Micro-Needle Skin Rollers and Collagen Induction Therapy

Are Micro-Needle Rollers Safe?

Micro-needle rollers produced outside of the US are on the FDA's Import Alert red list, since their needles are classed for clinical use only. This doesn't necessarily mean they're unsafe, but it does mean the FDA doesn't think they're appropriate for at-home skin care.

“Microneedling is a safe, chemical-free method that triggers new collagen production,” says Beverly Hills, Calif, nurse and aesthetic trainer Sylvia Silvestri, RN. “Because it can be performed on all skin colors and types, it is sometimes the preferred treatment over laser as there is no risk of burning the patient.”

Who need Microneedling treat?

Washington DC-based dermatologist Cheryl Burgess, MD, is a big proponent of microneedling and has seen positive results with darker skin types. “In my experience, there is minimal postinflammatory hyperpigmentation,” she says. “I generally prefer the scattered needle pattern devices versus a circular pattern like the Dermapen.” Dermapen has an ergonomic design that can be used to target either the whole face or very small areas that are hard to reach with some larger devices, such as the sides of the nose, above and below the eyes, and the upper and lower lip.In Silvestri’s practice, microneedling is being used for acne scars, fine lines, skin tightening, and shrinking pore size. “What patients like about it is that there is little to no downtime. Some redness may occur immediately after treatment, but it usually subsides by the next day,” she says. “It can be used all over the body, but the face, neck, and chest are the most treated areas.”