Microneedling is an innovative treatment that is good for the skin since it targets wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and facial scars. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involves using tiny needles to puncture the skin, which activates its healing mechanism to reorganize old collagen fibers, increase collagen levels and stimulate elastin. Since the microneedling procedure boosts collagen production, the skin will have a more youthful appearance and a smoother texture.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling works by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen. The procedure involves pinpricks that cause slight injury to the skin, wherein the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. In fact, this new skin tissue is more even in tone and texture.
Because of the aging process or injury, it’s usual for the skin to lose collagen. With the help of microneedling, it encourages the skin to make new tissue, wherein additional collagen may help make the skin firmer. Additionally, microneedling may be combined with topical serums, radiofrequency, and platelet-rich plasma.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Since microneedling sessions involve using small needs to puncture the skin, patients may experience discomfort. If performed by a medical professional certified to use a microneedling device, the pain is always minimal and manageable. Before the microneedling session, the dermatologist will most likely use a topical anesthetic or numbing cream to decrease pain and discomfort.
What Conditions Does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling can be used on most areas of the face and body, but it is typically used on the face to target acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. In addition, this treatment offers fantastic results for:
- Dullness
- Stretch Marks
- Skin Texture
- Large Pores
- Alopecia
- Skin Pigmentation issues
- Rosacea
- Loose skin (occurs after weight loss or liposuction)
What Benefits Does Microneedling Provide?
As a popular cosmetic procedure, microneedling doesn’t involve surgery. In fact, it is suitable for all skin tones and types, which include darker, thin, and sensitive skin. Nonetheless, here are the benefits of microneedling treatments:
Improves skin texture
Around age 30, two vital skin components, collagen and elastin, begin to diminish. Microneedling induces the skin’s healing response.
The skin reacts to the procedure almost immediately and works to close the micro-wounds. After the treatment, the skin will become noticeably softer and smoother in texture.
Diminishes the appearance of scarring
Another benefit of microneedling is it helps reduce acne scars in the same way it improves the skin’s overall texture. When scarring occurs, the body undergoes fibrosis that pulls the skin down, creating unsightly irregularities on the surface. Since some suffer hyperpigmentation from pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, microneedling remedies any skin color changes that can make it appear spotted.
Reduces acne including blackheads
Microneedling is beneficial for those who suffer from acne or blackheads. When the sterilized needles poke holes in the skin’s uppermost layer, they remove the source of the recurring blackhead in the process. Following the procedure, the pores should be visibly smaller, especially around the nose.
Makes fine lines and wrinkles less apparent
This cosmetic procedure can also turn back the hands of time by targeting wrinkles and fine lines. Once the microneedling device breaks into the dermis, it triggers growth factors, which allow the skin to repair itself rapidly. The body stimulates the natural production of collagen, ultimately tightening skin and reducing wrinkles.
Prevents signs of aging
In addition to the anti-aging routine, the microneedling treatment is highly effective in stopping early aging signs or preventing the formation of new wrinkles. A combination of powerful antioxidant serums, like vitamin C, and regular microneedling allows the skin to stay luminous and youthful-looking for longer.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Microneedling?
Generally, the medical community considers microneedling a safe and effective procedure, but it didn’t come without its risks. After the procedure, skin irritation is its primary side effect. Other side effects could include the following:
- bruising
- dryness
- swelling
- redness
- discomfort at the site
- skin flaking
The most uncommon reaction is bleeding after the microneedling treatment, but it may be more likely to occur after a deeper treatment. Moreover, bleeding may also be more of a risk for people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications. Disclosing this information to a doctor before receiving this treatment is important.
In addition, there are more serious side effects after microneedling, which include the following:
- skin pigment changes
- infection
- reaction to topical medications used during treatment.
- likelihood of burns when using devices with energy or heat
Who Should Not Receive This Treatment?
Although it’s generally safe, some people are not candidates for microneedling treatment, including those with the following:
- an active skin infection
- active acne
- keloid scarring
- an unstable skin type
As indicated, seeing a dermatologist or medical skin care professional experienced in this procedure will help minimize the risks.
What Are the Aftercare Instructions to Follow?
Since the skin channels are open and sensitive after the procedure, it’s best to avoid the following during the first week of recovery:
- sun exposure
- skin care products with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol
- makeup
- sweating
To help the skin heal after microneedling, it is best to:
- stay hydrated
- use an antioxidant serum
- use a cooling mask
- use collagen-stimulating peptides
How Long Do the Results Last?
The first results will be visible almost immediately as the body starts to heal as soon as it feels the “aggression.” The skin will look more radiant and plumper for up to two weeks following the treatment, but the full effects of microneedling will be noticeable in six to eight weeks from the last session.
When collagen reaches its potential, its effects become evident, and 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.
The Bottom Line
Microneedling is a known cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of the skin as it helps reduce wrinkles, diminish scarring, and tighten or rejuvenate loose or aging skin. Integracare Medical Care and Aesthetics offers Mironeedling, which is a non-invasive aesthetic procedure using small needles to prick the skin with minimal recovery time, and there is little or no downtime. Ultimately, the microneedling treatment aims to generate new collagen and skin tissue to create firmer, smoother, and more toned skin.
