As we age, it can become difficult for our skin to maintain its youthful appearance. This is why experts often recommend maintaining regular skincare practices to help keep a vibrant complexion. In addition to at-home skincare, there are also several treatments available to help you achieve a younger and more supple appearance. One of these treatments is microneedling, which works to stimulate the body’s ability to restore and rejuvenate your skin’s appearance.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. It is a minimally invasive skin procedure that works to reduce and eliminate signs of aging, improve complexion, and give patients a more supple and youthful appearance by using the body’s natural healing process.
Benefits
Microneedling seeks to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It can be used almost anywhere on the body such as face, neck, chest, arms, and abdomen.
It can also be combined with other treatments to target other conditions such as hair loss, rosacea, and more.
Some benefits of microneedling include:
- Improvement in skin tone and texture
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Reducing pore size, pigmentation, stretch marks, and acne scars
How does it work?
Microneedling uses a pen-like device with microneedles to glide across the skin’s surface, creating tiny punctures. As mentioned above, it is a minimally invasive procedure as the punctures are controlled and placed at a specific depth determined by the patient’s desired results. These tiny punctures, invisible to the naked eye, trigger the body’s natural healing process restoring the skin’s appearance as new collagen and elastin are produced.
What can I expect during treatment?
Before the procedure, your face will be cleansed with a cleanser, and then a topical anesthetic will be applied 30 minutes before treatment. A serum may be applied to the targeted area to allow the device to glide across your skin gently. During treatment, you may feel a slight tingly vibration but should feel no significant discomfort or pain.
Slight bleeding may occur as the healing process is triggered. The length of the appointment depends on the size of the area being treated, but appointments generally last an hour. You may experience swelling and redness following treatment.
Results
As microneedling stimulates self-repair and renewal, the skin becomes firmer and regains elasticity. The effects of receiving treatment include improved texture, appearance, tone, and firmness of the skin as well as a reduction in any blemishes, scars, or pigmentation.
Patients will notice results after a single treatment; however, depending on the desired result, 3-6 sessions may be necessary with 4-6 weeks between each session. For greater results or a longer-lasting effect, a series of follow up treatments or annual touch-ups may be needed.
Some common side effects include slight bleeding during treatment, redness and swelling, pigmentation loss or increase, and the possibility of infection.
Aftercare
Swelling and redness may last a few days following treatment but should subside. Tiny scabs will appear as your skin heals; these scabs should be left alone. Do not pick at, touch, remove, or exfoliate the scabs.
Avoid hot showers, strenuous activities, massages, working out, or sun exposure for the first 48 hours. Do not apply makeup to your skin for the first 12 hours following treatment. If possible, avoid shaving the treated area for two days while your skin heals.
Like any skin treatment, for effective results, treatment may require some extra attention on your part. It is encouraged that following microneedling, patients care for their skin with gentle moisturizers and avoid any heavy or irritating ingredients, makeup, or skincare products.
Microneedling is a safe procedure for all skin types and tones. If you are interested in learning more about microneedling and whether it is right for you, contact Malik Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Center office.
