Microneedling is a safe, minimally invasive, chemical free treatment that encourages collagen production in the skin. The body’s production of collagen decreases progressively over time which is why we need to add in procedures that help increase the collagen production as we age. The treatment has become one of our favorite services because it is an ideal treatment for reducing the appearance of scars, fine to moderate lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, scarring, and discoloration in pigmentation.
Our trained medical esthetician performs the treatment with a handheld device that contains several very small needles on the end. The needles microscopically penetrate the skin, creating channels for regrowth of collagen and elastin in the skin, which restores a youthful appearance. By disrupting the architecture of the skin, collagen and elastin expression and deposition is induced, thus resulting in brighter, tighter, younger looking skin.
Over several months, the skin’s repair system will plump tissues, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles while creating a firmer skin texture. Microneedling can be a great procedure to add to your skin care routine without the expense or potential side-effects from a more invasive, ablative laser or a deep chemical peel. We also use special serums and/or platelet rich plasma (PRP) that can be infused into the skin that can help further aid in collagen production.
What are the Benefits of Microneedling?
Microneedling is safe on almost all skin types. There can be visual and noticeable improvement in a few days after treatment. The most common benefits that our patients experience with microneedling is:
What Can I Expect During Microneedling?
Approximately 45 minutes to one hour before the microneedling treatment, a numbing cream is applied to the skin to help to minimize the pain or discomfort that can be associated with the procedure. This will numb the skin during the microneedling process, which can take roughly 30 minutes. Patients undergoing minimally penetrative treatments often compare the discomfort to microdermabrasion.
During the procedure, the esthetician makes small pricks under the skin using a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The device is moved evenly across your skin so that the newly rejuvenated skin will be even. The pinpricks are so tiny that you won’t notice them after the procedure. At the end of the session, a special serum or hydro-jelly mask can be applied for a more calming treatment.
What to Expect After the Microneedling Treatment?
Microneedling as a minimal recovery time if any at all. After the procedure, you can return to work or school. Some people may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days after the treatment which is the body’s natural response to the minor injuries caused by the needles in the skin.
Since your skin is sensitive after the treatment, we recommend avoiding the following during your first week of recovery:
You can help your skin heal after microneedling by:
Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is safe for most healthy adults for nearly all skin types who would like to improve the tone, texture, and appearance of the skin. Our medical esthetician will determine the best treatment that best meets your skin goals. Patients who are good candidates for microneedling are usually suffering from:
Good candidates for microneedling are ready to commit to a series of treatments and have realistic expectations. An ideal candidate understands the microneedling process and its limitations. For example, one session of microneedling will not give the same results as one session of aggressive CO2 laser or a deep chemical peel. But 3-6 sessions of microneedling done consecutively will provide dramatic results with much lower downtime and risk.
Although microneedling is safe for most patients, there are some who need to be careful with the treatment such as those who have used Botox two days prior to the treatment or the acne medication Accutane within the last three months. It should be avoided if you have difficulty with wound healing, have an active skin infection, are currently taking blood thinning medications, undergoing radiation treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s crucial that you are to be honest with your esthetician and healthcare providers when determining if you are a good candidate for any aesthetic treatment, so we can ensure you choose the procedure that is right for you, and above all, a treatment that is safe for your specific needs.
When Will I See the Results?
Many patients will notice initial results only a few days after a microneedling treatment. You will start to see the full results of your first microneedling treatment within two to four weeks. Over the following month as new tissue begins to form (by bringing healthy cells to the surface of the skin) you will see additional improvement of the skin’s appearance. To get the best results, in general patients need to have multiple treatments. The number of treatments varies on the patient's skin type and goals, but most achieve their desired results between three to eight sessions. To enhance and speed up your results, we recommend combining the results with topical retinol, laser treatments, or BioRePeel.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Plasma-rich-platelets known as PRP, is a component of the blood that is abundant in growth factors and cytokines which has been shown to aid in healing and recovery. PRP can enhance the renewal of your skin and has been shown to be beneficial when used for the improvement of appearance of acne scars.
Microneedling with PRP is a microneedling treatment with the use of an enhanced serum generated from the body's natural blood plasma. We collect the serum by drawing blood from the patient, spinning it in a centrifuge, and taking the separated blood plasma to apply it directly to the skin. The application of PRP jumps starts the skins into regenerative mode to help to tighten and smooth the skin.
What is the Difference Between Microneedling and Home Rollers?
Microneedling is a professional procedure performed by a trained professional. Most home derma rollers, unlike professional microneedling, do not puncture the skin to layers deep enough to draw blood. Although it may seem like a less painful option, you may not achieve the same results because the punctures to the skin made during professional microneedling are meant to generate skin rejuvenation.
Even through you can purchase medical-grade devices online that will deeply penetrate the skin, we recommend having mirconeedling performed by a professional in a controlled environment. You are at a greater risk of causing permanent scarring, pigmentation issues, or serious skin infections. If you want more effective and long-term results, microneedling may be better than a store-bought roller device.
If you’re interested in learning more about microneedling, please contact us at 940-783-5761 to schedule a consultation with Be Whole Wellness Center. You can also fill out the form on our website book your one-on-one meeting with experienced our experienced esthetician or board-certified nurse practitioner.