The term microneedling might seem a bit scary, especially if you’re shy when it comes to needles. We get it, but microneedling is one of our most popular treatments for a reason – it works! Microneedling is one of the most effective methods to resurface the skin. It can reduce scarring, skin damage and wrinkles while generally just improving the look and feel of your skin.
Today we’re going to look at exactly what microneedling is, how it works and the benefits it offers.
What is microneedling and how does it work?
Another term for microneedling is collagen induction therapy, which sounds a lot less intimidating! This term tells you how the procedure works, which is by encouraging your body to produce more collagen and elastin. These are proteins that support the structure and integrity of your skin. When you’re young you have more of them but as you age they decrease. This loss contributes wrinkles, decreased firmness, elasticity and skin integrity.
The microneedling procedure uses a specialized tool to create very small wounds that your body can quickly heal. These wounds are often called “microchannels” and since they are being created with needles and not laser energy, there is less post-treatment sensitivity. It also requires less downtime than laser procedures, making it a great option if you’re busy.
As your body heals these microchannels, it also generates more collagen and elastin in the treated area. The result is improved skin texture and a more youthful look. And don’t let the words “wound” or “needle” scare you. It’s called “micro” because the needles used are quite small and the process is controlled and sterile.
What can microchanneling help with?
Microneedling encourages your body to create collagen and elastin so it helps remodel the skin from below. This can have a dramatic impact on the look and texture of the skin. Microneedling can improve many common skin complaints such as:
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- General scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Stretch marks
What to expect in a microneedling session?
A numbing agent is applied to the area that is going to be treated. This just makes sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Your provider will use the microneedling tool, for us it is SkinStylus® MicroSystem, to treat the area. Depending on the size of the area, this usually doesn’t take more than half an hour. However, if you’re combining the treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, Botox or Dysport, it will take a bit longer.
Your skin will be pink or red when you leave the office, which is normal. Over the next two to three days the treated area may be a little uncomfortable and will become dry and peel. Your skin will be a bit pink during this time, kind of like a mild sunburn. You will need to avoid the sun for seven days, but other than that you can carry on with your regular activities.
How many microneedling sessions do you need?
You may need multiple microneedling sessions in order to achieve optimal results. It really depends on the state of your skin and what type of issues you’re treating. Deeper scarring and more serious skin damage will take more sessions to reach the desired effect. Usually, you’ll see results after your second session but it may take over five treatments to achieve the best results possible.
And remember, our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we age. This is natural and having collagen induction therapy doesn’t change nature! So over time, the collagen and elastin you gain through procedures like microneedling will also start to diminish. For this reason, you need to have maintenance treatments yearly for the best possible outcome.
Microneedling can provide spectacular results thanks to its ability to trigger collagen and elastin production within the body. While a few treatments may be necessary depending on your skin’s current situation and goals, it’s hard to argue with the results we see. You can elevate your outcome even more by combining microneedling with additional treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma, Botox or Dysport.
If you are a bit curious about what microneedling could do for you, give us a call or book a consultation. We’d love to answer your questions and hear about your skin goals.