Because microneedling can stimulate collagen production, it is an excellent treatment for sun damage reversal, wrinkle reduction, acne scar fading, and skin augmentation. This innovative treatment utilizes a pen-like device with tiny needles to create micro-punctures, providing unparalleled results.
The body’s healing process will quickly regenerate the new tissue, resulting in rejuvenated, plumper, and smoother-looking skin.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure involving tiny needles penetrating the skin. It triggers your body to send collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and stretch marks.
For this treatment, your dermatologist uses a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The device is used to prick the top layer of your skin, which consists of dry, dead skin cells. It allows the needles to reach deeper layers to have a better effect.
The FDA has approved medical devices that use needles that penetrate the skin, but the agency recommends choosing a healthcare provider with special training in microneedling. Also, ensure your doctor uses new needle cartridges for each patient to avoid infection. You should also avoid using products that increase sensitivity in the treatment area until your skin is healed. It includes retinol and alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. Usually, a numbing cream is applied before the procedure.
How Does Microneedling Work?
The micro-injuries from the needles stimulate collagen production, which decreases wrinkles, heals sun damage, improves skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation, and helps diminish scars. It also tightens existing skin, giving it a more youthful look and reducing stretch marks and acne scarring.
The technique entails utilizing a pen-shaped tool embedded with needles that expertly create tiny punctures or needle pricks in the outermost layer of your skin. Once you’re numb, your doctor will use the tool (a derma roller) to roll across your face or body, remodeling the skin and minimizing your scars and fine lines.
For a dramatic improvement, some patients combine microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP contains concentrated blood platelets and growth factors that can help boost your results. Ask your dermatologist if this option is right for you.
What Can I Expect from Microneedling?
You will likely need to avoid sun damage three to ten days after treatment to allow your skin to heal the micro-injuries that occur during CIT. You may also need to apply a topical hyaluronic acid or anti-inflammatory cream.
After a numbing cream is smoothed onto your face, the doctor will use a pen-shaped tool or rolling device with tiny needles to make pricks in the top layer of your skin. They will move the tool evenly across your face and may end the session with a growth serum or calming treatment.
The minor wounds the needles create stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin. It helps reduce fine lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. It can even treat scarring from acne and illnesses like chicken pox. It can be used on any body part but is particularly effective on the face and neck. The pricks caused by the needles can also help plump your pores and make them appear much smaller, so it’s a great way to treat oily skin.
How Long Will Microneedling Take?
First, the person doing the procedure will smooth a numbing cream over your face. Then, they will move a pen-shaped device with tiny needles around the area to be treated. The needles will make minor cuts in your skin, causing some bleeding. It starts your body’s healing process, sending collagen and elastin to patch up the holes caused by the needles. It will tighten and lift sagging skin, lessen ruddiness and hyperpigmentation, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
You’ll start seeing results from microneedling immediately. The body’s natural wound-healing processes will begin to heal the micro-wounds as soon as they’re created.
However, it can take six to eight weeks before your skin looks its best. During this time, avoiding anything that will cause you to sweat heavily is essential. It will help keep your skin healthy and help it heal more quickly. It’s also recommended to have several microneedling sessions over months to see the best results.