Microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that estheticians use to encourage collagen production by taking advantage of the body’s natural healing response.
microneedling pen
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment creates micro-punctures in the skin using miniature, sterilized needles. The skin’s healing process after microneedling can help reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots as well as improve skin elasticity.
What Is Microneedling?
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue is more even in tone and texture. It’s common for the skin to lose collagen with age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, additional collagen may help make the skin firmer.
What Are The Benefits Of Microneedling?
Microneedling has gained popularity for its growing list of benefits. It is said to rejuvenate and plump the skin with minimal discomfort and very little downtime, and it can be adjusted to fit each person’s needs.
Benefits of microneedling can include:
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reducing the appearance of scars, including acne scars
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reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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reducing enlarged pores
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reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots
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smoothing uneven skin tone
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improving skin elasticity
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reducing the appearance of stretch marks
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reducing the appearance of scars
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling carries some risks. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days.
Call your doctor if you notice more severe side effects, such as:
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bleeding
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bruising
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infection
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peeling
You may not be an ideal candidate for microneedling if you:
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have certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema
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have open wounds or active acne
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have had radiation therapy recently
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have a history of skin scars
What Is The Procedure For Microneedling?
During the facial, small pricks are made under the skin using a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure. The tool is moved evenly across your skin so that the newly rejuvenated skin will be even, too.
A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area prior to the facial. This will numb the skin during the microneedling process, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
A growth serum or calming treatment may be applied at the end of the session. In total, the average microneedling session lasts approximately 1 hour.
What To Expect After Microneedling?
- Microneedling isn’t as invasive as plastic surgery, and the recovery time is minimal. Most people require very little downtime if any at all. You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days following the facial. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.
- You can go back to work or school after the facial if you’re comfortable. It’s best to let your skin heal before applying makeup. However, once the appropriate time has passed. Camouflaging makeup can help disguise the redness as it dissipates. Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen. Still, it’s recommended that you wait one week before exposing your skin to sunlight and harsh chemicals.
- After microneedling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. In theory, you sh ould see results within a couple of weeks.
- To maintain the results of your treatment, you’ll need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. The doctor will work with you to develop a plan of action based on your individual goals.
How To Care For Your Skin Afterwards.
Since your skin channels are open and sensitive after your procedure, it’s best to avoid the following during your first week of recovery
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sun exposure
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skin care products with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol
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makeup
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sweating
You can help your skin heal after microneedling by:
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staying hydrated
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using an antioxidant serum
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using a cooling mask
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using collagen-stimulating peptides
FAQs
How long does microneedling last?
Results may vary based on the severity of the skin concern, its location, and the treatment plan used. An esthetician may recommend four to six treatment sessions. The skin may continue increased collagen production for 3 to 6 months after microneedling treatment.
How many sessions of microneedling do I need for acne scars?
Treatment plans vary from person to person, but research has shown mild improvement in post-acne scarring after just two microneedling sessions. After six sessions, people saw moderate improvement in their skin texture and good enhancement of scar appearance.
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