Hyper-pigmentation & Other

[Hoping2improve]

Hello Sarah,
Earlier last year, I had a different method of single needling my stretch marks. It was quick and appeared to work. Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention to the damages (minor, but accumulated after a few sessions). So, once I began my single needle sessions again, I decided not to do my technique. Instead I use Sarah’s instructions; it’s extremely time consuming I have a ton of stretch marks) but I feel that this is a safer way without adding more damage.

I began my needling sessions again in December 2012 on my legs and breast. So far,

•Derma-roller on 12/24/12
•Single needled stretch marks on 12/30/12
•Derma-roller on 1/21/13
•Singled needled stretch marks from 1/26/13-1/29/13

Now there are questions:

1.My breast and some small spots on legs have hyper-pigmentation on every area that I have derma-rolling since 12/24/12. I was hoping that it was temporary, but there is still a noticeable dark area.  I don’t think it is because I rolled to hard because I don’t press hard (derma-rolling is painful). Since the skin is thinner on the breast, could it be the 1.5 mm roller (I’ve used this before without issue though)?

2.Unlike my own technique, I get a lot of bruising, which I read to be a good thing, from single needling. The bruising (deep blue-black bruising in some areas) last at least 14 days, which I thought was a little odd, but I do bruise easily even with a skin type of Fitzpatrick V. Is that normal?
 
3.Also, I had an accident which caused several scars, but 1 would not heal seamlessly into my skin. Since it was on a spot on my knee that kept bending, the sore kept opening, so it took a longer time to heal. It ended up a hypertrophic scar. 4 months after the scar I decided to place a silicone sheet on it to flatten it in October. Then, when I began singled needling sessions, I would prick it from time to time (derma-rolling hurt to bad).  Have I read correctly that single needling will help flatten the scar (note: I have gotten the scar almost completely flat)?

4.Also, the scar of my knee is rough (extremely dry and thicken skin). I can pick at the scar and flakes of skin with come off. What do you think that is? How can I improve that area?

Thanks in advance for answering. For ease of reading, my questions are in bold.

[SarahVaughter]

Sorry for the delayed reply!

Using a 1.5 mm dermastamp may be quicker way of needling stretch marks if you have very many. It is less targeted but still very effective.

>1.My breast and some small spots on legs have hyper-pigmentation on every area that I have >derma-rolling since 12/24/12

My answer here applies to you as well:

https://http://forums.owndoc.com/dermarolling-microneedling/single-needled-1-stretch-mark-3-12-weeks-ago-mark-still-red-normal/

>2.Unlike my own technique, I get a lot of bruising, which I read to be a good thing, from single
>needling. The bruising (deep blue-black bruising in some areas) last at least 14 days, which I
>thought was a little odd, but I do bruise easily even with a skin type of Fitzpatrick V. Is that
>normal?


It would be interesting to know what your technique is.
Bruising is not harmful but if you get it a lot of brusising, the needle length is too long for you or for that area. Instead of a 2 mm single needle, use a 1.5 mm dermastamp.
 

>Have I read correctly that single needling will help flatten the scar (note: I have gotten the scar
>almost completely flat)?

This link explains why microneedling flattens scars:

https://http://forums.owndoc.com/dermarolling-microneedling/needlingdermarolling-hypertrophic-scar/

Also, if the scar is hypertrophic, perform the pressure massage described here:

https://http://forums.owndoc.com/dermarolling-microneedling/what-to-do-about-hypertrophic-scars/

>4.Also, the scar of my knee is rough (extremely dry and thicken skin). I can pick at the scar and
>flakes of skin with come off. What do you think that is? How can I improve that area?


Using a 1.5 mm dermastamp is perhaps better for this type of thick scar.
You should constantly moisturize it with a semi occlusive cream such as Infadolan or even an occlusive cream such as Vaseline.