Overview
What is Microneedling?
This is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin where your service provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. This damage helps to stimulate the healing process, so your skin produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins help keep your skin more smooth and firm.
Most people get this procedure done on their face, but you can get it virtually anywhere on the body as well, to soften scars or stretch marks. Multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve optimal results. Such as three treatments, scheduled one month apart.
Who needs microneedling?
You may consider this procedure if you'd like to reduce enlarged pores.
Minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve loose or crepey skin.
Smooth mild scars, especially those from acne or burns.
Improve skin discoloration or uneven skin tone. We can also use it to improve alopecia areata and apply prp or minoxidil post treatment.
Who shouldn't have microneedling?
People with active acne, or taking medication for acne.
Those with blood disorders or are on blood thinners.
If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
Frequent skin rashes or cold sores
People who are prone to keloid scarring.
Areas of suspected skin cancer
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Procedure Details
Before microneedling you will have a consultation and go over your medical history with your aesthetician. They will examine your skin and discuss your skin care goals. They will most likely take photos of the area, so you can compare your results before and after.
This is a good time to ask any questions you may have and how to best prepare for the procedure and what to do for aftercare.
What happens during microneedling?
Your aesthetician will cleanse the skin and apply a topical numbing cream such as lidocaine. Next they will use an electric tool that will make the tiny holes in your skin. The depth of needle penetration is customized to the area of your skin varying on thickness and necessity to improve deeper or superficial scarring. Needle lengths vary from 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters. You might feel warmth or a slight scratching sensation and perhaps a bit of discomfort in bony areas. And your provider will take a break as often as you need. Deep microneedling might cause a little bleeding. Hence the nickname Vampire Facial. You may opt to have your blood drawn and the prp spun out, this prp has excellent growth factors and will be applied to the area post microneedling to aid in faster healing and further collagen production.
What happens after Microneedling?
Fortunately, microneedling is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home right after it's done. Your skin may be red and slightly swollen for up to 5 days. But usually only 2 or 3. An ice pack can help reduce symptoms. Most people can wear makeup 3 days after the procedure, but we recommend abstaining until the skin is fully healed. And to also stay out of the sun until the skin fully heals.
Risks and benefits
Some risks are bruising, scarring, and skin infection. It is imperative that the skin be kept clean as possible following the procedure until healed.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
It can improve texture and tone, minimize wrinkles and acne scars and doesnt have the same risks of skin discoloration that some laser procedures can carry because there is no light or heat that can exacerbate discoloration for people with darker skin tones.
Recovery
You may experience dry flaky skin while healing, that can be improved with a light non comedigenic moisturizer.
It can take 3 to 6 months to see optimal results. Then you may need a once a year maintenance procedure.
Schedule your free consultation today to see if microneedling is right for you!
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