Innovative treatments that promise youthful, radiant skin are always catching our attention. But few have stirred as much excitement among dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts as exosome microneedling.

Dr Saroj Poudel, a dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, is the director and co-founder of Nirvana Skin Clinic and Hair Transplant Centre, Lazimpat, Kathmandu. He demystifies exosome microneedling and explains how it differs from regular microneedling.

What is exosome microneedling?

Microneedling with exosomes is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that combines the benefits of traditional microneedling with the regenerative properties of exosomes, which are derived from stem cells. This combination helps to enhance skin repair, reduce signs of ageing, and improve overall skin texture and tone.

Exosomes are nanoparticles created and released by cells in our bodies that contain various lipids, proteins, amino acids, peptides, growth factors and genetic material.

Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that utilises tiny needles to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The benefit of combining microneedling with exosomes is that microneedling creates microchannels, allowing for deeper skin penetration of the exosomes and enhancing absorption.

How does exosome microneedling work, and what distinguishes it from traditional microneedling?

Microneedling is a dermatologic procedure that uses a micro-needle device, resembling a pen with tiny needles, to create micro-punctures in the skin. These tiny facial injuries trigger your body’s natural wound-healing process, including the production of elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen are naturally produced proteins that keep your skin smooth and youthful. As we age, our collagen production naturally slows, and our skin loses elasticity. The micro-injuries caused by micro-needling alert your body to produce new collagen and elastin, which helps heal and enhance the appearance of your skin.

During the treatment, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort. Then, a microneedling pen is used to create tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. Finally, a serum or gel containing exosomes is applied to the treatment area to penetrate the channels made by the microneedling. Exosomes cannot absorb through the skin without the small punctures made by the microneedling pen, so the treatments must be done together.

The procedure is comparable to a vampire facial or microneedling with Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, but exosomes are 100 times more powerful. Before a vampire facial, your blood is drawn and used to create the liquid plasma that will be put on your skin. Plasma contains a high concentration of platelets, stem cells and growth factors, which help with new cell growth. After microneedling with PRP therapy, the plasma liquid is gently massaged into your skin, allowing the new channels created by the microneedling to absorb it. It can enhance the benefits of microneedling by aiding in collagen and cell production.

With exosome treatment, you will not have to give blood. Exosomes contain more than 300 growth factors, while PRP contains around 12. In PRP therapy, we obtain these growth factors from your blood, whereas in exosome therapy, we utilise growth factors manufactured in a laboratory. This method enables us to produce a pristine product without any additional components typically found in PRP serums. You can see results from exosome treatment much faster than with PRP therapy and you may need fewer applications as compared to multiple PRP therapy sessions to see your desired results.

What are the main skin concerns that exosomes microneedling can address?

Microneedling with exosomes can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns. The combination of treatments allows for multiple problems to be addressed at once, including fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and sun damage, acne scarring, uneven skin tone or texture, enlarged pores and dull skin.

The skin becomes more hydrated and brighter after a microneedling exosome treatment. Scars and textured skin will become less pronounced, and signs of aging skin will be improved.

How soon can patients typically expect to see results, and how long do those results last?

The results typically become more noticeable in the weeks following the treatment as the skin produces new collagen and elastin. This treatment produces impressive long-term benefits, which can be observed up to six weeks after treatment.

How many sessions are needed for the best results?

The number of sessions varies based on individual skin concerns and goals. Generally, three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart are recommended, and the process usually takes around an hour.

What kind of pre- and post-treatment care is recommended to maximise results?

To achieve the best possible results, following pre- and post-treatment care instructions is crucial.

Pre-treatment Care:

To help reduce the possibility of irritation, minimise sun exposure and avoid tanning for at least two weeks pre-treatment.

Avoid blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications for at least one week before your appointment unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Post-treatment Care:

• Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outdoors.

• Refrain from using harsh skincare products, such as retinoids or exfoliants, for around a week post-treatment.