From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, scars are considered to be a result of a stagnation of qi and blood in the affected area. This stagnation can be caused by trauma, surgery, or other forms of physical injury. When qi and blood flow is disrupted, the body’s natural healing process is impaired, which can lead to the formation of scar tissue.
Micro-needling can help to address this stagnation by creating small, controlled injuries in the skin, which stimulates the flow of qi and blood to the affected area. This increased circulation can help to break up the stagnation, allowing the body’s natural healing process to resume. Over time, the scars can become less noticeable as the new tissue grows and the skin’s texture and tone improve.
In addition to its effects on qi and blood flow, micro-needling can also help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of scars. Collagen is a protein that is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It provides structure and support to the skin, and when it is produced in higher quantities, it can help to reduce the appearance of scars and improve overall skin texture and tone.
From a biomedical perspective, micro-needling works by triggering the skin’s natural healing process. The tiny needles used in the procedure create micro-channels in the skin, which stimulates the production of growth factors and cytokines. These factors help to promote the growth of new tissue, including collagen and elastin, which can improve the appearance of scars.
Micro-needling can also help to improve the penetration of topical skincare products. The micro-channels created by the needles can allow for deeper absorption of active ingredients, which can further enhance the skin’s healing and regenerative processes.
In addition to its effects on scar tissue, micro-needling can also be used to treat a variety of other skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It can also be used to promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.
While micro-needling can be an effective treatment option for scars, it is important to approach it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of the scars. This may include changes to diet and lifestyle, as well as the use of topical skincare products and herbal remedies.
In conclusion, micro-needling can be a valuable treatment option for scars from both TCM and biomedical perspectives. From a TCM perspective, micro-needling can help to improve the flow of qi and blood to the affected area, while biomedically it triggers the skin’s natural healing process and promotes the growth of new tissue. By stimulating collagen production and improving circulation, micro-needling can help to reduce the appearance of scars and improve overall skin texture and tone. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, micro-needling can be an effective way to promote healthy, radiant skin.