Microneedling is the process of using a pen-like device with tiny, sterilized needles to make pin pricks in your skin for rejuvenation. While it sounds scary, the punctures are so small that your body will naturally rush to heal them, resulting in plumped and more youthful skin.
RF microneedling has also been shown to reduce acne scars and improve skin tone. Check out the before and after photos above to see for yourself! Contact House of Aesthetix now!
While the idea of sticking needles into your face may be enough to scare you off, microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for many patients. It is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce acne marks, uneven skin tone, sagging skin, and rough texture. It can also smooth out pockmarks and wrinkles, as well as improve the appearance of stretch marks and other scars. However, microneedling is not a quick fix and most people require several sessions before they notice an improvement in their complexion.
Before your procedure begins, the dermatologist will smooth numbing cream over the face to prevent you from feeling the needle pricks. Then he or she will use a pen-shaped device with small sterile needles to make tiny cuts in the first layer of your skin. These injuries will trigger your body to heal the tiny wounds by sending collagen and elastin to the area, improving skin tone and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
You may have some pain and redness after the procedure, depending on how deep the needles go into your skin. It can take days for your skin to heal, and you may experience some bruising or bleeding, as well. Your dermatologist will tell you how long to expect your skin to take to heal, and what to do to protect it in the meantime.
Some patients describe the sensation of microneedling as a scratchy or prickly feeling, while others feel a slight vibration during the process. The good news is that this sensation is brief and tolerable, and it’s worth the result of having glowing tight rejuvenated skin.
In addition to microneedling, some patients will benefit from adding a mild chemical peel to their treatment. The addition of a peel encourages quicker cell turnover, reducing the appearance of leathery skin. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help soften the look of keloid scars.
Depending on your specific condition, your dermatologist may recommend PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to boost your results. This is a solution that contains concentrated blood platelets and transformative growth factors, which are known to promote healing and boost collagen production.
Many people seek microneedling for its ability to reduce lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and help reduce stretch marks. While the treatment is safe for all skin types, it’s important to consult a board-certified dermatologist before having this cosmetic procedure performed. A consultation allows the doctor to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment and help you achieve the results you want.
Microneedling can also help reduce the appearance of large pores, which can be a major cause of concern for many people. The procedure works by stimulating collagen production, which makes the pores smaller and helps even out skin tone and texture. In addition, the procedure can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.
During the microneedling process, a numbing cream is applied to your face, so you won’t feel the needle pricks. Then the dermatologist or certified technician will move a pen-shaped device with tiny needles around your face. The needles penetrate the skin’s surface, triggering your body’s natural healing process. As the needles pierce the skin, they create tiny injuries that trigger your body to send collagen and elastin to patch up these tiny wounds. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles.
If you have scars from acne, such as indented or icepick scars, microneedling can also help reduce their appearance. The process stimulates collagen and elastin, which can smooth the texture of your skin and make these scars less noticeable. It can also help diminish the appearance of blotchy facial pigmentation caused by sun damage, as well as reduce the redness that comes with melasma.
The tiny holes in your skin created by the needles can also allow your skincare products to absorb better. This can help them work more effectively, which means you’ll see a more dramatic change in your skin after just a few treatments.
Although microneedling has been shown to be effective for treating a number of skin conditions, it does have some risks. It is important to discuss these with your dermatologist or aesthetician before undergoing the procedure.
One of the main risks of microneedling is that it may cause scarring. This can happen if the treatment is performed incorrectly. For example, an inexperienced technician might use a needle length that is too long or penetrate the skin deeper than recommended. Another risk is that the skin might develop an allergic reaction to the serums used in the treatment. This can be prevented by performing a patch test before the treatment.
During the microneedling procedure, you will receive a topical anesthetic to minimize pain. You might also experience some redness and swelling after the treatment. However, these side effects should not last more than a few days. You should contact your dermatologist if you notice any severe side effects such as bruising, prolonged swelling, or permanent numbness in the nerves.
Another risk associated with microneedling is that it can cause blood loss and infection. This is especially true if the equipment is not properly cleaned or disinfected between patients. To reduce this risk, you should only undergo microneedling in a clinical setting with a health care provider who is trained in the procedure.
Finally, you should avoid using any skincare products that contain retinol or other active ingredients while the skin is healing after a microneedling treatment. These products can irritate the skin and cause inflammation.
In general, microneedling is considered a safe and effective treatment when it is performed by a trained dermatologist or aesthetician in a clinical setting. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scars, and improve skin tone and texture. However, it is important to note that there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of microneedling for other conditions.
The primary reason you would go for a microneedling treatment is to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. These two proteins are crucial for your skin, and a few sessions can produce visible reduction in fine lines and crow’s feet. It can also help with discoloration from sun damage (like blotchy facial pigmentation from melasma) and even reverse acne scarring.
The procedure is performed using a handheld device that has 12 needle cartridges. It works by creating micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body to naturally heal itself and produce more elastin and collagen. The resulting new collagen and elastin creates a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Before the procedure begins, your esthetician or dermatologist will clean and prep the skin before applying a numbing cream to the face. The device is then pressed against the skin, and it moves in a gliding motion across the area to be treated. You may feel a slight sensation as the needles make contact, but it is usually not painful. Once the area is treated, your esthetician will apply a serum to hydrate and protect it.
Microneedling is usually billed on an out-of-pocket basis, but it may be covered by insurance if your doctor determines that it’s medically necessary due to a specific scar or other condition. The number of sessions needed for your desired results will also impact the cost.
The best way to get an idea of what your cost will be is to schedule a consultation. After discussing your concerns and goals, the provider will recommend a treatment plan. It’s important to note that the more treatments you require, the higher the cost will be.
Your location will also affect the cost of your treatment, as some areas are more expensive to live in than others. Finally, the practitioner you choose can also impact your microneedling treatment costs. For instance, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will typically charge more than an esthetician or nurse.