Microneedling: What Is It, The Benefits, Aftercare & More.
Microneedling has become a popular cosmetic procedure that’s not only affordable but works as an effective treatment for many who choose to try it for the first time.
If you’re new to microneedling, then the mention of a needle might seem a little daunting. However, in reality, it’s a minimally invasive procedure that’s worth sitting through. Let’s explore the benefits of microneedling and what you can expect when sitting in a dermatologist’s chair for this treatment.
1. What is microneedling?
Microneedling also known as collagen induction therapy, involves pricking the skin with tiny needles that are sterile. This results in small wounds to the skin which encourages your body to make more collagen and elastin. This is important because as we get older, our bodies' natural production of collagen and elastin slows. Our skin becomes thinner, less firm, and signs of ageing start to show, however microneedling can help to maintain those production levels.
Many people benefit from this cosmetic treatment in order to heal their skin and to help create a more youthful appearance.
There are a few options to choose from when it comes to your microneedling treatment, all of which offer something different. These include:
Traditional microneedling - A handheld microneedling device that triggers the skin to increase blood flow and stimulate new collagen and elastin.
Microneedling & PRP - Known as the ‘vampire facial’, it helps lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin with platelet-rich plasma.
RF Microneedling - Microneedling combined with radiofrequency to further stimulate collagen and elastin
2. Benefits of microneedling
There are many great benefits of microneedling which make it a popular treatment option for a wide range of skin concerns. The benefits include:
Improving skin texture and tone
Stimulating collagen and elastin production
Treating scars and hyperpigmentation
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Improving hair loss
Fairly low cost
Suitable for most skin types
Good alternative to laser treatments for darker skin tones
What areas can be treated with microneedling?
An advantage of microneedling is that it can be done on multiple areas of the body, rather than just the most common place which is the face. Some other areas to consider include the thighs, arms, stomach, and even the back of your hands.
3. What happens during a microneedling treatment?
Any new cosmetic treatment can be a little daunting, especially when it’s considered invasive. Despite the apprehension though, there’s nothing to be worried about, especially when you understand how simple the treatment can be.
Before microneedling, you’ll have a consultation with your practitioner. They’ll take a look at your skin, review your health history, and discuss the goals you have for the treatment.
Once this has been done, it’s then time for the procedure itself. The area will be numbed with numbing cream to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
The type of microneedling device used will vary depending on what your practitioner favours, but the process is the same. The microneedling device will move over the skin gently, causing controlled punctures to the skin's surface. Longer needles might be used depending on how deep certain scars are or the severity of the acne. The needle lengths can range from 0.5 millimetres to 2 millimetres.
Microneedling can occasionally be combined with other facial treatments to maximise your results - our recommended treatment would be dermaplaning. Dermaplaning treats the surface of the skin and gives a really deep exfoliation, combining the two treatments delivers optimal results.
Professional vs at-home microneedling
There are devices that you can use yourself for at-home microneedling. Microneedling at-home devices are low-cost; however, if you’re looking for actual results, then professional microneedling is the best approach for this treatment.
At-home devices don’t penetrate the skin enough in order to provide the results that you might be after in comparison to a professional dermatologist and their tools. There is also the risk of skin damage from poor technique, or infection from unsanitary practice.
4. Am I a suitable candidate for microneedling?
So are you a suitable candidate for microneedling? Whilst the treatment is safe for a wide range of people, there are some who would be better suited to an alternative treatment, including those who are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Taking blood thinning medication
Have active acne, rosacea, eczema or other similar disorders at the treatment site
Under the care of a doctor for certain medical conditions
If you are wanting to treat skin concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines, scaring, texture and laxity then it is likely microneedling would be a great treatment option for you.
You should have realistic expectations about what results can be achieved. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner as they will be able to advise the best treatment to help you achieve your goal.
Is microneedling while pregnant or breastfeeding safe?
While microneedling is not a treatment that uses lasers, chemicals, or electricity, it is one that causes micro-injuries to the face. As such there is a risk of infection or other complications and therefore, it’s best to postpone the use of microneedling until after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
5. Microneedling aftercare
Due to its invasiveness, aftercare is something to be mindful of in order to get the best results. Your skin will look and feel similar to sunburn for up to 72 hours after the treatment. After a few days the skin will feel dry and you may experience some peeling/flaking.
You should avoid wearing makeup for 24/48 hours, and avoid the use of any active ingredients (such as retinol/AHA’s/BHA’s) or exfoliants for 1 week. Other cosmetic treatments such as dermal filler and anti-wrinkle should be avoided for 2 weeks.
It is recommended to use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF only for 1 week following your treatment while the skin heals. We love CLINICCARE Sun Shield SPF30+ to protect against sun damage. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as your skin recovers and it’s worth checking in with your practitioner for any personalised skincare routine recommendations to target your skin concerns.
CLINICCARE Sun Shield Cream SPF30+
6. How long does it take to see results from microneedling?
When it comes to cosmetic procedures in general, every treatment varies in its results. Typically, results will show around the four-week mark, however, this varies depending on your individual response to the treatment, how many sessions you have, and the severity of the skin concern you want to treat.
The number of sessions required will vary from person to person. Typically 3-6 sessions would be recommended at 4 to 6 week intervals. And when combined with other facial treatments and a good at-home skin routine, you can expect even better results! Following on from that you can maintain your results with a session once or twice a year.
Is microneedling a permanent fix?
With microneedling, it’s not always a permanent fix and it’s likely something you need to have regularly in order to see long-term results. Our skin can be affected by hormonal changes, the environment, and more, so regular microneedling treatments are recommended.
7. Is microneedling painful?
Everyone’s experience of pain is different from the next, which is important to consider when it comes to getting any cosmetic procedure. Numbing cream is used on the area before the treatment begins to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout.
The small pricks in the skin cause bleeding and many of those who get the treatment describe it as a scratching sensation. Some may feel minor discomfort when the needle hits bony areas such as the forehead, but any discomfort is short lived as the treatment is over relatively quickly!
8. Conclusion
Microneedling is an effective treatment that helps firm up and tighten the skin, and improve a wide range of concerns such as ageing, pigmentation and texture. For those who need to improve collagen production, it’s a worthwhile procedure to have, even if it comes with a little discomfort.
However, with any cosmetic procedure, invasive or non-invasive, it’s worth doing your own research. Weigh up the pros and cons and ensure you’ve found a qualified and experienced practitioner to administer the treatment.
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