What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the skin’s appearance, reduce the effects of aging, and treat conditions like acne scarring and stretch marks. It involves a set of tiny needles that puncture the top layer of the skin. These microscopic punctures work to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. This process therefore increases collagen production, which is responsible for the tightness, texture, and elasticity of the skin.

While the prospect of a procedure involving needles may sound intimidating, it’s not as painful as you’d think, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Microneedling is a simple, safe, and minimally invasive procedure that provides multiple benefits for the skin. The multifunctionality of microneedling makes it a great option for most people.

How Microneedling is Done

If you don’t enjoy the idea of lengthy procedures, not to worry. The procedure for microneedling is fairly simple and straightforward.

Before treatment is started, the doctor will clean and sterilize the skin. Next, the skin is numbed to prepare for treatment. Once the treatment is finished, the doctor will apply a serum. The entire process typically only lasts up to 2 hours total.

Microneedling uses thin needles that have been sterilized to make small evenly distributed injuries to the skin. The small injuries then signal to the body to begin its healing process, and this promotes the creation of healthy tissues in order to repair that damage.

This process can reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and even help with side effects of aging like sagging skin and poor skin texture. Along with this, it can help treat acne pitting as well as stretch marks. Recently it has been shown that microneedling can also help with things like evening out of your skin tone and making it brighter. This is because it has been shown that the microneedling process does affect melatonin production.

Before Your Microneedling Appointment

The great thing about microneedling is that there is minimal prep before your appointment. If you can follow 3 simple rules, this will help you get the most out of this treatment. 

Rule 1: Avoid sun exposure at least the day before treatment. Sunburnt skin is irritated skin, which is not ideal for microblading.

Rule 2: Avoid harsh and abrasive skincare products that contain active ingredients. Less is more here, so just avoid doing anything that will affect the skin up to a week before your appointment. This can include shaving and waxing.

Rule 3: Avoid taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Advil, and Tylenol. These interfere with the natural processes that happen once the treatment is completed.

Ways Microneedling Helps

Microneedling has become very popular because of its actual results in working with skin blemishes and rejuvenation. It is minimally invasive and has very little recovery time which makes it perfect for many people.

Whether you struggle with acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines, or stretch marks that affect your confidence, there’s something in microneedling for everyone. If you need a boost in confidence or just want to prioritize the health of your skin, you can find a host of benefits to getting microneedling treatment.

Collagen plays one of the most vital roles in not only the appearance, but also the health of your skin. It is the most abundant protein in the body, and supports the look of youthful, glowing skin. With the help of multiple sessions and proper post-procedure skin care, you can reap the benefits of microneedling for years. 

Microneedling is a procedure that does just about everything for your skin, and the recovery time is minimal. Unlike laser treatments, microneedling is more affordable and poses less risk to the skin. Aside from temporary redness and swelling after treatment, microneedling is not an invasive procedure with a grueling healing process. Take a look at just a few microneedling before and after benefits you can expect:

• Minimize Enlarged Pores

Large pores increase bacteria buildup and is often the source of problems with acne. Collagen works to tighten the surface of the skin. Despite poking holes in it with needles, microneedling can help reduce the size of pores.

• Improve Texture and Minimize Lines and Wrinkles

If you’re opposed to injecting yourself with Botox, microneedling can save the day as a natural alternative to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that come with aging. The tightening and elastic effects of increased collagen production will promote smoother and more youthful looking skin.

• Reduce Acne and Scarring

Treating acne and acne scarring is one of the most popular reasons that people choose microneedling. You can find countless microneedling before and after photos that show just how effective it is at treating acne prone skin. There are studies that show it has been proven to improve scarring from acne and even nonacne scars like burns and post-surgical scars.

• Reduce Sun Damage and Aging Spots

If you struggle with blotchy complexion or spend a lot of time in the sun, microneedling can help reverse these effects. Combined with vitamin C, the stimulation of collagen can help even the texture and of your skin and reverse hyperpigmentation.

• Restored Elasticity and Hydration

Microneedling rejuvenates your skin by increasing collagen and elastin production, leaving the skin with a healthy glow. Collagen is essential for restoring hydration and elasticity back into the skin. Depending on the type of microneedling treatment you get and the number of sessions, there are ways to maximize your results. 

