Microneedling
If you’re someone who has suffered from acne or other trauma to the face, you may have been left with imperfections on your skin such as acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and more. Now, however, we are able to offer our patients the benefits of microneedling to correct these skin imperfections.
With the goal of stimulating more collagen through the infliction of controlled wounds that will prompt existing skin to generate new cells, replacing the scarred or damaged ones, the process of microneedling will result in a more flawless appearance to the skin. This procedure can help eliminate acne scarring, improve uneven skin tone, and restore smoothness to the skin.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling creates microscopic openings on the surface of the skin. It stimulates the body’s healing response and causes the tissue to develop new collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. The treatment is non-surgical and requires little downtime.
Microneedling is a rejuvenating skin treatment that addresses:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Mild inelasticity
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Rough skin
- Dull skin
What Is The Microneedling Process?
You may hear microneedling referred to as percutaneous collagen induction because the treatment increases collagen in your skin. Collagen is the supportive scaffolding of youthful, smooth skin. It naturally declines with age. By inducing the creation of collagen (as well as elastin), microneedling leads to smoother, plumper, firmer skin.
Modern treatments use an automated pen-like device that is handheld. The head of the device contains a circular arrangement of tiny needles. The device is set to penetrate the skin at a certain depth, making the treatment highly customizable.
As the provider passes the head of rotating needles across the skin, the needles make tiny openings in the epidermis. These minuscule punctures prompt a healing response in the skin without damaging tissue.
Opening the skin’s pores for nourishing topicals. Another benefit of microneedling is that the micro-channels created by the needles allow for deeper penetration and absorption of any variety of rejuvenating topical serums, chosen by you and the provider.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
The microneedling procedure is safe for almost everyone. Ideal candidates are those who have healed their acne and are in search of improved skin on the face. Whether you’re hoping to restore smoothness, achieve a more youthful appearance, or even out skin tone, we like to recommend to patients the importance of having realistic expectations when it comes to the results of your procedure. Microneedling may take multiple sessions to achieve complete skin smoothness, however, these results will be long-lasting. This procedure is not recommended for people who currently have active acne, infections, or trouble healing wounds.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Because microneedling involves the infliction of wounds, patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but not an unbearable amount of pain. Dr. Austin prioritizes patient safety and comfort, and numbing treatment is typically offered before each procedure to help patients have a positive experience during their procedure.
How Long Does it Take to Heal from Microneedling?
Microneedling is minimally invasive, but your face will be flushed and red for about 24-72 hours after the appointment. During this time, do not apply facial cosmetics such as makeup. We know it is tempting to conceal the redness, but microneedling opens up the pores of your face, so the last thing you want to do is clog all those channels into the epidermis with makeup.
For 24-48 hours, your skin typically feels and looks like a mild sunburn. It is normal to experience peeling, itchiness, dryness, and minor swelling. Follow our directions for which moisturizers and cleansers to use during this time. Be sure to wear your sunscreen to protect your skin while it is healing! Your skin will start looking radiant and fresh after a few days, and results will continue to improve over the next couple of months as new collagen and elastin form.
How Does Microneedling Compare to Other Skin Correction Treatments?
In comparison to other skin correcting treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy, microneedling is the least invasive skin correction treatment. Prompting your existing skin to heal on its own to replace the damaged layer is one of the more natural ways you can achieve smoother skin. Allowing the skin to self-heal and recover from the controlled wounds from microneedling can help the face appear flawless and radiant in a more natural-looking way. The procedure can lead to a more lifted, tight look to the face, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Microneedling also has a shorter recovery time than other treatments.
Ready to Achieve Your Perfect Skin?
Recovering from acne or injuries to the face can often take time, and many patients who consider skin treatment have been thinking about it for a prolonged period of time – It’s time to stop waiting! If you’re ready to take the next step in achieving smoother-looking skin, schedule a consultation with us today.