Your dermatologist will use either a manual roller or an electric device with varying lengths of needles. They can also use an array of serums such as hyaluronic acid, epidermal growth factors, and antioxidants to help treat your skin concerns. The treatment’s micro wounds naturally produce more collagen, which reduces wrinkles and even scars. Your dermatologist may recommend multiple treatments over several months.
What is Microneedling?
The idea of sticking a bunch of needles into your skin may sound scary, but that’s exactly what the popular cosmetic treatment known as microneedling does. The process stimulates the body to create new tissue, which often results in firmer and more even-looking skin in tone and texture. Microneedling San Diego can also usually reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other cosmetic issues.
You’ve probably heard of the treatment, which is also called collagen induction therapy or skin needling, from friends who have had it done or from social media posts showing before-and-after photos. It’s a relatively simple procedure in which your dermatologist uses a handheld device with tiny needles that make pinprick-sized holes in the skin. The skin heals the damage with its own protein, which helps it look tighter and more youthful.
It’s important to see a qualified, experienced dermatologist for this treatment. They can tell you whether it’s a good fit for your skin type and condition, and they’ll be able to explain the cost and estimated treatment sessions required for your desired outcomes. It’s generally considered safe, but you should avoid microneedling if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have a herpes infection in the area, or use certain acne medications.
Aside from that, it’s a relatively painless procedure, which can last up to 20 minutes. You might experience slight redness for a few days, but that typically goes away on its own. If you’re worried about the discomfort, your dermatologist can give you a topical numbing cream to take the edge off.
If you want to try microneedling at home, there are a number of do-it-yourself devices out there. You should steer clear of these, though, because the needles are typically shorter and less sterile than those used by dermatologists. You could also accidentally pierce your skin or cause an infection if you don’t sterilize the device properly.
Your dermatologist will most likely recommend combining microneedling with other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma, to achieve the best possible results. You’ll also need to follow a skincare routine before treatment that involves avoiding retinoids and other skin-irritating products for 2 to 4 weeks, and protecting the treated area with sunscreen.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Before the procedure begins, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin. Then, a doctor uses a pen-like tool that contains tiny needles to make small pricks in the skin. These micro-injuries minimize the damage to the surrounding tissue and trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process. The body responds by sending healing agents like collagen and elastin to the area to repair the miniscule holes in the skin. These new cells can fill in fine lines and wrinkles, help stretch marks fade, and create a more even skin tone and texture.
The skin may be slightly red or irritated for a few days after the procedure. But, if the treatment is performed by a licensed technician, you should not experience more serious side effects like bleeding or bruising, according to Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. This is because a licensed practitioner knows how to control the amount of pressure applied to the skin and how to clean the needles after each use.
If you’re considering getting a microneedling treatment, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist before booking an appointment. A consultation allows the dermatologist to determine whether this cosmetic treatment is right for you and what kind of results you can expect. You should also tell the dermatologist about any allergies or health concerns you have.
For example, you should not get a microneedling treatment if you have a blood disorder or take blood thinners. It’s also not recommended for people with active shingles or cancer. Also, if you have an autoimmune disease, your dermatologist will probably recommend you not undergo the procedure.
Other conditions that can be treated with microneedling include acne scars, rosacea, and fibrosis. The needles in the microneedling pen can break down the glue that holds the skin cells together and cause these issues. Additionally, the needles can release growth factors that promote skin rejuvenation and decrease hyperpigmentation and blemishes. The resulting new skin cells can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade stretch marks, and make the pores appear smaller. As a result, many patients are thrilled with the results of their microneedling treatment.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling can help heal skin that has been damaged by sun damage and also improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and loose skin. It is an especially effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles that tend to appear more prominent as we age. This is because the controlled skin trauma from the needles stimulates your body to produce collagen, which smoothes and tightens your skin.
Micro-needling can also improve acne scars, especially those that result in tenting of the skin or pock marks. It can also help reduce black heads and whiteheads, which are usually caused by hormones and inflammation. The controlled skin trauma and thousands of little needle pokes also helps to liberate the trapped sebum and reduce hyperpigmentation. Typically three to five monthly or biweekly treatments are required to get the best results.
It can also help to tighten the outer layer of skin, which naturally thins with aging. It can even make it easier for topical skin care products to penetrate the upper layers of your skin, so they are more effective.
Because the procedure does cause some bruising and redness, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are taking blood thinners. Bleeding is generally uncommon but can occur, especially if the treatment is done with a device that causes heat or energy.
Those who are considering microneedling should only have the procedure done by a trained and certified dermatologist or aesthetician. There are do-it-yourself microneedling devices that can be bought, but dermatologists warn against using these because they can hurt the skin and they can’t be sterilized correctly.
While it is common to see some bruising and redness right after the treatment, this should disappear within a few days as your body begins producing new collagen. Most patients need to receive a series of microneedling treatments to achieve their desired results. Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan that is right for you. You may need to combine microneedling with other treatments, such as radiofrequency or platelet-rich plasma, to get the most dramatic and long-lasting results.
What Can Microneedling Not Treat?
Despite its impressive results, microneedling is not right for everyone. The treatment is not advised if you have certain skin conditions or are taking certain medications. These include autoimmune disorders like lupus, eczema and rosacea, as well as any skin that is sensitive or prone to scarring. You should also avoid this cosmetic treatment if you have recently had a sunburn, are undergoing any skin treatments that will irritate your skin (such as chemical peels) and/or are pregnant.
The dermatologist performing your treatment will first put numbing cream on your face to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Then, he or she will move a pen-shaped device with tiny needles around your face to make small cuts in the skin. This will cause a little bleeding and make the skin feel tighter. After the treatment, he or she will apply a serum to your face.
This procedure works to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, which are a natural part of the aging process. The new collagen the procedure generates will smooth out your skin, making it look younger. It can also help reduce enlarged pores, which are often caused by acne or other skin conditions.
It can also reduce hyperpigmentation, as the treatment triggers the skin’s natural wound healing response. In this way, it eliminates old cells and makes room for new ones. This also evens out your skin tone.
You can choose to add PRP to your treatment for augmented results. This all-natural plasma contains growth factors that boost collagen production, helping you achieve more youthful and radiant skin.
If you’re interested in trying this minimally invasive treatment to improve your appearance, please schedule an appointment with our office. We’ll review your medical history and discuss your expectations for the procedure. We’ll then create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
It’s important to remember that while the pricking of your skin with needles may be uncomfortable, it is a safe and effective treatment. However, before undergoing this treatment, you should make sure that your doctor has the necessary credentials and experience to perform it properly. It’s also important to steer clear of do-it-yourself kits, as these can lead to injury and infection if not sterilized correctly.