Skip To Content

Scar Reduction

There are many facial rejuvenation techniques currently available for those looking to address fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring at our New York City office. Resurfacing techniques like chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion have been used for years to rejuvenate the skin by removing the top layer of damaged skin and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

While effective, these techniques often include significant side effects such as whitening of the skin, hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, thinning of the skin and increased sun sensitivity. These treatments are also not recommended for the delicate eye area.

Skin needling, also referred to as medical needling or facial needling, offers an effective alternative for reducing facial wrinkles and lines as well as acne scars, chicken pox scars, and other shallow depressed scars. Needling can also help to flatten and smooth raised or hypertrophic scars, such as those from skin grafts and surgery, and relax contracted scar tissue from burns or accidents that limits movement.

Read More

This is a natural method of skin rejuvenation that does not require chemicals, lasers, fillers or injections. Instead, a process is used in which hundreds of microscopic pin pricks are created on the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound healing process and the production of new collagen. With repeat sessions, new collagen is gradually and continually produced, plumping and filling wrinkles, lines and depressed scars naturally.

First discovered in the 1940’s, today’s methods of needling are much more sophisticated and are used routinely around the world. This technique often goes by other names including dry needling, needle abrasion, needle dermabrasion, dry tattooing, facial mesotherapy, multitrepannic collagen actuation (MCA), percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), and collagen induction therapy (CIT).

Benefits of Skin Needling

There are many benefits of needling compared to other skin resurfacing methods. There is no removal or damage to the outer layer of skin, resulting in less risk of pigmentation changes and fewer side effects like skin thinning, increased sun sensitivity, allergic reaction and infection. This also results in less downtime and faster healing. In fact, recovery and downtime only last a few days. Because there are fewer risks, repeat or ongoing treatments with needling are possible. In fact, with repeat treatment, the skin becomes thicker rather than thinner. Needling can also be used around the eyes to treat conditions like crow’s feet.

What to Expect

During the needling procedure, a topical anesthesia is used to minimize pain and ensure the patient’s comfort. Once the skin is numbed, a sterile needle is inserted 1 to 2mm into the skin, creating a shallow puncture wound which triggers the body’s natural healing process and the production of new collagen. Multiple insertions are made on the skin throughout the treatment area.

After treatment, swelling is minimal and patients heal within a few days. Redness is common in the treatment area and lasts for three to five days. Ointment must be applied regularly during the first 3 to 7 days after treatment. Patients may see improvement in as little as a few weeks after each procedure with continued improvement occurring over the course of several months. The skin will appear smoother and tighter with diminished lines and wrinkles. Repeat treatments should be spaced at least 6 to 8 weeks apart.

To learn more about scar revision, visit medlineplus.gov

Visit Our Gallery
Next, learn about wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers.

Settle for Nothing But the Best Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Philip Miller and his team of New York's top rated facial plastic surgery experts provide custom cosmetic treatment plans that include a combination of minimally-invasive techniques and advanced procedures, to help each patient achieve the Aesthetic Confidence® they desire. Our unique NatraFace™ approach to facial rejuvenation includes the following effective procedures:

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Dr. Miller provides patients with Manhattan's #1 customized care and treatment for smooth, supple skin that brightens the eyes and revitalizes the face. With our NatraFace™ approach, we utilize a combination of effective aesthetic techniques tailored to suit each patient’s needs. We offer:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:

Skin Care Treatments

Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.

Male Plastic Surgery

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.

Services >

Aesthetic Confidence®

The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller

Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 44: My First Time

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)

    20 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas

    11 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 41: All Ears Considered!

    8 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau

    6 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 32: Endonasal or External

    1 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 30: In The Office

    17 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?

    4 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose

    3 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty

    2 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 26: Columellar Struts

    23 sec
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 25: Common Terms

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing

    5 min
  • Apple Podcast Icon Podcast Icon

    Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?

    4 min
View all Episodes

Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

View in App Store