The fast rise and progress of natural cosmetic procedures has contributed greatly to the evolution of beauty and skincare trends and techniques. Microneedling is one of the many advancements that not only provides cosmetic benefits to skin, but is also very proficient in its treatment of skin issues.
In this piece, we will explore microneedling results, the various conditions microneedling can treat, as well as an in-depth look at the process of microneedling itself.
What Exactly is Microneedling?
Also known as collagen induction therapy, micro-needling involves utilizing hand tools such as a dermaroller or a dermapen. It’s a minimally invasive cosmetic therapy that treats skin issues through stimulating collagen production.
As the name micro-needling suggests, the dermaroller has tiny steel needles that prick the top layers of the skin to treat various skin concerns or provide a natural form of rejuvenation. The micro-injuries created by the needles stimulate the body’s natural wound healing processes, resulting in cell turnover and increased collagen production.
Microneedling can be used to treat a variety of skin issues and improve the skin’s overall texture.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Through Microneedling?
Fine lines and wrinkles
As you age, collagen and elastin in the skin tend to start breaking down, which results in fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen is the protein responsible for giving skin its general youthful look. Micro-needling triggers the production of collagen, which helps the skin repair itself and improves the appearance of the wrinkles and fine lines.
Pigmentation disorders
Pigmentation affects the natural color of the skin. It may manifest itself in the form of spots or patches. In most instances, it occurs as a hyperpigmentation disorder that triggers the skin to produce more melanin than it should. After micro-needling, products applied to the skin will be significantly more effective.
Acne scars
Similar to how micro-needling improves fine lines, it can help in the same manner with acne scars. By stimulating collagen formation, it reduces the depth of the scars and improves the appearance of the skin.
Stretch marks
The drastic stretch of the skin due to growth spurts or weight gain over time often cause stretch marks. While there is no direct treatment that eliminates stretch marks completely, microneedling can help reduce their appearance. Like wrinkles, microneedling can greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks through fast and heavy collagen production.
Large pores
Large pores can only be treated through collagen production that rejuvenates the skin. Micro-needling aids in making large pores smaller and less apparent through stimulating the production of collagen.
What Does the Microneedling Process Entail?
During the procedure, your provider will make small pricks under the skin with a dermapen or dermaroller. These hand-tools are designed to hold numerous small, sterile needles that leave pinpricks after passing the tool over the skin.
Microneedling typically works in two steps. First, the pinpricks create microchannels that allow essential minerals such as vitamins and potent serums from skin care products to penetrate deeper into the layer of the skin. This way, you yield the desired results from natural, dermatologist-recommended beauty products.
Next, the tiny needle pricks set the skin and body into a restructuring mode from the mini injuries. It also gives way for more collagen production. The healing mode provoked by the therapy plumps the skin and enhances the appearance by diminishing fine lines, large pores, wrinkles, and scars.
What Does Microneedling Feel Like?
Since the procedure isn’t entirely painless, your provider will administer a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort from the needle pricks. Microneedling takes about thirty minutes to complete. After the procedure, the anesthetic effects will wear off.
Today, micro-needling may be done at home. Most at-home microneedling tools use needles shorter than 0.5 mm and are therefore only for the treatment of the uppermost skin layers.
However, at-home microneedling results aren’t as effective compared to the in-office treatment. Professional microneedling uses longer needles of over 2 mm. These needles penetrate to deeper layers of the skin, intended for complex conditions such as bad scars and stretch marks.
Microneedling Results
Microneedling is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that requires minimal time to recover. As a natural response to the tiny needle pricks, your skin will go into repair mode. You may notice redness, inflammation, and some skin irritation within the first few days after the procedure.
After treatment, your dermatologist will recommend that you apply sunscreen for protection and give your skin some time to rest and heal. The redness dissipates within a few days after the procedure. The therapy leaves the skin ready to rejuvenate new tissue, and you should see results relatively quickly.
Depending on the seriousness of the skin concern, you may need multiple sessions of micro-needling treatment and probably other complementing therapies. Your dermatologist should examine your skin condition and choose the best action plan for your skin and cosmetic desires.
The effectiveness of microneedling depends highly on the number of sessions, quality of treatment, type of procedure (in-office or at home), and the treatment plan. All in all, you should see some microneedling results within weeks of the procedure.
Why Should You Choose Microneedling?
Microneedling, as earlier mentioned, is minimally invasive and requires no downtime. Unlike invasive surgery that requires medical attention before, during and after surgery, micro-needling won’t keep you off your feet for an extended period. The treatment is considered safe for most people as long as you are generally healthy.
You should not undergo microneedling if:
- You are pregnant.
- Skin conditions are present on the area of treatment, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- There are open wounds on the target site.
- You have recently undergone radiation therapy.
Schedule Your Microneedling Session Today
Microneedling is a certified cosmetic treatment that dermatologists recommend as an effective way of improving your skin’s appearance. We always encourage skipping the do-it-yourself treatments and leave it to the experts for maximum microneedling results.
Furthermore, consider your own skin. Your own cosmetic goals and any existing skin conditions will greatly affect your treatment plan and how effective microneedling is for you. Reach out to us at the Dermatology Center of Acadiana today and schedule a consultation!