Microneedling is a popular procedure that targets wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and facial scars. This innovative treatment is often the answer to various skin issues such as a dull complexion, wrinkles, age spots, and scarring. A cosmetic treatment that can be performed in a specialist’s office with no need for general anesthesia or post-recovery period, microneedling can be exactly what the doctor prescribes for a multitude of skin conditions. Here at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno we have clients from around the country visit us for our Microneedling service.
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a simple, non-invasive treatment that increases collagen production and rejuvenates the skin. Board-certified dermatologists use professional microneedling devices equipped with small, sterilized needles to create thousands of microchannels into the skin.
So, how does a bunch of needles stuck into your deeper layers of skin help with wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and scars? What you feel as a minor discomfort, your body perceives as a physical injury and it immediately activates its healing mechanism to reorganize old collagen fibers, increase collagen levels and stimulate elastin. As the “wound” is repaired, granulation cells help with the growth of new skin tissue and skin rejuvenation.
Benefits of microneedling
A minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, microneedling is increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits for the skin. Each microneedling treatment restores up to a year’s worth of lost collagen, improving skin texture and targeting skin concerns such as:
- facial wrinkles
- acne scars
- surgical scars
- stretch marks
- hyperpigmentation
- age spots
- skin laxity
- uneven skin tone
- enlarged pores
Since the microneedling procedure boosts the production of collagen, your skin will get a more youthful appearance and have a smoother texture. Furthermore, microneedling therapy results in skin tightening and fills in facial acne scars.
At-home microneedling devices may claim they have the same benefits as professional microneedling but they can penetrate only the outer layer of skin. While professional devices reach not only the epidermis but also the dermis (2 mm to 3 mm deep), commercial microneedling devices reach a depth of only 0.25 mm. This allows skin exfoliation and better absorption of topical products but does not boost collagen production or rejuvenate the skin.
Is microneedling painful?
Microneedling sessions involve the use of small needs to puncture the skin, so you may experience discomfort. However, the pain is always minimal and manageable if performed by a medical professional certified to use a microneedling device. Furthermore, before the microneedling session, your dermatologist will most likely use a topical anesthetic or numbing cream to decrease pain and discomfort.
The device used to perform microneedling looks like a pen and is called a derma roller. A professional dermatologist will apply it to your face to insert minuscule stainless-steel needles into the skin to create micro-injuries and activate the organism’s healing mechanism. It is important to remember that microneedling does not scar your skin, and the risk of infection is always minimal.
The tiny abrasions left behind are microscopic, and although they are not visible, they are enough to trigger a boost of collagen levels in the treated area. A microneedling procedure usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, but your treatment plan will probably include several sessions spaced one month apart for you to access the full palette of microneedling benefits. Our team of experts at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno will work with you to understand your goals and create a treatment plan that caters to you and your personal medical history so you can achieve your aesthetic goals.
Does microneedling have side effects?
Microneedling is considered to be a safe and effective skin treatment for healthy adults. The procedure can be performed on all skin types. Unlike laser treatments, microneedling is a good fit even for patients with darker skin tones as this type of medical device does not use heat. Laser skin resurfacing uses heat and may expose people suffering from melasma or hyperpigmentation to the risk of experiencing pigmentation issues.
However, just as with any other medical procedure, microneedling may come with certain side effects for patients with sensitive skin. Fortunately, most side effects are temporary and usually take the form of swelling, redness, and skin flaking. You may also feel minor tenderness to the touch for a day or two. Your skin should recover in a few days, and you will be able to wear your regular makeup the day after the treatment.
While the procedure is considered safe for the majority, not everyone is a good candidate. People who suffer from active acne, oral herpes, or have a history of keloid scars, collagen vascular disease, or fungal infections should not expose their skin to microneedling. Patients with a history of oral herpes may benefit from microneedling, but they should take an oral antiviral medication for one week following the procedure to prevent the appearance of new cold sores. Moreover, the treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or immunosuppressed patients. Our professionals at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno will do a thorough assessment of your skin and medical history to ensure this is the right treatment for you. If this is not the best option, we offer a host of treatments that might be a better fit for your situation.
How long do the results last?
The first results can be noticed almost immediately as the body starts to heal as soon as it feels the “aggression.” Your skin will look more radiant and plump for up to two weeks following the treatment, but for the full effects of microneedling, you need to wait six to eight weeks from the last session. This is when the collagen reaches its potential, and its effects become evident. The results may last for many months. However, most people choose to schedule at least two sessions a year. Patients suffering from burn scars or stretch marks may want to undergo the procedure up to five times a year.
Remember that after the procedure your skin is more sun-sensitive, so sunscreen is mandatory for when you go outside. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions, and it is advisable to follow them to avoid any complications or the risk of infection. People with open wounds should wait until the skin heals before undergoing microneedling.
This is an outpatient procedure, but it is best to rest the day after the treatment because you will experience a sensation similar to sunburn, and your skin might feel tight. While the biggest benefits of microneedling are improved skin appearance, fewer wrinkles, and reduced appearance of scars, the procedure is also known to improve absorption of skincare products allowing them to penetrate the outer layers of the skin and augment their effects.
