What is a microneedle?
Microneedle is a medical and aesthetic technology that uses very small needles, only 50–1,000 micrometers long, to penetrate the stratum corneum (epidermis) to stimulate skin rejuvenation processes or to effectively deliver important substances such as vaccines, drugs, or nutrients into the skin. Because the needles are so small, they do not cause large wounds or severe pain when compared to injections with conventional needles. This makes microneedle technology widely used in both medicine and aesthetics.
Benefits of microneedle
- Treats acne scars and scars.
Stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars and smoothing skin texture. It can also be used to improve post-surgical scars. - Treats vitiligo.
Microneedling stimulates the production of new melanin, fading dark spots and restoring a more natural skin tone. - Treats hair loss.
When applied to the scalp, it stimulates new hair growth. It’s suitable for both hereditary hair loss and patchy hair loss, and also helps hair treatment medications penetrate better. - Reduces melasma and uneven skin tone.
Allows melasma medications to penetrate deeper into the skin, fading melasma and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments. - Skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction.
Stimulates collagen, tightening the skin, reducing wrinkles and sagging. It can also be used in conjunction with RF energy or antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to effectively repair sun-damaged skin.
Does microneedle have any side effects?
Although microneedling is considered a minimally invasive technology and is generally very safe, there are some side effects that should be watched out for, including:
- Skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or a rash.
- Minor bleeding/bruising from the puncture.
- Short-term peeling of the skin after the procedure.
- These symptoms usually resolve within a few days, but in some cases, they may last up to a week.
What areas can microneedle be used on?
Microneedle technology can be used on multiple areas of the body, including the face and body, by adjusting the needle depth to suit the thickness of each area of skin for the best and safest results.
| Areas that can be done | Objectives / Expected Results |
|---|---|
| Face | Restores skin, reduces wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and dark spots from acne, leaving skin smoother and brighter. |
| Eye area | Reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and under the eyes, helping the skin around the eyes look brighter and younger. |
| Neck | Restore sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and horizontal neck lines. |
| Cheeks & Jawline | Tightens the skin around the cheeks, reduces sagging, and helps to make the face look more defined. |
| Forehead | Reduces shallow and deep wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows. |
| Scalp | Stimulates hair growth, suitable for those with hair loss or thinning hair. |
| Body | Reduce stretch marks, make skin smoother and more elastic. |
Other treatment services
How is a microneedle different from a dermaroller?
Although microneedle and dermaroller have similar purposes – using “tiny needles” to stimulate collagen production and help nutrients penetrate the skin better – they have distinctly different technologies and efficacy.
| Microneedle | Dermaroller |
|---|---|
| The needle moves vertically onto the skin with precision. | Automatic, fast and provides a diagonal needle penetration of the skin while rolling for consistent results. |
| Less pain because the pressure and depth are constant. | More painful, more likely to cause abrasions or skin tears. |
| Adjustable needle length to various levels (e.g. 0.1–2.0 mm). | Fixed needle length, not adjustable |
| Use a sterile, disposable needle tip. | Must be cleaned before reuse, higher risk of infection. |
| Delivers important substances deeper and more precisely into the skin | Less absorption into the skin due to uneven depth |
| Automatic, fast and consistent performance | Using hand force to roll makes it slower and the results are not the same at all points. |
Active ingredients recommended for use with Microneedle
Microneedle technology works by opening tiny channels on the skin, allowing nutrients to penetrate deeper and more effectively. It can increase absorption by up to 300% compared to regular skin application, so it is commonly used in combination with the following active ingredients:
| Active Ingredients | Efficacy |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Intensely moisturizes and helps repair skin, strengthens skin elasticity, and helps increase the absorption of nutrients several times. |
| Peptides | Stimulates collagen production, helps tighten and firm the skin, and reduces wrinkles. Works with cell growth stimulants such as EGF to enhance skin rejuvenation. |
| EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) | Helps stimulate the creation of new skin cells at the cellular level, reduces wrinkles, freckles, dark spots and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. |
| PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide / Salmon DNA) | Promotes collagen production and restores skin from within, reduces inflammation, smoothes skin, and helps wounds heal faster when used with Microneedle. |
| Exosomes | Stimulates cell communication, promotes new tissue and collagen production, reduces redness, and restores overall skin quality after microneedle treatment. |
Microneedle technology used in clinics
Raffine Microneedle
It is a medical technology that has been certified by Medical CE / MHRA standards, designed for non-surgical and non-ablative skin rejuvenation and resurfacing. It is suitable for treating a variety of skin concerns, from wrinkles, sagging, acne or surgical scars, stretch marks, to dull skin and uneven skin tone.
How Raffine Microneedle Works
The Raffine uses a single-use sterile cartridge that contains nine surgical-grade stainless steel microneedles.
- The needles create tiny micro-injuries in the skin.
