hair roots by going too deep.
This is why it is paramount to have a trained specialist who can determine the best way and a depth that works best for your scalp.
Excessive pain or discomfort
If you perform microneedling yourself, you may experience excessive pain or discomfort. This may be due to an improper technique, or simply because you have relatively sensitive skin, which a professional can account for.
A professional may take such measures to minimise pain and avoid damage to your hair:
- Using right serums that do not cause stinging or itching during your treatment.
- Employing the correct microneedling techniques, and not putting too much pressure or going too deep into the skin.
- Using the right derma roller and needle size to prevent damage and trauma to your nerve endings and hair follicles.
Professional microneedling with TrichoLab
If not done properly, microneedling can destroy your scalp and hair. It can lead to anything from skin damage to uneven hair growth. For a safe, effective treatment, it is important to find licensed, trained professionals who adhere to proper safety protocols for your microneedling treatment.
Here at TrichoLab, we offer a signature microneedling treatment, specifically tailored to address advanced hair loss using a patented hair growth and anti-hair loss formula. For more information, book a comprehensive scalp analysis with us today.
