As we age, our faces develop lines and wrinkles, which is why some people consider a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift. Those procedures are effective but involve surgery.
If you want a non-surgical procedure to fight skin aging, you might consider microneedling.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that punctures the skin with tiny needles. Because of the small punctures, your skin boosts collagen production. As a result, the skin heals over a few days, and younger, fresher-looking skin appears.
Your healthcare provider will make tiny pricks on the skin with a small roller or pen-like device. The pinpricks are so tiny that you probably won’t even see them. Then, the doctor moves the device smoothly across the skin, so the skin grows as even as possible.
Before starting the treatment, your healthcare provider will place a topical anesthetic on the skin to reduce discomfort.
Some of the issues that microneedling can address include:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Sunspots
- Loose skin
- Uneven texture
- Uneven skin tone
- Stretch marks
The procedure takes between 10 and 20 minutes, and you usually need several treatments for the best results.
If you’re thinking about microneedling, below is essential information to consider.
Microneedling Benefits
The most significant benefit of microneedling is boosting collagen production, which declines with age. As the skin produces more collagen, your skin will look fresher and tighter.
Clinical studies show that people who have one microneedling session per month for four months substantially improve wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and skin texture.
Also, microneedling can treat acne scarring because the tiny needles puncture scar tissue and help it rebuild. Another study looked at the effects of microneedling on 50 people with significant acne scarring.
After 60 days, all study subjects saw skin improvements, even the most severe cases.
Microneedling Results
Most patients see benefits from this procedure almost right away. As soon as the tiny wounds are created on your skin, your body’s healing processes take over.
Your facial skin may look radiant and plump for about two weeks after the microneedling treatment. However, it can take six to eight weeks for the final results to appear; that’s when the effects of higher collagen levels become apparent.
Most patients need at least two or three sessions, but you should talk to your healthcare provider to decide what’s required in your situation.
Ideal Microneedling Candidate
Microneedling is a good choice for people who want to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without surgery. It also can help with minor acne scars, skin laxity, and uneven skin texture.
If you want more significant improvements to your face, you may need a facelift or other surgical procedure.
Microneedling Risks And Side Effects
You can expect some skin redness and irritation in the first two or three days after microneedling. But these are merely signs that your skin is recovering. Most redness should fade after three days.
Some patients also comment that their face feels tight and swollen after the first 24 hours. Others say it’s sensitive to the touch, and the top skin layer may flake away.
Some other potential risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Peeling
- Bruising
This procedure is safe for most patients, but you shouldn’t have it if you have had radiation treatments in the last 12 months. Also, people who have a skin disease or are pregnant shouldn’t have microneedling.
If you have problems with wound healing or facial scarring, you should talk to your doctor about whether this treatment will work for you.
Microneedling Preparation
Before this procedure, talk to your physician about preparing so you enjoy the best results.
You might need to stop taking ibuprofen or other medications that thin the blood. And you also may need to pause acne treatment, such as Accutane, and may need to stop taking it for at least six months before the procedure.
You also shouldn’t have laser procedures for hair removal from your face, and you also shouldn’t shave the treatment area for about a week before treatment.
Doctors also note you shouldn’t have cold sores in the microneedling treatment area. So, you may need to reschedule your appointment until after your sore heals.
If you have sunburn or dermatitis, you should wait to have microneedling until you recover.
Other Cosmetic Procedures
Microneedling is a good choice for a non-surgical way to make the skin look younger, and you may consider microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is sometimes called a ‘vampire facial’ or collagen induction therapy.
Your physician will perform the microneedling procedure and then spread the PRP on the face, accelerating the skin healing process.
You also may consider a chemical peel to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and address sun damage.
Laser treatments also offer similar benefits as microneedling, but the results are faster. In addition, a laser procedure may involve more skin swelling and redness, but you won’t need as many treatments.
Request A Microneedling Consultation
Considering microneedling in New Jersey? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want. Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, and more to determine if you’re a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure.
References
Microneedling Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling#microneedling-vs.-home-rollers
What Is Microneedling? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what_is_microneedling#1
About Microneedling. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324138