- The body responds by repairing and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
- This helps the skin naturally regenerate, strengthen, and look younger.
In addition, the device can adjust the needle depth (0.1–2.0 mm) and operating speed, allowing the doctor to precisely select the most appropriate treatment for each individual’s skin condition and concerns.
Highlights of Raffine Microneedle
- Highly safe: Uses single-use needles, reducing the risk of infection and contamination.
- Medically certified: CE Medical and MHRA certified, ensuring quality and safety.
- Covers a wide range of skin concerns: Can be used on both the face and body.
Suitable for
– Wrinkles and deep lines
– Stretch marks
– Acne or surgical scars
– Melasma, freckles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone - Ergonomic design: The device has a comfortable grip design, is easy to use and provides consistent results.
Compare raffine microneedle to other microneedle models
| Aspects | Raffine Microneedle | Other microneedles |
|---|---|---|
| Needle depth / level adjustment | Adjustable from 0.2mm to 2.0mm using precise 0.05mm increments. | Other models may have a shorter adjustment range or may not be as finely adjusted. |
| Number of needles | Uses a 9-pin (9 needle) needle cartridge with a dual locking mechanism for safety and accuracy. | Other models may use fewer needles (e.g. 6 needles or other design) and the cartridge design may not have a special locking system. |
| Speed / Penetration Rate | There are 4 speed levels, the maximum can drill up to 54,000 points per minute. | Standard models may have lower speeds, only 2–3 speed levels, or no fine-tuning capability. |
| Certification/Safety Standards | It is ARTG (for Australia) and CE certified as a medical device with anti-contamination protection. | Some models may not have full medical certification or advanced safety systems. |
| Needle cartridge quality/material | Uses 33G medical grade stainless steel needles that are precise and painless. | Standard models may use thicker needles, lower material grades, or have greater needle misalignment. |
| Ability to access difficult areas | With a 9-pin needle cartridge and locking system, it allows better access to small areas such as the sides of the nose. | Other models may not be able to reach uneven spots or small corners as well. |
EXCEED Microneedle
This high-quality medical microneedling technology is FDA-cleared and is the first microneedling system officially approved specifically for the treatment of facial wrinkles and acne scars.
This device is designed to deliver precise, safe, and consistent results, while minimizing downtime and allowing patients to return to their daily lives quickly.
How EXCEED Microneedle Works
- Uses a single-use, sterile cartridge.
- The six-needle tip on the tilting plate adapts well to the skin surface, providing consistent and accurate puncture results.
- Prevents backflow, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
- The needle depth can be adjusted in 0.1 mm increments (0.0-2.0 mm) to tailor the treatment to each individual.
- The device operates quietly and stably, delivering up to 150 punctures per second.
Highlights of EXCEED Microneedle
- World-Class Standards: FDA-approved for both wrinkle and acne scar treatment.
- Patented Cartridges: Provide consistent results, are non-abrasive, and reach difficult areas like the sides of the nose.
- Highest Safety: All cartridges are sterile and individually packaged, reducing the risk of infection. They are designed to prevent cross-contamination.
- Convenient to Use: The ergonomic design reduces operator fatigue, and the screw-on needle change system is quick and easy.
- Visibly Effective: Helps rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, treat acne scars, and improve overall skin texture for a smooth, even complexion.
Compare EXCEED Microneedle to other microneedle models
| Aspects | EXCEED Microneedle | Other microneedles |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing/Standards | It is an FDA-cleared medical device for the treatment of facial wrinkles and scars (dual indication). | The generic version may not have full medical certification or be a cosmetic device that has not undergone as much clinical testing as EXCEED. |
| Needle mode / Depth adjustment | Depth can be adjusted from 0.0 to ~1.5 mm depending on the model. | Other models may have less depth adjustment or a fixed depth. |
| Number of needles / puncture pattern | It uses 6 needles and has a “flexible needle plate” that helps the needles to release from the skin better, reducing skin drag. | The conventional model may use more or less needles and is a simple, non-flexible cartridge that rotates or moves across the skin. |
| speed | The speed (needle speed) can be adjusted, such as 100–150 Hz. | Standard models may have lower speeds or fewer speed settings. |
| “Dual indication” treatment efficacy | EXCEED is one of the few devices approved to simultaneously treat wrinkles and acne scars on the face. | Many devices are designed specifically for either “wrinkles” or “scars,” not both. |
| Skin restoration efficiency | EXCEED creates precise micro-channels that stimulate collagen/elastin production, helping the skin to become stronger and more resilient. | Other models use similar principles, but their performance may vary depending on the accuracy and quality of the equipment. |
document FDA U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 510(k) Summary: Exceed Microneedling Device (K180778)
document FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). 510(k) Summary: Exceed Microneedling Device (K182407)
Reference:
1. Recent Advances in Microneedling-Assisted Cosmetic Applications
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