Dermatoporosis is a common condition, affecting between 30-37% of the population greater than age 65. It may lead to easy bruising, skin tearing, infections, and scars.~The pathogenesis of dermatoporosis involves decreased expression of collagen I, collagen III, and collagen IV; upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 3; downregulation of issue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotein I; loss of elastic tissue; defective fibroblast synthesis of collagen; and loss of hyaluronic acid.~Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a safe, established technique for treatment of acne scarring, rhytides, cellulite, and improvement of skin texture.~Microneedling has been demonstrated to stimulate growth factor release and increase dermal collagen and elastic fibers. It is effective in improving facial laxity, acne scarring, and facial rhytides.~Microneedling is safe and well tolerated. Expected adverse events include bleeding and oozing of the skin surface, redness, swelling, and peeling. Reported complications include post-inflammatory pigmentary changes, granulomatous reactions and systemic hypersensitivity reactions.~References:~Wollina U, Lotti T, Vojvotic A, Nowak A. Dermatoporosis - The Chronic Cutaneous Fragility Syndrome. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7(18):3046-3049.~Dyer JM, Miller RA. Chronic Skin Fragility of Aging: Current Concepts in the Pathogenesis, Recognition, and Management of Dermatoporosis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(1):13-18.~McCrudden MT, McAlister E, Courtenay AJ, Gonzalez-Va ́zquez P, Singh TR, Donnelly RF Microneedle applications in improving skin appearance. Exp Dermatol 2015;24(8):561-566.~Doddaballapur S. Microneedling with dermaroller. J Cutan AesthetSurg 2009;2:110-1.10~Aust MC, Reimers K, Kaplan HM, Stahl F, et al. Percutaneous collageninduction-regeneration in place of cicatrisation? J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2011;64:97-107.11.~Schwarz M, Laaff H. A prospective controlled assessment of microneedling with the Dermaroller device. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011;127:146e-148e.14.~Hou A, Cohen B, Haimovic A, Elbuluk N. Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review. Dermatol Surg. 2017 Mar;43(3):321-339
We hypothesize that a series of treatments with a microneedling protocol will lead to increased dermal thickness as measured by biopsy, ultrasound, and skin calipometry; an improvement in dermatology-related quality of life; and a reduction in the number of ecchymoses and skin tears, of the research subjects.