What Is Microneedling?
MICRONEEDLING SAN DIEGO is a great treatment for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and fading stretch marks. It can also improve skin tone and texture.
Before the procedure begins, your dermatologist will apply numbing cream to prevent you from feeling the needle pricks. Then, your doctor will use a handheld tool to move the needles around your face.
Microneedling is a skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves penetrating the skin with tiny needles to stimulate collagen and promote cell turnover. This can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and pore size and improve skin texture. It is also known as collagen induction therapy and skin needling. It can be used to improve a variety of facial concerns including stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, large pores, uneven tone and texture, skin tightening and more.
While the idea of pricking your face with needles may sound intimidating, the results from this treatment are actually quite astounding. Often referred to as the “needle dermabrasion” or the “derma roller”, this skin treatment has become extremely popular thanks to its effectiveness and minimal downtime.
The process of microneedling causes the body’s natural wound-healing response, helping to tighten the skin and create a healthy glow. It is a minimally-invasive, outpatient treatment that is very effective and safe for most clients.
Numbing cream is typically applied before the treatment to minimize pain or discomfort. Most treatments take about 2 hours to complete. Some people may experience skin irritation following the procedure. This is caused by the micro-injuries that are created during the procedure, resulting in redness, itchiness or peeling as the skin heals.
In order to speed up healing, it is recommended that clients avoid using retinols and other exfoliating products for 14 days following the treatment. It is also important to protect the skin from the sun after microneedling as it will be more sensitive.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is a “controlled injury” procedure that opens the pores by triggering a healing response with new tissue. This makes the skin thicker and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. It can also improve scars from acne or surgical wounds. The treatment uses needles in a device called a Dermapen or Dr Pen, which glides over the skin in a cross-like pattern. A numbing cream is smoothed on first to prevent the sensation of needle pricks.
Microneedling works best for people with light to medium skin tones, Stevenson says. Darker skin tones are harder to treat because the cells that make up the pigment in those areas are thinner. The process can also be used with a topical laser to improve its results.
The treatment takes about 10-20 minutes. Most people need 4-6 treatments for best results. A dermatologist can perform the procedure, but aestheticians and at-home devices are also available. Before choosing a non-dermatologist, however, check the person’s credentials and how the equipment is sterilized.
After a session, don’t apply makeup or use any products that contain alpha or beta hydroxy acids, retinol (Vitamin A), or Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) for a few days so the skin can heal properly. Also avoid intense workouts or activities where you might sweat excessively. It’s also important to use sunscreen afterward because the open pores are susceptible to sun damage.
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?
The micro-traumas created by the needles stimulate collagen production, which in turn helps heal acne scars and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment can also help minimize pore size and stretch marks. In addition, it can help with discoloration caused by sun damage (a condition called photodamage).
The results of microneedling can be seen in the skin right away. Your face may look a little red and swollen for a day or so after the procedure, but it should quickly return to normal. You may want to use an ice pack to reduce irritation and swelling. You can also take precautions to protect your skin from the sun after your treatment by applying a mineral sunscreen daily.
You can find microneedling treatments from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians. There are also a number of do-it-yourself home-microneedling kits available on the market. But before you try one of these at home, be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure the device is properly sterilized.
If you’re considering getting a microneedling treatment, it’s best to go to a certified practitioner. They should have a license to practice in your state and will be trained in performing the procedure safely and effectively. They will also have the proper equipment to sterilize and treat you. And they’ll be able to give you personalized recommendations for your specific needs. In addition, they’ll have access to a wide range of skincare products to help you get the most from your treatment.
What Are the Risks of Microneedling?
Microneedling is considered safe for most people. Redness or tenderness can last for a few days after treatment, and you should avoid the sun until your skin heals. Your health care provider may recommend a topical anesthetic before treatment to reduce discomfort.
If you choose to get the procedure at home, use a medical-grade device that has been cleared by the FDA. It should have needles that are not too long and that go to different depths in the skin to minimize risks such as infection.
For acne scarring, microneedling breaks down old tissue and encourages the body to rebuild elastin and collagen. In a study published in the July-August 2016 issue of the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, all 50 participants who had four microneedling sessions reported significantly less severe acne scars.
Skin needling is also useful for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and it can help even skin tone and improve uneven texture. It can also reduce oil production and shrink pores, which can make skin look fresher.
However, microneedling won’t improve major creases, such as those around the forehead, unless you have surgery. It’s also not a good option if you have keloids, which are raised scars that look like large bubbles on the skin. And it’s not recommended if you have a blood-clotting disorder or take blood thinners. You should also talk to your provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Long Does Microneedling Take?
The controlled trauma created by the needles causes the formation of tons of little blood vessels that bring blood, oxygen and nutrients straight to the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten existing skin and even heal photodamage. This is also one of the reasons why it’s effective for reducing acne scarring; unlike dermabrasion which can be painful, microneedling actually works to reduce the depth and discoloration of your scars by stimulating collagen.
The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes. First, your dermatologist will wash your face with a cleanser to remove any makeup and sunscreen. Then they’ll apply a numbing gel to any areas being treated, and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes. Then, they’ll use the microneedling tool on different parts of your skin, which will feel like firm pressure. They might use the tool several times over an area depending on what you’re getting treated for.
If you want to boost your results, they can add PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to the treatment, which will increase cellular turnover and enhance the cosmetic outcome. Then, they’ll top the PRP off with a serum that contains growth factors to make your skin look younger and healthier. For best results, you need to follow good skin care habits after your microneedling treatment. This includes using SPF every day, staying hydrated and wearing sun protective clothing.
How Do I Get Microneedling?
You can have microneedling done in your dermatologist’s office. The procedure is usually quick and painless. Before the treatment, your dermatologist will wash your face and apply a numbing gel to any area that will be treated. Then, they will use the microneedling tool over the area several times. The process feels like firm pressure on the skin. The whole process usually takes 20-30 minutes.
After the procedure, your skin may look red and flushed, similar to a sunburn. The redness should go away in 1 to 2 days. You may also have some dryness and flaking. It’s important to avoid irritants after the treatment, such as retinol or other products that can make your skin more sensitive.
It’s also important to ask your dermatologist how the microneedling device is cleaned between patients. The device can harbor germs and spread infection if it’s not cleaned properly between uses. In addition, you should only get your treatments from a doctor who has been trained in using the microneedling device.
It’s best to get microneedling regularly. This can help your body keep producing collagen, which will slow the aging process. Generally, it’s recommended to get microneedling at least once a month or every 4 to 6 weeks. During your 20s, it’s especially important to boost collagen production and maintain a skincare routine that keeps your skin looking healthy and ageless.