Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that stimulates the body’s natural processes to rejuvenate the skin. It can be effective at combating a wide range of cosmetic issues.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Ultra-fine, very short sterilized needles are used to create large numbers of microscopic channels into the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing processes and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The microneedles essentially injure the skin cells being treated in a microscopic and controlled fashion, in such a way that the skin structure is strengthened as the skin cells heal naturally in the days following the procedure.
Depending on your skin type and complexion, the procedure may be performed over a number of sessions. This is often recommended for those with darker skin color as a way of minimizing unwanted side effects.
Collagen is the key component of the skin’s connective tissue – triggering collagen production strengthens the connective tissue within the skin, leading to improved elasticity and resilience, as well as enhancing overall skin tone and texture. By using an array of microscopic needles, collagen production is boosted evenly across the entire area being treated, leading to benefits distributed across a wide area.
Micro-needling can be used on any part of the body but is most effective on the face, neck, and chest areas.
Microneedling Benefits
The procedure will improve general skin tone and resiliency; it can also help reduce acne, scars, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, and some kinds of sun damage. It can also combat uneven skin pigmentation.
Microneedling is especially useful for those with darker complexions, as these patients can be more sensitive to cosmetic procedures that can heat the skin, such as laser or IPL based treatments. Microneedling does not raise the skin temperature during treatment and is therefore often a safer choice in these cases.
Post-Treatment Recovery
The procedure can result in temporary redness, light bruising, and occasional itching or peeling. These are the normal consequences of triggering the skin’s healing mechanisms and typically only last a day or two after treatment. Full healing from the procedure (and developing all benefits) can take several days or longer. It’s best to minimize your chance of infecting the skin as it heals by avoiding swimming and the use of any unnecessary lotions or skincare products.
Special Precautions
Microneedling can be a powerful tool and an extremely effective way to revitalize and improve skin tone. However, there are several ways in which the procedure can be misused, leading to negative results.
The main way that the procedure is misused is by over-use. There are a number of negative side-effects that can be caused by using the procedure too frequently or by using needles that are not properly sterilized. Professional practitioners will be well aware of these side effects and will avoid triggering them. However, we come across patients who have tried to perform the procedure themselves at home and who do so far too often for their own good. A range of negative results can be caused by too-frequent or too-aggressive use of the technique, including hyperpigmentation, scarring, blemishes, and even nerve damage in extreme cases.
Choosing a medically qualified and experienced practitioner is the best way to avoid any chance of developing these side effects and will allow you to safely benefit from the procedure. An experienced practitioner will be able to adjust the degree and frequency of treatment to correspond with your complexion and skin type, avoiding any chance of causing unnecessary skin irritation.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing cosmetic procedures, including microneedling. We can provide expert advice on the best techniques to address your particular concerns and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about our procedures. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.
