September 13, 2022 Tags: Plastic Surgery News
A new study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), reports that microneedling can improve the final appearance of surgical scars, especially when the procedure is performed early. The study, which included 25 women with surgical scars resulting from various plastic/skin surgery procedures, found that the best results are seen when the procedure is performed within six to seven weeks of the surgery.
Microneedling is a nonsurgical procedure used to improve the appearance of the skin. Microneedling can improve conditions such as acne scars, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and more. This non-invasive procedure works by inducing the body’s production of the natural healing elements of collagen and elastin.
Previously, doctors waited to perform treatments such as microneedling to improve the appearance of surgical scars once the scar has fully matured, which takes anywhere between six and 12 months. This study evaluated an alternative approach using microneedling in earlier phases of the healing process, intending to reactivate the healing pathway.
The researchers compared results for patients who started microneedling earlier, six to seven weeks after surgery, versus later, 13 to 16 weeks. The results showed “markedly better” improvement for the earlier treatment group. Outcomes were similar for patients in different age groups and for those with scars located on the body versus the face.
The study raises new questions about the timing of microneedling to improve the appearance of surgical scars. “While more research is needed to fully evaluate this finding, it certainly represents a significant paradigm shift in scar management,” Casey Gene Sheck, DO, of Cooper University Hospital, Camden, N.J., and colleagues conclude. “Patients and surgeons interested in maximizing scar management may elect for early intervention with microneedling prior to development of undesirable scars as a matter of preventative care.”
Interested in microneedling treatment in Nashville, TN, to improve surgical scars? Schedule a consultation with the experts at Dr. J. J. Wendel Plastic Surgery today!
