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Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
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Safety Profile for Microneedling: A Systematic Review.
Sherman Chu1,2,3,4, Delila P Foulad1, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska1
1Department of Dermatology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California.
Summary
Microneedling is generally safe, with most side effects like redness and pain being temporary. However, risks increase with active infections, darker skin tones, and metal allergies, requiring careful patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.
- It stimulates collagen and elastin for treating skin conditions like scarring, photodamage, and hair loss.
- A comprehensive safety review is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review reported side effects of microneedling.
- To identify factors increasing complication risks.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 85 articles.
- Literature search conducted in August 2019 using PubMed.
- Focused on studies reporting adverse events (AEs) post-microneedling.
Main Results:
- Most common AEs are transient (erythema, edema, pain, dry skin, dermatitis).
- Persistent serious AEs include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), scarring, and granulomatous reactions.
- Risk factors: active infections, darker skin, metal allergies.
Conclusions:
- Microneedling is a relatively safe procedure with mostly transient side effects.
- Caution advised for patients with active infections, darker skin, metal allergies, or when using unapproved intradermal products.
