Microneedling
Frequently Asked Questions
Microneedling – it is a skin treatment procedure that involves an electric skin-needling device. The device contains 12 very fine needles. It is used during micro-needling procedures to break down old scar tissue and push skin cell generation. Cell production leads to the creation of new layers of elastin and collagen fiber and leads to improved blood flow in the skin.
The device slides along the skin and penetrates upper layers of the skin to a depth of up to 2mm to create tiny needle wounds. This signals the body to respond by producing collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin becomes fuller, thus reducing the appearance of scars, lines, and wrinkles.
Some of the conditions that medical microneedling is known to improve include: mild to moderate acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, skin texture and pore size, and stretch marks
It begins with cleaning and numbing the skin using a collagen-stimulating product, Vitamin C serum, or a skin lightener. A small pen with 12 tiny needles is used to create tiny wounds in the skin. The speed and adjustability of the needles allows for more effective piercing and absorption of skin products. Vitamin-C serium or Hyalurnoic acid is used after the procedure to hydrate, heal and protect the skin.
Inflammation of the skin is very temporary and reduces greatly within a few hours. It may remain slightly pink for up to 48 hours after treatment. Using hyaluronic acid after the procedure can help reduce inflammation, and sunscreen can be used to protect the skin. Makeup use should be limited to mineral makeup.
- Patients tolerate the procedure easily. However, side effects such as dryness, scaling, redness, or swelling may last for a few days (or longer).
- It is recommended that patients protect their skin from the sun after the procedure.
- When the procedure is used to treat acne scars, it is recommended that the patient clean his/her face with a gentle cleanser every night.? This should be repeated in the morning and products such as makeup and lotions can be used regularly.
- Postoperative wound infections are rare because micro wounds close quickly after the procedure is completed.
- If necessary, emollients or antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Skin rejuvenation will be visible as soon as two weeks after the procedure or as much as six to eight months after.
- Results for burn scar treatments can take between six months and one year to show.
Some of the known benefits of known microneedling are that it greatly improves topical cream effectiveness and penetration and stimulates blood circulation and collagen production; the needles are non-allergenic; it is cost-effective relative to other surfacing procedures; it works on all skin types; and it can treat the scalp, face, and body, including skin around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
Medical microneedling is known to improve skin text texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, regenerate tissue, improve the appearance of scars, reduce the size of pores, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Medical microneedling is safe to use on all skin types and colors without risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
Prior to the treatment, numbing cream can be applied to minimize pain that is felt during the procedure.
Each patients skin condition determines the number of treatments that are needed. Moderate acne scars may need between three and four treatments, while thermal burns and stretch marks may need five.? Conditions such as wrinkles caused by aging, one or two refresher treatments are recommended per year.
Microneedling can be safely repeated every four to six weeks as needed. Collagen induction requires at least three treatments, while scar reduction requires between three and six. Four to six weeks should pass between one treatment and the next. Microneedling can be used on all parts of the body (neck, d?collet?, arms, legs, etc). Usually results begin to appear after the first treatment.
No negative side effects have been observed in the more than 150,000 microneedling procedures that have been done worldwide.
AHAs (glycolic Acid), retinol, acidic or active ingredients should not be used for two to three days after treatment to allow for maximum healing. Sun exposure is not recommended and sunscreen is encouraged.
Medical microneedling is safe on all skin types and colors because the epidermis is not damaged during treatment. The chance of change in pigmentation or post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation is minimal. Skin microneedling can be used on sensitive and fragile areas (eyes, neck, back of hands) that cannot be treated easily with other procedures. Microneedling is not suitable for patients who have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last three months, have open wounds, cuts or abrasions, have had radiation skin treatment within the last year, are suffering from any skin infection, condition, or herpes simplex in the area of concern, are pregnant or breast feeding, have any history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
The cost of the treatment will be discussed during a free consultation, based on each clients treatment plan that is based on the patients individual needs and desired results. Medical microneedling can be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Post-op infections are extremely unlikely given that the tiny wounds close quickly and the treatment is done under clinical conditions.