The skincare and aesthetics worlds have been abuzz with the idea of procedures that help your skin generate more of its own collagen. These types of treatments combat signs of aging like wrinkles or increasing laxity and provide long-lasting results. Microneedling is one of the most popular choices, likely due to its many benefits with low risks.
Sounds good, right? Let’s answer your questions as we discuss all things microneedling.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure using tiny needles on the face and body to help reduce the appearance of aging, wrinkles, scars or stretch marks. A grouping of sterile microneedles presses into your skin all at once. These tiny pricks trigger the skin’s repair system and kickstart the anti-aging process.
Benefits
- Immediate plumping effect
- Long-lasting results
- Low risks involved
- Quick recovery time
- Suitable for most skin tones and types
- Creates microchannels for instant skincare absorption
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Stimulates collagen production
- Diminishes scars and wrinkles
A device containing the microneedles makes small pokes into your skin which your body treats like microscopic injuries. During the healing process from this action, old layers of skin are inspired to begin their replenishment process more quickly than on their own and stimulate the formation of fresh skin with new collagen and elastin below the surface. Hello, plump skin!
What Are the Sizes of Microneedles?
Medical microneedling uses devices with groupings of thin needles that are either 0.5mm – 1.5mm long for your face, neck and chest or 1.5mm – 2.5mm for your body. When placed on the treatment areas, these needles pierce the epidermis and varying depths of your skin’s layers. Your skilled doctor will choose how many and which lengths are best for your skin and desired results.
What’s the Procedure Like?
After your thorough consultation, you’ll come in for your first microneedling session. The entire process typically takes under 60 minutes in most cases. If it’s been decided that you want a numbing cream for maximum comfort, it’s applied after the thorough cleansing step.
Next, the microneedling device is moved along the targeted area(s). Once all locations have been treated, you’ll once again have your face cleansed. Then, your procedure session is complete, and you can resume your normal activities and return for your next appointment.
What Can You Expect Following Your Microneedling Procedure?
In the immediate days after your treatment, your skin might seem like it’s burned or feels a little tight or dry and might be a little flaky. These all improve with moisturizer and are part of the process. Be sure to follow your aftercare instructions or call your doctor if you have any concerns that come up.
Most people require multiple microneedling treatments, usually about three weeks to eight weeks apart. Your final results can take three to six months to fully develop. You’ll have a clearer idea of what your doctor prescribes after your consultation. Keep in mind that while your skin improves significantly after your course of treatment, you might need a maintenance touchup procedure about once a year.
View some of California Dermatology Care’s Results
What Should You Avoid After a Microneedling Session?
Overexposure to the Sun
Use 30 SPF sunscreen or higher when you’re outside, likely daily. Without sun protection, microneedling can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from UV damage. Protect your investment!
Exfoliating Skincare Ingredients
Do not use products with BHAs, AHAs or retinol during your treatment period, especially in the immediate days after each session. This is a case when less is best. Give your skin time to recover from microneedling before applying products that will irritate your freshly treated skin.
Wearing Makeup
No makeup should touch your skin for at least 8 hours after each of your microneedling procedures. Remember, you have micro openings, meaning applying makeup will enter deeply into the skin and may clog your pores or cause irritation or infection.
When Is Microneedling Not Recommended?
At your consultation, your doctor will most likely look for and ask about the following conditions that may mean microneedling isn’t right for you at this time:
- Active Rashes or infections
- Open wounds
- Eczema or rosacea
- Pregnant
- Taking certain medications (like Accutane)
- Prone to keloid scars
If microneedling isn’t right for you, there are other options to achieve your anti-aging goals that keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Be sure to ask us about them.
What’s the Difference Between Microneedling and Microdermabrasion?
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are both procedures that improve the look and texture of your skin through a process where it’s encouraged to renew. The biggest difference between the two is that microdermabrasion doesn’t use needles but a device with an edge like sandpaper that exfoliates the outer layer of your skin. And it’s much more aggressive.
While being less harsh on the surface of your skin, microneedling gets to go deeper, with miniature pricks that penetrate inner layers, allowing for faster renewal, collagen regrowth stimulation and penetration of products applied.
Can You Do Microneedling at Home?
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Poking your skin with needles is no exception. You might see tools that claim they are made for personal microneedling usage and tout the safety of it all. But you run a lot of risks and have fewer benefits when you try this at home. DIY microneedling may seem more cost-effective and convenient, but trained doctors provide faster and better results to remove wrinkles and reduce skin laxity.
What Are the Risks of Microneedling?
Microneedling is considered a safe procedure when performed in a controlled environment by experts. Still, as with anything that opens the skin, some minor risks could include bruising, scarring or skin infections. When you have a skilled professional like our board-certified doctors, your possible risks are greatly reduced or even eliminated altogether. Be sure to bring up your concerns before your treatments begin.
Get started today!
If you have any questions about our procedures or treatments, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists here at California Dermatology Care by calling or texting us at 925-328-0255.
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