Microneedling

Microneedling has it's origins in ancient China, with strong connections to acupuncture. In Chinese medicine, there are a few devices other than single filiform needles used for cutaneous acupuncture. These are called a "seven star needle" or “plumb blossom needle” (梅花针) and a three edged needle (三棱针). The plumb blossom needle is most similar in appearance to the microneedle tips, with several needle tips attached to a round head which is placed  on a thin, flexible length of bamboo.

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In the Tang Dynasty, women in the Chinese imperial courts would use devices that resemble modern day derma-rollers for health and beauty. This trend eventually faded away, with a resurgence of interest by allopathic physicians in Western countries in the 20th century. 

Ernst Kromayer, a noted dermatologist, started experimenting with “various sized dental burrs mounted on motor-driven flexible cord equipment”. He treated scars, birthmarks and hyperpigmentation.

Experimentation was reignited by the pioneer work done on aging being conducted by Alexis Carrell, a French scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Carrell immigrated to New York, which soon became a hub for dermatological pioneers.

By 1995, two of Carrell’s New York protégés described a new technique for the treatment of scars and wrinkles using a hypodermic needle. Not long after, a Canadian plastic surgeon and his associate discovered that scarring was reduced when he camouflaged tattoos on patients with skin-colored ink

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