As we age, our skin tends to loose collagen and soon before we know it, our youthful looks slowly start to fade away. You start noticing some fine lines and some parts of your skin starts to sag. Well, i know that this is too much to take it but the good news is that, you can reverse the process by boosting your skin collagen levels. And this is where Facial micro-needling comes in.
Sounds good, right?
Well, before we get into the meat and potatoes of micro-needling, get to know some fast facts.
Microneedling - Collagen Induction Therapy Fast Facts
What is Micro-needling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production.
The procedure is also known as collagen induction therapy. The treatment may help reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.
It can also be used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sunspots.
Microneedling isn’t effective for hair loss, despite the possible role of collagen in hair growth.
Microneedling has been around for over 100 years and has shown promising results. The procedure involves using a derma roller with small needles to prick the skin.
The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin.
Dermatologists and skin therapists swear by the procedure to treat different skin complications.
How is the Procedure Like?
When most people hear about micro-needling, they think the process is painful. Though the process involves making small injuries on the skin, it is not dramatic as most people think.
Preparing For Micro-needling
Before the procedure, talk to your doctor about ways you can prepare so you have the best possible outcome. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment, well in advance of the procedure.
Your doctor may also recommend that you stop using topical retinoids beforehand too. Doing so may reduce the risk of certain side effects.
How Is The Procedure Done?
Total prep and procedure time is about two hours. You’ll need to see a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic surgeon for this procedure. In some states, an aesthetician may also be able to perform the procedure if supervised by a physician.
Before getting started, your doctor will use a topical anaesthetic to reduce the chances of pain. This is done about an hour before your treatment.
Emory University says the actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Your doctor may then apply a serum or calming treatment. In total, you can expect to be at the office for a couple of hours at least.
During the procedure, your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them.
Your doctor will move the tool evenly across your skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even, too.
You will need at least four procedures or more for the best results.
Targeted Areas For Microneedling
Microneedling is most often used on your face to target:
Age spots (also called “sun spots”)
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Large pores
Other types of scars
Reduced skin elasticity
Uneven skin tone
In addition to facial concerns, the procedure is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other areas of the body.
According to NCBA report induction therapy was effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when combined with fillers.
Scarring on other body parts may also be treated with this procedure. However, micro-needling is primarily used on the face.
How Does Micro-needling Work?
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.
This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture. And by encouraging the skin to make new tissue, more collagen is produced to help make the skin firmer, too.
Efficiecy
It’s considered effective in treating minor scarring related to acne, wounds, and aging.
Ideal results are achieved after multiple sessions.
Microneedling is far more effective than at-home rollers.
What to Expect After Micro-needling
Microneedling isn’t invasive like plastic surgery, so the recovery time is minimal. According to Emory University, most people require very little downtime, if any at all.
You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days following the procedure. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin. You can go back to work or school after the procedure if you’re comfortable.
Some people apply camouflaging makeup during the first few days as the redness dissipates. Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is a must.
After micro-needling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. You should see results within a couple of weeks.
To maintain the results of your treatment, you’ll need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. Your doctor will advise you on the best plan of action based on your individual goals.
Is Micro-needling Safe For Everyone?
Microneedling is considered safe for most people who are in overall good health and have certain skin concerns that haven’t responded to home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures, such as peels.
This may also be a final step before considering cosmetic surgery for anti-aging and other concerns. Learn more about micro-needling and talk to your dermatologist to see if this is the right option for your skin.
You may not be an ideal candidate for micro-needling if you:
Are pregnant
Have certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema
Have open wounds
Have had radiation therapy recently
Have a history of skin scars
You’ll experience minor redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure.
How much does microneedling cost?
According to estimates by Dermapen, microneedling costs from $100 to $700 per session. Most face treatments run around $300 each session.
Since microneedling is considered a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure, it’s not covered by insurance. Your doctor may be able to help you afford your treatments better by structuring a payment plan for you. Some offices even offer financing.
You’ll want to consider all the cumulative costs before committing to the procedure so you won’t have any surprise bills.
If you decide to take time off work, you may also need to consider ways to offset any lost work time hours. However, most people are able to go back to work or school right away.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Like all cosmetic procedures, micro-needling isn’t without risk. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure.
You may also see redness for a few days. Call your doctor if you notice more severe side effects, such as: bleeding, bruising, peeling.
Microneedling vs. home rollers
Microneedling is a professional procedure that’s performed in a board-certified doctor’s office only. In an effort to save money, some people opt for home rollers instead. Unlike professional micro-needling, rollers don’t puncture the skin hardly at all.
While this might seem a less painful option, the problem is that you won’t achieve the same results. The punctures made during professional micro-needling are designed to induce skin rejuvenation.
With a roller device, you may achieve brighter skin at best, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
But if you are interested in more dramatic, long-term results, micro-needling is a better option than a store-bought roller device. Get in touch with us today for a professional Facial micro-needling plantain FL.
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