By: Clare Tobias, RN
Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure that stimulates the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin, which can result in firmer, smoother skin with more even texture and tone. In this blog, we’ll review the ins and outs of microneedling, what you can expect from a microneedling treatment at beyond|AESTHETICS, and how you can enhance your microneedling results for an even more radiant complexion and more youthful overall appearance.
How Does Microneedling Work?
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin which contributes to wrinkles and sagging skin. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an advanced treatment that creates microscopic injury to the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. These micro-punctures stimulate the body’s wound repair response, which accelerates the growth of new collagen and elastin, the proteins that are responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.1
Why Should I Consider Adding Microneedling Into My Beauty Regimen?
Microneedling is a quick and easy minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment that is safe for all skin types and can:
- Tighten the firm the skin
- Improve hyperpigmentation
- Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks
- Minimize pore size
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Enhance the overall complexion
What Can I Expect With Treatment?
We begin each microneedling session with pre-treatment photography to have a visual comparison for your treatment results. Then a topical numbing cream is applied for approximately half an hour to ensure maximum comfort throughout the procedure. After a thorough cleansing of the treatment area, your provider will begin the session running the microneedling wand over your face several times focusing on areas of particular concern. You may experience a slight pricking sensation during the 20-30 minute procedure, however most patients find it tolerable. There is no downtime required after a microneedling treatment, but following your procedure you may experience redness, mild swelling, and dryness for one to two days.
Am I A Candidate For Microneedling?
Microneedling is beneficial for all skin types, and most patients are candidates. The only time that we recommend an individual not receive a microneedling treatment is if they have active acne, because it would spread the bacteria and prolong the breakout. People who have Keloid scarring in the treatment area should not microneedle. Just like with many other aesthetic treatments, patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised against treatment due to lack of safety studies on this population.
Which Areas Can Microneedling Treat?
Typically, the most common areas to treat with microneedling are the face, neck, and chest; however, you can also treat scars, stretch marks, as well as the hands, arms, or any area of the body with crepey skin.
How Often Can I Get Microneedling
While every treatment plan is customized to the individual and their unique cosmetic goals, I usually recommend microneedling treatments scheduled every 8-12 weeks sufficient collagen production to effect and maintain the desired results.
Are There Different Kinds of Microneedling?
In general, there are microneedling pens and rollers some of which you can buy for home use. In our practice we use medical-grade, handheld motorized pen devices that we utilize with one of two topical serums that help the pen glide over your skin. The first serum is hyaluronic acid (HA)-based formulation that helps to plump the skin by binding water to collagen fibers. The HA serum can give a slight tingling sensation but will help your skin to recover to its fullest hydrated capacity.
The second serum is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) which utilizes your own body’s growth factors. When using the PRP serum, we draw your blood (so come well hydrated!) and then we spin it in a centrifuge. Pressure and gravity pull the red blood cells down to the bottom of the tube while a combination of your plasma, platelets, growth factors, and non-inflammatory white blood cells remain at the top of the tube.
This “liquid gold” combination is then used as the serum for your treatment. By utilizing your body’s own growth factors and proteins, the healing process is enhanced and your results are even more pronounced. In fact, PRP is such an effective additive serum that one microneedling treatment with PRP is comparable to three treatments without.
Combination Treatment
For even more dramatic results, we recommend scheduling your microneedling session after a series of three Broad Band Light (BBL) treatments. BBL is a device which can help reduce the appearance of sunspots, broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas. We typically recommend microneedling four weeks after your last BBL session. Because BBL also boosts collagen and elastin production, this add-on is like the icing on the anti-aging cake!
Get Your Personalized Microneedling Treatment Plan
No two patients have the same skin concerns and we understand that finding the cosmetic treatment that will help you reach your goals can be overwhelming. That’s why we provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve the clear luminous skin that will allow you to put your best face forward. The skincare specialists at beyond|AESTHETICS will do a comprehensive analysis of your skin and create custom treatment plans that fit your budget and your lifestyle. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation.
