Microneedling for Post-Surgical Scars

Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of Surgical Scars 

What is Microneedling? 

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of our state-of-the-art microneedling device that uses very fine needles to create tiny holes in the skin area being treated.

In late 2022, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons published a clinical trial that examined the effects of microneedling for the treatment of post-surgical scars (Claytor, et al, 2022).This study found that microneedling provided a significant  improvement in the appearance of post-surgical scars, including acne scarring.

Read “Microneedling Outcomes in Early Postsurgical Scars”

Microneedling for the treatment of Post-Operative Surgical Scars 

Microneedling treatment works by inducing our bodies own healing processes which include the production of collagen and elastin, to improve the appearance of surgical scars.

It is recommended that microneedling treatment is commenced within the first six weeks following surgery to stimulate an increase in the healing process.

We use our state-of-the-art Derma Pen 4 skin needling device, and we maximise your treatment outcomes by also deploying Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy several days after your skin needling treatment, and again at intervals of one week and two weeks after your treatment. LED treatment assists in the formation of new skin cells, which is an essential element in rejuvenating your skin.

How many treatments are recommended? 

For optimal results, we recommend three treatments over a three-to-four-month period.

Is Microneedling Scar Treatment Painful? 

To ensure that you are kept as comfortable as possible, a topical anaesthetic can be applied to numb the area being treated.

How long does the procedure take? 

Prior to your treatment, you will have received a consultation at Bella Plastic Surgery and will be informed of the benefits and potential risks and side effects evolved in the Skin Needling Treatment. You will also be fully informed on how to care for your skin following your skin needling treatment – you will be required to follow all post-care instructions as directed by your skin therapist.  

You will need to allow at least one and a half hours for your appointment to complete a Patient Registration Form, receive your consultation, have the topical anaesthetic take affect and discuss the procedure and post-treatment care instructions. You may also decide to have a consultation and schedule a treatment on an alternative day – this will be discussed in your initial consultation.

Potential Risks

Like all non-surgical treatments performed within our clinic, there are always potential risks and side-effects that need to be considered when undergoing skin and body treatments. Although the potential risks associated with skin needling are extremely uncommon, the following may occur but are not limited to: 

• Lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated areas 
• Skin crusting or blistering  
• Infection  
• Scarring 
• Granuloma formation  

Following your treatment 

The skin needling treatment uses micro fine needles to penetrate the skin, causing immediate trauma to the skin. This means that the treated areas will be left sore, red, and swollen. Within 48-72 hours, the skin redness will begin to fade. During this time, my skin may ooze forming some skin crusting begin to shed dead skin. This is a part of the natural healing process. It may take up to a week for the bulk of the redness to settle.  

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with an information care sheet.