Microneedling has gained popularity for its growing list of benefits. It is said to rejuvenate and plump the skin with minimal discomfort and very little downtime, and it can be adjusted to fit each person’s needs.

Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.

This new skin tissue is more even in tone and texture. It’s common for the skin to lose collagen with age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, additional collagen may help make the skin firmer.

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Microneedling may also be combined with topical serums, radiofrequency, and platelet-rich plasma. A dermatologist can help you navigate the decisions regarding additional treatment options and their estimated costs.

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Benefits of Microneedling 

• reducing the appearance of scars, including acne scars

• reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• reducing enlarged pores

• reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots

• smoothing uneven skin tone

• improving skin elasticity

• reducing the appearance of stretch marks

• reducing the appearance of scars

• promoting hair growth in people with alopecia

• Microneedling is considerably less expensive than laser therapy and may work better for some people. Laser treatments involve the use of heat, which can affect your skin’s pigmentation.

• People with darker skin tones may prefer Microneedling to laser therapy because associated with certain types of laser treatments on skin of color. Research on the effectiveness and safety of using laser treatment on darker skin tones is still lacking.

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Signs of Aging

As we age our skin begins to deteriorate, showing signs of damage from years of environmental exposure as well as the death of healthy skin tissue. As the skin ages, it begins to lose important compounds such as collagen, and elastin. These provide our skin the smooth, supple texture as well the “stretchy” consistency and ability to “bounce-back”. Once these compounds are depleted blemishes, fine lines, and spots begin to appear. Some of the most common signs of skin aging are:

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• Wrinkles, fines lines, and facial folds.

• Facial volume loss.

• Sun spots

• Hyperpigmentation or skin discolorations.

• Dry, cracked skin.

• Blemishes and bumps.

 

What to expect?

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Microneedling facial rejuvenation is a completely natural means of revitalizing your skin, helping to smooth out wrinkles, remove blemishes, reduce discolorations, and restore your skin’s natural radiance. 

The procedure itself is minimally invasive, and aside from the slight pinch of the needle, most patients don’t feel any discomfort. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete, and requires very little downtime or recuperation. 

 

What are side effects of Microneedling?

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Like all cosmetic procedures, Microneedling carries some risks. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days.

Call your doctor if you notice more severe side effects, such as:

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• bleeding

• bruising

• infection

• peeling

You may not be an ideal candidate for Microneedling if you:

• have certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema

• have open wounds or active acne

• have had radiation therapy recently

• have a history of skin scars

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Women who are pregnant may need to be cleared by an obstetrician or gynecologist before the treatment.

 

What to do before the treatment? 

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Before the procedure, consider talking with the doctor about ways to prepare for your appointment. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment (like Accutane), well in advance of the procedure.

It’s also recommended that you avoid using agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin. Your doctor may recommend that you stop using topical retinoids and exfoliants before your Microneedling appointment.

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What to do after the treatment? 

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Microneedling isn’t as invasive as plastic surgery, and the recovery time is minimal. 

These are the most common "right after the treatment" reactions:

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• Skin irritation and redness within the first few days  following the procedure. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.

• Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning within one month after procedure. Apply sunscreen. 

• Avoid sweating, steam room/sauna/hot tubs or swimming within 2 weeks after procedure. 

• Avoid skin care products with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol within 3 weeks after procedure.

• Avoid makeup till your skin has fully recovered.

• Do not peel your skin or use any chemical peels.

• Do not perform any cosmetic procedures such as botox or fillers. 

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To maintain the results of your treatment, you’ll need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. The doctor will work with you to develop a plan of action based on your individual goals.

 

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