How Long Does It Take For Holes/Channels To Close After Microneedling?

It should come as no surprise that one of our favourite (most popular), evidence-based methods for skin rejuvenation is microneedling. A question that generates confusion is: How much time does it take for the holes to close completely?

Channel closure is often thought to happen rather quickly, with most experts estimating that it only takes 15 to 20 minutes. We wanted to corroborate this in the scientific literature, just to be sure. Most claims about closure times have been based on best-guess. There is limited research using murine/porcine models, but there is in-vivo human evidence that sheds more light on the subject.

These questions were investigated in 2011; the results of the study were reported in the Journal of Controlled Release September issue. Using impedance spectroscopy, they discovered that the average time after needle insertion until channel closure was about 2 hours.

The study's design, however, did not take into account actual clinical microneedling situations. They employed stainless steel sheets with 10 to 50 needles per sheet, ranging in length from 0.3 to 1.5 mm. After 20-30 seconds of pressing the sheets into the skin, measurements were taken. The authors concluded that full channel closure would most likely occur between 2 and 24 hours in real-world scenarios with high-powered automated microneedling pens that produce many more channels per square inch and different depth settings.

The idea that you should be extremely cautious and discriminating about what you apply to the skin, not just during the treatment but for up to 24 hours following the procedure, is strengthened by the fact that channel closure takes many hours and the skin remains highly sensitive until then.

When considering any microneedling treatment please consult first with an authorized provider to understand both the risks and alternatives that are unique to you. Know that there are risks with using any cosmetic treatment or product, and that results are never guaranteed. Be sure to follow only the precare and aftercare instructions from your own provider and do not combine the instructions with that of any other clinic or product manufacturer without first speaking with your provider.

Sources: doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.05.021