- Who it may suit
- Adults with acne scars or fine lines on the face who can protect their skin from the sun and come back for several sessions.
- Brown and Black skin
- The sources do not agree. Two dermatology societies say microneedling suits every skin tone. The US regulator lists darker skin among those it may not suit, because the skin can darken or lighten afterwards. Dark marks are more likely in darker skin, can take months or years to fade, and darken in the sun. The Skin of Color Society says whoever treats you should be experienced with skin of colour. If dark marks, not dents, are your concern, say so first.
- Who should wait
- Wait if you have a tan, a cold sore, or acne with painful, deep or pus-filled spots. Tell us if you take isotretinoin, a prescription acne medicine, or took it in the past six months: Dr. Rockhead decides how long to wait.
- Who should not have it
- We don't give it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active infection, with a bleeding or platelet disorder, on a blood thinner, or with a blood cancer or another active cancer. The US regulator says it may also not suit people who form keloid scars, people on steroids, and people with eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, uncontrolled diabetes, a weak immune system, hepatitis or HIV. Tell Dr. Rockhead if any of these is you.
- Needles and blood
- Two dangers are worth knowing: a needle cartridge used on more than one person, and blood handled badly. Ask us whether you get a new cartridge at every session; the US regulator says re-using one is unsafe, even if it is cleaned. Your blood must be kept sterile and must be your own. Yours is drawn, spun and used in one visit, in one room.
