Micro needling has become an increasingly popular treatment for addressing various skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars, pigmentation, stretch marks, and hair loss. Microneedling uses a device with tiny needles that penetrate the epidermis into the dermis, stimulating collagen and elastin production for wound healing and improved skin texture.
Nano needling is a less invasive variation that creates nano channels in just the epidermis to treat superficial issues like fine lines, skin tone, pore size, acne, and pigmentation. While micro needling requires downtime after treatments, nano needling provides an immediate glow without significant recovery needed.
How does Microneedling work?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive medical procedure that creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural wound healing response. It involves using a handheld device with fine needles ranging from 0.25 to 1.5mm in length to penetrate the epidermis and reach the deeper dermis layer.
The process works as follows:
- Preparation: Before the procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin, reviews the patient’s medical history, and discusses treatment goals. A numbing cream is applied 30-45 minutes prior to the procedure to minimize discomfort.
- Needling Process: The provider uses a handheld roller or electric device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. The needle channels created prompt the deeper dermis layer to mount a healing response, boosting natural collagen and elastin production. This helps improve the appearance and texture of the skin, minimizing issues like scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation.
- Post-Treatment: After the procedure, the skin may appear red and swollen for up to 5 days. Patients can typically wear makeup the day after the treatment. The procedure can take 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the treatment area.
Microneedling is recommended as a course of treatments, with 4-6 weeks between sessions, to achieve consistent results. It causes minimal discomfort and has a shorter recovery time compared to other skin resurfacing treatments like lasers or chemical peels. However, risks include bruising, scarring, and skin infection.
How does Nanoneedling work?
Nanoneedling is an extremely effective yet non-invasive and painless procedure that targets a wide range of skin conditions with no downtime. Unlike microneedling that uses actual needles to create micro-injuries, nanoneedling uses a tip with pyramid-like pins that are smaller than a strand of hair. These pins create nano channels that allow treatment serums and nutrients to deeply penetrate the skin, increasing the effective penetration of products by more than 1000% over the average application. The Skin Therapist uses a handheld electric pen device with the nano needle tip attached, gently gliding it over the skin.
This procedure:
- Promotes collagen production
- Refines skin surface
- Improves acne scarring, wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and rosacea
A series of 4-6 nanoneedling treatments spaced a week to two apart is recommended, though the skin will be glowing after the first treatment. Nanoneedling allows for precise, tailored treatment for any skin type and condition.
Nanoneedling | Microneedling |
Uses tips to create nanochannels. | Uses actual needles to create micro-injuries. |
Targets epidermis only | Penetrates into dermis |
No inflammation, discomfort or bleeding | May cause redness, swelling for up to 5 days |
No downtime required | Downtime of 15 mins to a few hours |
Up to 97% absorption of active ingredients | Boosts natural collagen and elastin |
Nanoneedling stimulates collagen production by safely infusing active ingredients through tiny nano-channels in the skin, allowing up to 97% product absorption. It is less invasive than microneedling and does not require numbing cream, with no downtime, redness, or swelling.
Key Distinctions between the two
The primary distinction between microneedling and nanoneedling lies in the depth of penetration into the skin. Microneedling utilizes needles that penetrate into the deep dermis layer, making it suitable for addressing deeper skin concerns like severe wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and deep acne scars. Conversely, nanoneedling only punctures the first layer of the skin, creating nano-channels, and is more effective for treating superficial concerns like fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture.
Another key difference is the downtime and side effects associated with each procedure. Microneedling can cause redness and swelling for up to 48 hours post-treatment, while nanoneedling has no downtime and does not cause these side effects. Additionally, nanoneedling is a painless procedure that does not require the use of numbing cream, unlike microneedling.
Aspect | Microneedling | Nanoneedling |
Needle Depth | Penetrates into deep dermis | Punctures only the epidermis |
Skin Concerns Addressed | Deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, deep acne scars | Fine lines, uneven skin tone, texture, blemishes |
Downtime and Side Effects | Redness, swelling for up to 48 hours | No downtime or side effects |
Pain Level | Requires numbing cream | Painless, no numbing required |
While microneedling is more suitable for deeper acne scars and wrinkles, nanoneedling is better suited for addressing fine lines, blemishes, uneven skin tone and texture, and malnourished skin. The MD Needle Pen is a versatile device that can provide both microneedling and nanoneedling treatments, with the appropriate treatment selected based on the patient’s specific skin condition and goals.
Conclusion
In summary, microneedling and nanoneedling are two effective treatments that address different skin concerns. Microneedling penetrates deeper into the dermis, stimulating collagen and elastin production for improving severe wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, nanoneedling targets the epidermis, refining the skin’s surface and enhancing the absorption of active ingredients to address fine lines, uneven tone, and texture. Both procedures have their unique benefits, and the choice depends on individual skin conditions and desired outcomes. Nanoneedling offers a non-invasive solution with no downtime, while microneedling delivers more dramatic results with a longer recovery period. To experience the transformative power of these treatments tailored to your specific needs, book your next microneedling appointment with Serra Skin Aesthetics.