Skin is the most vulnerable organ in our body. Any type of injury, damage, or wound can expose the skin to scarring. Scars on the skin are the easiest to notice. They can result from surgery, inflammatory skin disease, burns, or injury.
In most cases, scars have loose fibrous connective tissue and they remodel during healing. But, when there is an abnormal scar overgrowth or the scars are too deep, that’s when people often look for procedures that can treat or minimize their impact and give the scars a softer look. [1]
Microneedling decreases scarring and induces a faster healing process. The question is, how soon after surgery can you microneedle a scar? Should you get micro-needling right after surgery? The guide below can answer all your queries.
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Scars after surgery
Regardless of the type of procedure you get, every surgery comes with some degree of scarring. Although surgical procedures have come a long way, we have yet to create a fully “scarless” procedure. Surgery breaks and damages the skin, which causes the body to release collagen fibers to help it heal.
How big or deep the scar is varies based on the surgery you have and your genetic predisposition. So, different patients can get the exact same procedure and end up with a different scarring pattern. You might be prone to raised, thicker, or hypertrophic scars.
Other patients might see flatter or discolored scars. Microneedling is often recommended for treating surgery scars.
Micro-needling for post-operative scarring
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure. This form of collagen induction therapy is done through the skin for skin tightening, rejuvenation, and scar remodeling. This type of procedure can be used for various scar types including post-operative, acne, smallpox, varicella, and hypertrophic scars. [2]
When done soon after surgery, micro-needling can improve the overall look of the surgical scar. The small needles stimulate the natural rejuvenation process in a couple of weeks to months. As a result, the scars look smoother, softer, and more even.
Benefits of micro-needling for surgery scars
- Improves the texture and appearance of the skin
- Results in soft and silky skin
- Induces collagen production
- Minimizes scars
- Decreases hyperpigmentation
- Doesn’t make you prone to skin discoloration
How soon can you microneedle a surgical scar?
Microneedling for surgery scars can be done as soon as 6 weeks after wound closure, explains the National Library of Medicine. Previously, experts believed that immature scars couldn’t be treated with micro-needling. [3]
But current reports indicate that if the procedure is done early it could offer reliable results. By starting 6 to 7 weeks following wound closure, patients can restart the natural rejuvenation process, which may offer better outcomes for post-surgery scarring.
Does micro-needling work on deep scars?
It takes time for micro-needling to reduce the appearance of deep scars. After 3 treatments, patients usually have a more even skin tone and texture. The skin starts to feel firmer and smoother. But, for the deep scars to reduce, multiple sessions may be necessary.
Most patients have a collection of different scar types. Therefore, a tailored treatment method often yields the best results. Talk to a specialist to find treatment methods that work for you.