The body has an incredible ability to heal the skin, which is its largest organ. One advanced treatment that triggers a healing response to controlled micro-wounds to improve the condition of the skin is microneedling.
Microneedling is a very popular treatment at Dr. Nasra’s practice because it is advanced, yet minimally invasive. We have seen dramatic improvements in the appearance of the skin in terms of tone, texture, discoloration, scars, pore size, acne, and stretch marks.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a method of creating a series of microchannels into the surface of the skin in order to turn on the natural body response of producing collagen and healing itself. Another benefit is using these microchannels to allow specific skincare solutions to penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver nutrients directly to as many skin cells as possible.
Our device is a wireless, pen-like unit that holds a sterile, 12-pin tip that can be set at different depths to allow for effective penetration in different areas. Microneedling can be performed on the face as well as the body. As the device is used in very specific patterns and depths, making small channels that could reach the dermis. The body immediately begins to produce collagen and elastin which are the crucial building blocks for firm, pliable, skin. Collagen is a protein that provides the skin its structural support while elastin keeps it pliable. This process is not only beneficial in terms of anti-aging, but also for the specific repair of compromised skin such as acne, scarring, and pitted skin. We find PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma, to be an amazing way to amplify the healing response of any microneedling treatment.
What Are The Benefits Of Microneedling?
Microneedling can improve tone, texture, firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections such as scarring and stretch marks. Microneedling offers a number of benefits, including:
- Ongoing improvement stemming from collagen remodeling
- Convenient, comfortable treatment
- No downtime
- No significant side effects or risks
- Softer, smoother skin results from collagen proliferation
- Results continue to improve for several months
Why Do I Need More Collagen?
Collagen is the key to younger-looking skin. As we age, our collagen and elastin deplete significantly. Women experience a steady, gradual drop beginning in their 20s, while men tend to experience a more sudden drop in their 40s and 50s. That is why older skin sags and allows the formation of various fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is an optimal treatment option for any person interested in managing their aging process because it stimulates a healing response that can improve the skin in a number of ways. Some of the conditions for which microneedling is commonly used include:
- Scars
- Acne
- Stretch marks
- Lines and wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity
- Rough skin texture
- Dull complexion
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
Who Is A Good Candidate For Microneedling?
Anyone looking for improvement in their skin. Usually, it is a great choice for anyone over the age of 25. It’s simply a matter of declining collagen production, as described above. If you have large amounts of sagging skin, a surgical facelift could be necessary to remove this excess skin. But many people don’t want to have surgery or don’t have that much loose skin. Microneedling is a great, effective way to tighten things up, and pairing with radio-frequency is even better!
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling works by provoking collagen and elastin production in the tissue beneath the skin. Collagen is the protein that firms the skin. Elastin is a chemical that keeps the skin supple and flexible. When collagen and elastin decline, the skin loosens and sags. Microneedling brings more collagen and elastin to the skin by creating tiny injuries in the epidermis. These injuries begin to heal immediately but the body’s immune system remains in action for weeks to regenerate healthy new tissue.
What To Expect During Microneedling Procedure
Before your microneedling session begins, we may apply a topical numbing cream to your treatment area depending on the depth of treatment. We then attach a new, sterile 12-pin cartridge to the top of the microneedling pen. We set the depth of the needle penetration depending on the areas being treated (for instance, the forehead skin is thinner, so it needs a more shallow setting). Next, in a single motion, the pen gently glides across the skin. This is repeated until the entire treatment area has been covered. Depending on your needs, a second or third pass may be made. After we finish the microneedling, we apply healing serums to the skin to further enhance the treatment.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
Anytime a procedure works in concert with the body’s natural processes, results are amplified by repeat treatments. Every time microneedling takes place, the body is instructed to produce more collagen and elastin in the treatment area. Therefore, skin smoothing and brightening effects increase with subsequent treatments.
It is possible to undergo microneedling treatment two or more times a year to keep up with the body’s natural aging process. Depending on your desired results, we may suggest a typical series of three to six treatment spaced several weeks apart to stimulate the most dramatic improvements. Treatments are even more effective when combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma).
What Is The Recovery Process From Microneedling?
There is minimal recovery time needed after microneedling. Many patients go right back to their normal activities after leaving our office but maybe advised to apply sunscreen or wear a hat to avoid UV exposure on sensitive skin. Strenuous exercise may also need to be postponed for a day or two to prevent excessive redness as circulation is naturally increased in the face after microneedling.
When Will I See Results?
Microneedling provides both quick and progressive improvement. As soon as redness fades, patients can notice that their skin is more radiant and firm. This is because circulation has increased and the skin is receiving more oxygen and nutrients. Over time, the appearance of scars, lines, stretch marks, and other concerns improves as tissue regenerates with healthy new collagen and elastin.
Microneedling Side Effect
Microneedling produces significant change with minimal side effects. Some patients encounter such minimal redness that they can go back to work or other social obligations immediately after treatment. It is possible that redness may linger for 24 to 48 hours and that swelling may also occur. If you’ve never had microneedling before, we suggest scheduling your treatment at a time when you can go home following your procedure to ride out mild side effects.
Is Microneedling Painful?
The idea of having needles, small as they are, passed over the skin can sound more than a little uncomfortable. Rest assured, your comfort is important to us. Before we begin microneedling, we apply a topical anesthetic that makes the nerves in the skin much less sensitive. After 30 to 40 minutes, the anesthetic reaches full effectiveness and very little sensation should be felt. This results in a much more pleasant experience than most patients expect.
On certain areas of the face where there is less fatty tissue, the “poking” sensation of needles may be more obvious. However, patients describe their treatment as very tolerable.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about Microneedling treatment please contact us for a consultation with Dr. Nasra at 732-888-8255 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.