Researchers at Keçiören Training and Research Hospital in Turkey report that pairing micro-needling, a method to stimulate collagen production, with cupping massage to boost tissue perfusion shows promise for skin rejuvenation. The findings appeared in a study published in a leading journal on plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Micro-needling is a non-surgical procedure designed to accelerate skin renewal and wound healing. Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s collagen-building response. Across multiple investigations, scientists have documented notable benefits of microneedling for skin regeneration and tissue repair, underscoring its potential to improve facial texture, tone, and resilience over time.
In the Turkish study, subjects underwent a single session of micro-needling performed under anesthesia. One group received micro-needling alone, while another group received micro-needling followed by a brief session of skin vacuum cupping to enhance perfusion and possibly modulate healing responses.
After four weeks, researchers compared the skin changes between the two groups at the cellular level, focusing on epidermal thickness and collagen composition. The results showed a notable increase in the epidermal layer: approximately 24 micrometers with micro-needling alone, and about 42 micrometers when micro-needling was combined with cupping. Alongside this, there was a significant rise in collagen type 1 levels within the treated skin. Importantly, the ratio of type 1 to type 3 collagen also rose, a feature often associated with younger, more vibrant skin. The addition of cupping did not markedly alter the relative amounts of collagen types 1 and 3, suggesting the combined approach primarily accelerates surface thickening and collagen production without shifting the collagen balance dramatically.
The study adds to a growing body of preliminary evidence that combining microneedling with cupping may offer advantages for facial rejuvenation outcomes. For surgeons specializing in aesthetic procedures, this pairing could become a helpful option to enhance wrinkle reduction, skin tone evenness, and overall texture when planning facial rejuvenation plans. It also points to the potential for refining treatment protocols to optimize tissue perfusion and collagen remodeling while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Further research with larger human cohorts and standardized treatment parameters will help clarify the best approaches and patient selection criteria. (Citation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)