Microneedling 📍💆‍♀️

What is Microneedling

In microneedling, tiny needles are used to make micro-punctures on the skin’s surface, making it a minimally invasive skin treatment. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing process, increasing collagen and elastin production.

These microneedles create extremely small channels in the skin that are almost invisible, allowing for more efficient absorption of topical treatments such as serums and creams.

The result is smoother, firmer, more toned-looking skin with reduced signs of aging, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Unlike laser resurfacing treatments, microneedling causes very minimal damage to the epidermis.

Therefore, it is a safe option for all skin types and shades. Its efficacy and little downtime make microneedling an extremely popular anti-aging treatment.

Reasons to Get a Microneedling Treatment

There are several cosmetic reasons people choose to get microneedling:

Subdue the presence of fine lines and wrinkles
Improve skin texture and smooth scars
Minimize pores
Brighten skin tone and improve hyperpigmentation
Increase absorption of skincare products
Stimulate collagen production for firmer skin
Tighten and contour sagging areas
Rejuvenate dull or tired-looking skin

In addition to cosmetic benefits, microneedling may also help treat certain skin conditions like stretch marks, acne scars, melasma, enlarged pores, and rosacea.

How Microneedling Works

A microneedling procedure involves a device with many tiny, sterile needles that are moved over the skin, causing small punctures. This action prompts the release of growth factors, leading to enhanced collagen and elastin synthesis.

The skin then starts repairing itself by producing new skin cells and blood vessels, a process known as neocollagenesis. Over the next few weeks after treatment, fresh young skin layers replace areas of damage, giving skin a smoother, healthier, more youthful appearance.

Topical serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, or growth factors are often applied to boost efficacy. These powerful ingredients are better absorbed through the tiny channels the microneedles make, targeting skin issues more effectively.

Common Treatment Areas for Microneedling

Microneedling is effective for enhancing the look of nearly every part of the face and body, including:

Face:

Forehead – reduces lines and wrinkles
Frown lines – softens the appearance of 11 lines between brows
Crow’s feet – smooths fine lines around eyes
Cheeks – lifts, firms sagging skin
Neck – tightens crepey skin, diminishes horizontal necklines

Body:

Décolletage – firms loose chest skin
Stretch marks – belly, hips, thighs, bust
Scars – surgical, burns, acne on body or face
Hands – plumps skin, diminishes age spots
Lips – defines vermillion border, increases collagen

Safety and Side Effects of Microneedling

Microneedling is very safe when performed correctly by a licensed provider. Each session takes about 30 minutes with minimal discomfort.

The skin is completely numbed prior to the procedure using a topical anesthetic. Possible side effects include:

Mild redness and sensitivity for up to a few days
Temporary dry or flaky skin as the treatment accelerates skin cell turnover
Low risk of infection or scarring if proper protocols and aftercare are followed
Rare allergic reaction – microneedling should be patch-tested first
More intensive treatments may require up to one week downtime for recovery.

Consult with your provider about your medical history to establish whether microneedling is a good fit for your skin type and specific condition. People with very sensitive skin, vascular disorders, skin infections, or who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this treatment.

Preparing for a Microneedling Treatment

In the weeks leading up to your microneedling procedure:

Avoid laser treatments, chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, and products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin A derivatives
Stay out of the sun, and do not use tanning beds
Stop waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the treatment area
Be diligent about wearing broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
Discontinue use of blood thinners like aspirin, Motrin, fish oil, certain herbs, and supplements per provider guidance

During the Microneedling Treatment

The duration of the procedure ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, varying based on the size of the area undergoing treatment. Your provider will first cleanse and numb the skin.

Then, the microneedling device will be moved over the treatment area in sections. Most people feel little to no discomfort due to the numbing cream, but slight pressure or vibration from the device may be felt.

Typically, 2-3 passes per section are performed based on your individual needs. The session concludes with applying a soothing serum or mask to aid healing.

After the Microneedling Treatment

Immediately following the session, it’s common to see your skin turn a bright red color, a sunburn-like reaction with some minor pinpoint bleeding possible, which will subside in a few hours.

Your practitioner will apply antibiotic cream and advise you on proper aftercare:

Avoid sun exposure, exercise, and hot baths or showers for 48 hours post-treatment
Cleanse face gently, pat dry, apply recommended serums
Strictly avoid picking or scrubbing treated skin, which can cause scarring
Use a gentle moisturizer and SPF 30+ sunscreen if going outside
Wait two weeks for the skin to heal fully before having any other facial treatments

Longevity of Microneedling Results

Most people initially start to see results after the first 1-3 microneedling sessions done 4 to 6 weeks apart. Maintenance appointments every 6 to 12 months help sustain long-term collagen stimulation and a youthful appearance.

Those with deep wrinkles or advanced sun damage may need more intensive treatments, plus topical skin-enhancing complexes at home in between sessions. Discuss your aesthetic goals thoroughly with your provider to set realistic expectations for optimal outcomes over time.

Who Should Not Have Microneedling Treatments

Microneedling requires clearance from a doctor for the following contraindications:

Active skin infections – fungal, bacterial, viral
Very sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema
Open wounds or lesions
Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last year
Autoimmune disorders
Bleeding or clotting disorders
Cardiac devices – pacemakers, defibrillators
Chemotherapy or radiation
Certain medications like blood thinners
Pregnancy or nursing
History of keloid scarring

Proceed cautiously if you have connective tissue disease, diabetes, or take immunosuppressants. Though rare, discuss the risks of triggering a herpes outbreak if you have a history of cold sores prior to treatment.

Microneedling is generally not recommended for those under 18 years of age. Always consult your doctor first about your risks.

Cost of Microneedling Treatments

Professional microneedling procedures are performed using an electronic device equipped with clinical-grade needles of varying lengths depending on one’s needs.

The total cost per session is influenced by factors including the number of passes over the skin, size of the target treatment areas on the face or body, use of special serums, and whether it is done by a licensed esthetician or provider.

Some, but not all, practices offer discounted rates for purchasing a package of several microneedling appointments to be used over a period of months.

Choosing a Microneedling Provider Near Me

Microneedling, performed by a licensed provider, offers a range of benefits for achieving and preserving youthful, vibrant skin.

To ensure the safest, most professional experience, the American Academy of Microneedling recommends choosing a licensed provider with in-depth training and certifications specifically in Microneedling. Request to see before and after photos of real patient results.

Be sure your technician follows proper sanitization and safety protocols and has emergency support protocols in place. Consider choosing a medical spa with an onsite supervising provider versus a stand-alone establishment for an added layer of patient protection and satisfaction.

At Green Relief Health Med Spa & Medical Weight Loss, Dr. Lauren Nawrocki specializes in the latest Microneedling techniques for skin rejuvenation.

Their team provides professional in-office Microneedling services conducted by the skilled hands of Dr. Nawrocki.

Please call to schedule a private consultation and assessment to determine which Microneedling options are best to help you achieve your skin goals based on the level of correction desired and your individual skin conditions.

Microneedling is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation therapy suitable for all skin types. It stimulates collagen production by creating microscopic injuries in the skin that initiate wound healing and new tissue regeneration.

Benefits include reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, textures, irregularities, scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.

The treatment takes about 30 minutes using a specialized device with many tiny needles to penetrate the outer layers of skin up to the deeper dermis, activating regeneration. It’s a very safe procedure with mild side effects when proper protocols are followed.

For skin tightening, scar treatment, or an overall more youthful glow, microneedling helps build collagen naturally without surgery or lasers so you can achieve beautiful, confidence-boosting results.