It may be that you notice changes to your complexion over time as subtle lines and enlarged pores start to form. Or it’s possible that you looked in the mirror one morning and realized it’s an older face staring back at you. When you are ready to refresh a tired appearance, but aren’t yet prepared to commit to a surgical procedure, treatments like microneedling can bridge the gap for a more gradual aging process. This procedure, which is also referred to as collagen induction therapy, rejuvenates the dermis to produce a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Microneedling harnesses the natural healing processes of the skin to reverse aging symptoms and restore evenness and a smoother texture to complexions that have been affected by issues like acne scarring and sun damage. The procedure stimulates the body to produce more collagen, an essential protein that is plentiful in the dermal structure in our youth and gives skin its soft, supple appearance. Collagen levels decline over time, leading to skin laxity and the development of wrinkles. By restoring collagen, we can also turn back the clock on your skin’s health, helping you maintain your fresh appearance much longer.
While microneedling is considered a safe, minimally-invasive procedure, it is critical to choose an experienced and licensed expert, who understands and is committed to the highest standards, to ensure an optimal outcome. The members of the California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery (CSFPS) have all demonstrated a commitment to their practice and their patients, backing up their promises with the qualifications necessary to deliver a safe, positive patient experience and the best possible results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is considered safe for all skin tones and can be used on multiple areas of the body including the face, arms, chest and back. You might be a good candidate for this treatment if you have any of the following concerns:
- Fine lines and facial creases
- Shallow scarring
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Irregular skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
If you have more severe damage, you may require more than one microneedling treatment to get the full correction you want. If these symptoms are accompanied by significant skin laxity or other advanced skin issues, you may need to opt for a surgical procedure to see your desired outcome. An experienced surgeon will be able to advise you appropriately after assessing your concerns and aesthetic goals.
Preparing for Your Microneedling Treatment
Although microneedling is less invasive than surgery, there are some steps you can take before your treatment to ensure your safety during and after the procedure, as well as enhance your results. First, it is critical to stop using topical formulations on your skin that contain retinol, since these can make your skin more sensitive. Avoid sun exposure, tanning booths and self-tanning sprays for the same reason. If you have an active breakout or infection, you may be advised to hold off on your treatment until that is resolved. Your surgeon may also recommend a skin care regimen for the week leading up to your session that will get your skin in top condition for the procedure.
What to Expect from Your Treatment
Microneedling is usually performed using a topical numbing agent, so you are comfortable throughout your session. The ultra-fine needles used are thinner than even acupuncture needles, and all CSFPF members are committed to using a fresh set needles for each patient to ensure patient safety. A device will be used to administer the needles into the skin. These devices typically resemble pens that are smoothly run across the skin’s surface. The depth of the needles is adjusted based on your precise concerns and the amount of correction you need.
Microneedling may be performed alone or in conjunction with other treatments to enhance your results further. Additions might include:
Topical Serums
Your surgeon may apply a topical serum at the same time since the needles will deliver the nutrients and other beneficial substances deeper into the dermal structure where they can have the most significant effect. Hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamins are common ingredients in these topical agents.
Radiofrequency Energy
Some devices administer radiofrequency energy with the microneedling, which provides gentle heating to the inner dermal layer for more effective collagen production. The RF energy offers constriction of tissue for a firming effect you can see immediately following your procedure. Results will also improve over time as collagen levels increase.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP is a portion of your blood that is rich in growth factors that stimulate cell renewal and skin regeneration. The plasma is obtained from a simple blood draw before your procedure and then applied to your skin so that the needles can deliver the growth factors into the deeper dermal structure.
After Your Microneedling Procedure
There is not much downtime associated with the microneedling process. You may have some redness and tenderness to the skin for a few hours, but these side effects typically subside within a day. Your surgeon may recommend products to speed the healing process and improve your results. Most patients begin to see optimal results within three to four weeks after the procedure.
If you would like to achieve significant skin rejuvenation but do not want to resort to surgery or invasive laser procedures to get the results you desire, microneedling may be a good option for you. Contact a California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery member today and schedule your consultation to find out if microneedling is right for you.