What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure for treating certain skin conditions through the production of collagen. This may be the right treatment option for people looking to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne scars.
Some anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery, uses microneedling. Despite the role of collagen in hair growth, microneedling is still not an effective treatment option for hair loss.
Microneedling may be your final step before thinking of having cosmetics surgery for anti-aging and other skin concerns. The ideal candidate for this procedure is the one in good health and have certain skin problems that didn’t react to any home treatments or other dermatologic procedures (for example: peels).
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling aims to encourage your skin to produce more collagen. This procedure works by causing a slight injury to the skin (through pinpricks) and the skin reacts by producing new collagen-rich tissues. The new skin tissue produced has more even tone and texture. It’s natural for the skin to lose collagen as we grow older, or after having an injury. By encouraging the skin to produce new tissue, more collagen will make the skin firmer as well.
Procedure For Microneedling
During microneedling, your doctor makes small pricks on your skin using a pen-like tool. These pinpricks are very small that you probably won’t see them after the procedure. Your doctor will move the pen-like tool evenly across your skin, making the new skin that rejuvenates to be even as well.
Your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort or pain before starting the procedure. This is usually done about one hour before the procedure. Microneedling usually takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor may use a serum or calming treatment, so expect to be at the clinic for at least 2 hours.
Treated Areas of Microneedling
Microneedling is usually used on your face to treat:
- acne scars
- age spots (also known as sun spots)
- fine lines and wrinkles
- large pores
- reduced skin elasticity
- uneven skin tone
In addition to these facial skin concerns, microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in some particular parts of the body. One study shows that microneedling, combined with fillers, was effective for treating stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area.
Although microneedling is primarily used to treat facial skin concerns, this procedure may also treat scarring on other areas of the body.
Risks or Side Effects
Just like all other cosmetic procedures, microneedling comes with risk. One of the most common side effects of this procedure is minor skin irritation which is immediately noticeable right after the procedure. You may also notice some redness for the next few days.
Call your doctor if you notice that you’re having one of these severe side effects:
- bleeding
- bruising
- infection
- peeling
Also, you’re not an ideal candidate for this procedure if you:
- are pregnant
- have certain skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema)
- have open wounds
- recently had radiation therapy
- have a history of skin scarring
What To Expect After Microneedling
Unlike plastic surgery, microneedling is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure so the recovery time is reduced and most people need very little down time (if there’s any). You may notice some irritation of the skin and redness for the next few days after the procedure. This is a normal reaction to the slight injuries made by microneedling in your skin.
You can go back to your work or daily routine after having the procedure, but only if you’re comfortable. Some people that had microneedling apply makeup to cover the redness of the skin. You must also apply sunscreen since your skin will be more sensitive to heat after the procedure.
Your skin works fast enough to rejuvenate new skin tissue after the procedure, so results must be visible after a couple of weeks. However, you’ll need multiple sessions or perhaps complementing treatments to maintain these results. Tell your doctor about your personal goals and ask for an advice on what’s the best plan of action.
5 Benefits of Microneedling
1. Minimizes the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Premature aging presented by fine lines and wrinkles makes you look older than you should be. The slight injuries caused by microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen and elastin are compounds naturally present in your skin that plays the role of adding structure and strength. Microneedling encourages your body to produce new skin tissues which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Scar Treatment
Since microneedling boosts the production of collagen and elastin, it’s also an effective procedure for treating scars, such as acne scars. However, keloid or raised scar can’t be treated with microneedling.
3. Reduces the Appearance of Sun Damage
Microneedling is also an effective procedure in minimizing the appearance of sun damage (for example: hyperpigmentation and age spots). If you have a blotchy, brownish skin, this is the result of having too much sun exposure. Since microneedling stimulates collagen production, this procedure can rejuvenate and even out the tone of your skin.
4. Anti-Aging
Aging isn’t only presented by fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, making it look lax. Our skin, as we age, may also have a dull appearance, and microneedling can alter this.
5. Shrinks Pores
Microneedling punches tiny holes in your skin. However, instead of increasing the size of your pores, it helps in shrinking your pores. The area around your pores plumps after stimulating the collagen around it which makes the pore itself to almost disappear.
No one wants to look older than they should be. So if you’re looking for treatment options for the signs of aging, Microneedling may be the best choice for you. To learn more about Microneedling, visit Alchemy West and see all the services that we offer. Schedule your consultation and call us at (864) 263-7868 today!
