People who dislike being poked by needles (raises hand ????) might feel apprehensive about the popular aesthetic procedure called microneedling. However, this is an excellent option for many people seeking better skin. I want to provide you with a quick overview of this procedure so that you better understand what microneedling involves and decide if it is right for you.
Microneedling works because it stimulates your own collagen production. The tiny needles in the microneedling device produce micro-injuries in the skin. The healing process brings collagen and elastin to the site. (As we age, we lose collagen, which contributes to a loss of volume and more wrinkles.) This results in a slight thickening of the skin, which smooths fine lines and acne scars. The skin also looks fresher and younger. The prospect of “micro-injuries” might sound a little daunting, but rest assured that I first apply a numbing cream to the area. Also, the needles are very, very small and only penetrate the topmost layers of skin.
Overall, this procedure is minimally invasive. Patients soon relax after the procedure begins, and many even come to enjoy the stimulating feeling. Some patients are curious to know which device I use to perform the procedure. I treat patients with the SkinPen, by Crown Aesthetics, which is the first FDA-cleared microneedling pen. This is a top-line, state-of-the-art medical device and delivers excellent results. Only the best for my patients!
There are a number of benefits to microneedling. The main one is that it works by stimulating your own collagen. This means it doesn’t rely on the injection of any other substances (though there are benefits to procedures that do!). You get a great result from a safe, minor procedure. What’s more, the benefits accumulate overtime as you undergo additional treatments. In addition to smoothing fine lines and reducing acne scarring, it can also reduce the appearance of traumatic scars, dark spots and light spots. It also sets up the skin to benefit more from the application of skincare products. Those “micro-injuries” mentioned earlier open up the skin so that serums, creams and gels can have greater effect. Results last from 4 to 6 weeks, and most patients return for additional treatment after 8 to 12 weeks.
I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention potential downsides of microneedling. Fortunately, there aren’t many to mention! There can be irritation, redness, slight swelling and tenderness just after treatment, though this soon resolves. It’s a natural part of the healing process. Many of the problems that happen after microneedling result from an inexperienced person using a dermaroller on their own. Unfortunately, many “diy” aesthetic efforts result in injury and worse skin afterward. Please don’t try this at home!
My answer to this is “yes, but it depends”! (So many things are like that in life. ????) It depends on your specific goals and needs, which we can determine during a free consultation. I believe that every aesthetic procedure should be tailored to the individual patient. It simply can’t be decided just by reading a blog post. ???? Aesthetic treatments aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” Microneedling Here are some pictures that highlight the benefits of microneedling. Come in to schedule your free facial assessment and we’ll talk about your individual facial conditions.