• Improved Mental Health and Confidence

Let’s not forget that skin issues like acne can play a contributing role in your mental health, especially for those with chronic conditions. Aggressive acne and scarring can be stressful and even cause depression. This can be a vicious cycle and feels defeating. The results you get from microneedling can help increase your confidence and help you feel better and happier in your skin.

In regards to treatments for these situations, many people look at laser therapy but microneedling is a less invasive and less expensive option and one that our doctors are very well versed in.

Microneedling: Potential After Effects and Treatment Post Care

Post microneedling procedure is where the magic happens. The healing process that happens after microneedling is minimal and will last from 1 to 3 days at most. 

Just like with any treatment though there are potential after-effects that one needs to be aware of especially when utilizing these treatments around your eyes or neck. Many experience a tight, swollen, dry, and sensitive sensation around the area treated. Oftentimes this area does become red and could be easily irritated for up to 24 hours after the treatment.

Up to seven days after the treatment the skin may still feel a little rough and this is due to the fact that the old skin is beginning to flake off so that the new skin can replace it. In order to decrease the unwanted aftereffects though there are some post-treatment care suggestions that could help.

Here are some of the post-treatment care tips that our doctors at Shakthi Health and Wellness Center suggest:

• The area that has been treated needs to be consistently cleaned for at least the first three days after the treatment. This is to be done using mild soap and skin care products.
• The patient needs to stay away from alcohol-based toners as they might react with the treatment area.
• For the best results after the treatment you want to avoid any type of makeup. This is because the ingredients in these products could potentially cause skin irritation and reduce your skin's ability to breathe. Your skin needs to breathe to have a full recovery.
• Making sure that you stay hydrated during this time is vital. Hydration is important at all times but after this treatment, because of the potential dry skin, and in order to help with this you make sure you drink enough water is key.
• Most likely we will prescribe you some collagen-stimulating peptides. This is to help increase the healing capability through the production of collagen in your body. Making sure you take these as directed is vital to ensuring you get the best results from your treatment.

• Avoid wearing makeup or activity that causes sweating at least 24 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen
• Avoid skin care products with active ingredients

Microneedling results will vary from person to person, but it’s common to see results almost immediately. To get the best microneedling experience, you can expect maximum results after multiple sessions.

Types of Microneedling

Believe it or not, microneedling comes in a few different sizes. Traditional microneedling is the most common, but there are treatments with added factors that increase the benefits of the treatment. Depending on what your goals are, you can choose from the different types of microneedling to get the most out of your treatment experience.

Traditional Microneedling

Traditional microneedling is the most common type of microneedling treatment. Also called Collagen Induction Therapy, traditional microneedling effectively tones, tightens, lifts, and reduces blemishes on the skin. 

Microneedling and PRP

Microneedling with PRP is a process that involves traditional microneedling and applying platelets into the skin simultaneously. The platelets that are injected into the skin help to clot the blood. This process helps to speed up the healing process and stimulate skin rejuvenation. PRP Microneedling is a great option for acne scarring, uneven texture, and those who want a speedier healing process.

Microneedling with RF (Radiofrequency)

RF Microneedling is traditional microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy. As the needles are pressed into the skin, radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin, which helps to stimulate more collagen and increases the tightness of the skin. If your main goal is to reverse signs of aging and reduce fine lines, RF Microneedling might be a possible option for you. 

Who Is Microneedling For

The most ideal candidate for microneedling is someone who wants to treat blemishes and breathe new life into their skin. Microneedling is good for all skin types, and the low risk of the procedure makes it a great option for many people.

While microneedling is safe for most generally healthy people, there are some factors that should be considered before treatment. Certain conditions that might disqualify you, like blood disorders, medications, and skin conditions. Always talk with your doctor before a medical procedure. 

Interested in Microneedling?

At Shakthi Health and Wellness Center, we are dedicated to helping you find the best rejuvenating therapies for your individual wellness needs. If you want to know more about Microneedling and if it’s right for you, reach out to our excellent staff to schedule an appointment. You can call (301)703-5067 for a consultation so we can start your path to optimal wellness.