Micro-needling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with sterile micro-needles. The size of the tiny needles ranges from 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters; therefore, the wounds or punctures are very tiny.
The punctures stimulate collagen and elastin production, which heals the skin naturally. This leads to incredible improvements to the skin’s appearance minimizing aging and wrinkling while tightening the skin.
Benefits
Micro-needling addresses the following skin issues:
Reduces The Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The aging process causes collagen production to deteriorate, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle. Micro-needling boosts collagen and elastin production, reducing lines and wrinkles and tightening the skin, reversing aging signs. This leaves the skin looking youthful and rejuvenated.
Skin Texture Improvement
From the age of 30, collagen and elastin production begins to decrease. Micro-needling stimulates the skin healing response by working to close the micro-wounds. The Texture and appearance of the skin improve almost immediately after the procedure leading to smooth, soft, glowing, and tight skin.
After the first day of treatment, the skin may become red which disappears after a few days revealing a healthier and youthful skin underneath.
Reduces Scarring and Hyper-Pigmentation
Micro-needling offers a great solution for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Micro-needling breaks up scar tissues by triggering collagen production. It also helps improve or diminish any skin color changes leading to an even skin tone.
Keloids are not possible to treat with micro-needling.
Helps Stimulate Hair Growth
There is evidence that micro-needling helps treat hair loss (alopecia). The tiny punctures created by the micro-needling device stimulate hair follicles leading to new, thicker hair. The procedure produces better results when combined with other treatments for hair loss like minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and topical steroids.
Fights The Signs of Aging
Micro-needling reverses the early signs of aging by tightening the skin and minimizes wrinkles and sagging skin. Combine regular micro-needling treatments with antioxidant serums for a vibrant, lasting, youthful effect for better results.
Shrinks Pores
Although micro-needling involves puncturing holes in the skin, it does not increase the size of the pores on the face. Instead, it helps minimize their appearance due to collagen stimulation. The collagen plumps up the pores making them less visible.
Micro-Needling Can Be Done On Other Body Parts
Micro-needling is not limited to the face only. It works anywhere on the body. It effectively reduces the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars on the back or chest.
Reduces Blackheads
Microneedling can be beneficial for removing or minimizing blackheads. The tiny needles puncture holes in the uppermost layer of the skin, removing the source of recurrent blackheads and leading to spotless skin.
Minimal Downtime and Affordable
One of the greatest benefits of micro-needling is that it is cost-effective and minimally invasive, meaning no downtime. Unlike other skin treatments that require time to recover from, with microneedling, one can go about their daily activities immediately after the procedure. You might experience minor redness, which lasts for a few days after the procedure.
Aftercare Tips
- Protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat or using a high SPF sunscreen, especially in the initial days after the treatment.
- Avoid makeup for a few days after micro-needling and do not use chemical peels to avoid irritation.
- Avoid activities that cause sweating like working out, saunas, or hot baths for a few days.
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) because they slow down the skin’s healing process.
- Keep the skin moisturized and hydrated because skin flakes may appear a few days after micro-needling. Do not pull the peeling skin to avoid infections.
Multiple sessions spaced one month apart are necessary to maintain the treatment results. Two sessions a year may be necessary for fine lines and wrinkles, while one may require five sessions for burns or stretch marks. It may take a few days to weeks for significant visible results.
Micro-Needling Side Effects
Taking a few precautions might minimize the minor risks of the treatment, like not wearing makeup 24 hours before the procedure and drinking plenty of water beforehand. Some side effects include:
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Dryness
- Hypersensitivity
- Inflammation
Severe side effects are rare and include bleeding, skin pigmentation, reaction to medication used during the treatment, and infection. Visiting a certified dermatologist who is experienced in performing the procedure minimizes the risks.
Candidates Not Suitable for Micro-Needling
Micro-needling can be used on all skin colors and skin types. People with wounds, trauma, or active acne at the time of the procedure should not go for the procedure. Candidates not suitable for micro-needling include those with:
- Tendency to get keloid scars
- Wound healing disorders, like diabetes
- Infections affecting the skin such as herpes
- Inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema
- Taking anticoagulant medications
- People undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Pregnant and lactating women
It is important to consult Malik Medical Aesthetics & Wellness to check if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
