Microneedling FAQ

Are you scared of trying new, trending medical aesthetic treatments like Microneedling because you need to see the scientific studies on long-term safety? Did you know Microneedling is a beauty staple invented by Cleopatra during ancient Egyptian civilization? I learned this interesting fact during my last Microneedling treatment with Sam at our Scottsdale location.  

Realself recently conducted a survey of 500 board-certified plastic surgeons about what they believe the hottest aesthetic trend is for 2016. The most popular answer? Microneedling.

Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy that is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure involving the use of a MicroPen that contains fine needles. The needles are used to puncture the skin to create micro-injuries. This collagen induction therapy will give you plumper, smoother and healthier skin.  

For our blog today, we are going to dive deep into the most common questions we get about Microneedling.

How Does Skin Injury Make My Skin Look Better?

Microneedling stimulates healing by causing a controlled injury to the skin. Upon first thought, it defies reason that hurting our skin can actually make it look better. But aesthetic medicine has proven this is actually the case. In fact, the medical aesthetic industry has been built on this premise.  

The general rule of thumb is, the more invasive the treatment, the more dramatic the results. Case in point, if you get a facial – you will see a luminous glow for a few days afterward. But if you get a Microneedling treatment, you will keep that luminous glow for four to six weeks.  

Is At-Home Microneedling With a Dermaroller Safe?

We have seen the trend move into household use with the dermaroller device. However, we must provide our clients with a big caveat. At the National Laser Institute Med Spa, we use a MicroPen. But the at-home treatment is done with a dermaroller. This type of device punctures your skin at an angle and the needles are only a third the length of a MicroPen. The problem with the dermaroller is the needles nick the skin as it is rolled. This creates less of a controlled injury and it actually can damage the skin. The at-home dermarollers also increase risk of infection.

MicroPen Safest Device Used For Microneedling

What Skin Concerns does Microneedling Treat?

Microneedling is known to naturally smooth, tighten and target aging areas of the face and body. Microneedling treats and prevents wrinkles, aging skin, surgical and hypertrophic scars, stretch marks, acne and pitted scars, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, UV damage, Rosacea, and Melasma.

Treating skin conditions such as Melasma and Rosacea with Microneedling can be highly effective. If you suffer from either of these similar skin conditions, you already know there are very few ways to effectively treat your skin discoloration concerns. Microneedling combined with SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex is the most effective in-office treatment we prescribe for our Melasma and Rosacea clients.  

After your skin has received the Microneedling treatment, we will apply the SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex to the treated skin on your face. This product contains skin brightening ingredients as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Essential fatty acids, retinol, and algae.

You will see an improvement in the overall condition of your skin, improved skin tone, and reduced discoloration of your skin.  

Is it true that Microneedling Boosts Product Absorption by 3000%?

Yes, this is absolutely true. Microneedling does boost product absorption and effectiveness by 3000% during the first hour after your treatment. This is why you will want to pair your Microneedling treatment with a booster like hyaluronic acid, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), or an anti-aging serum with growth factors like SkinMedica TNS Serum.  The channels created by the microneedles create a conduit for any substance you apply to your skin including hyaluronic acid, retinol, your own platelet rich plasma, and other anti-aging products.

What Can I Expect During My Microneedling Treatment?

First your face is thoroughly cleansed with a topical cleanser. Then a topical anesthetic is applied to your skin for 30 minutes before your treatment. When the treatment begins, a serum will be applied to your skin to help the MicroPen gently glide over your skin. The needling itself typically feels like a slight vibration, and almost like a massage with tingling on your skin. During the collagen induction process, the tiny needles in the MicroPen will penetrate through your skin, but will not remove it. Since your skin will only be punctured, it will heal quickly.

Your skin will lightly bleed but only for a few seconds. The mini-punctures will trigger the production of your very own growth factors that eventually result in collagen production. New collagen production can be further increased by the use of boosters such as PRP, hyaluronic acid, SkinMedica TNS Serum. You can expect your Microneedling treatment to take about one hour. Your skin will be red for less than an hour for darker skin tones and several days for lighter, more sensitive skin.

How Do I Care for My Skin After My Microneedling Treatment?

You should expect erythema and edema to the treated area. This will subside within a day or two. Tiny pinpoint scabs will appear 24-72 hours post-treatment and may remain 3-7 days following.  The scabs should not be touched, itched or exfoliated. They will naturally shed off when ready. During the next 48 hours post-treatment, you should avoid working out, hot showers, massages, and sun exposure.

Do not apply makeup to your skin for 12 hours after treatment while your skin is healing. You may start applying emollient creams to alleviate any dry, tight or itchy sensations while your skin is healing. Do not shave for 1-2 days post treatment while your skin is healing. You should apply high-factor sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) and protect the treated area from sunlight. Sun exposure may cause hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling Is Safe For All Skin Types

What are the Benefits of Microneedling?

We have younger Microneedling clients with acne scars and more mature Microneedling clients with sun damage and wrinkles. Microneedling results are naturally beautiful, and it’s also a chemical free treatment in which no foreign substances are injected. Your skin will become thicker. Collagen and elastin will increase up to 1000 percent. Any part of the body may be treated and Microneedling is safe for darker skin tones.  

In other treatments involving ablative or heat methods, cicatricial healing is triggered, and type I collagen forms from the top down in the dermal layer. The major benefit of Microneedling is the growth factors released trigger regenerative healing. This type of healing is comprised of type III collagen forming from the base upwards in the dermal layer.

What Results Can I Get With Microneedling and How Many Treatments Will It Take?

Microneedling will combat a variety of common skin care concerns, including scarring, stretch marks, melasma, and more. The results are smoother, thicker, tighter, more even-toned skin. The phases of collagen induction include:

1. Inflammation begins immediately during your treatment.
2. An Inflammatory Response will trigger tissue generation. Your very own natural growth factors will cause your body to produce healthy tissue.
3. New tissue Formation will continue for up to 1-year post treatment.

Treatments vary depending on skin conditions but we typically recommend between 3-6 sessions with 4-6 weeks in between sessions and then touch ups once or twice a year after that.  

We invite you to call 800.574.8377 or click here to receive your complimentary consultation with one of our expert skin care specialists. Become a beauty insider and reserve your appointment now at the National Laser Institute Med Spa!