Microneedling Benefits
Our dermatologists provide professional microneedling treatment at our dermatology and skin care center in Boardman and Warren, OH. While the use of microneedling for skin rejuvenation is relatively low-risk, this treatment should be performed only by an experienced clinician with a trusted dermatology clinic. The following includes a number of the most prevalent microneedling benefits available to patients following treatment.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Repairs visible scars and stretch marks
- Reverses sun damage and pigmentation
- Suitable for all skin types, including thin and sensitive skin
- Reduces fine and deep wrinkles
- Smoothes uneven skin textures
- Diminishes the size of pores
- Maximizes absorption of skin care products
- Cost-effective cosmetic skin rejuvenation
- A completely natural form of skin therapy
- Remediates visible signs of aging
- Greater number of options for treatment areas than with lasers
What Is Microneedling?
Collagen is among the most abundant types of naturally occurring proteins in the human body, and it is responsible for the skin’s strength and elasticity. Over time and with age, the production of collagen and the rate of cell turnover diminish, resulting in visible signs of aging. Microneedling is an innovative, non-surgical cosmetic dermatology treatment that improves the overall appearance and health of the skin with minimal downtime and few side effects.
The microneedling process involves the creation of microscopic channels through the surface of the skin. The resulting micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing processes, resulting in cell turnover, and increase the production of collagen and elastin, which thicken the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and stretch marks.
Similar to laser resurfacing, CIT utilizes mechanical techniques rather than heat or light.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is an effective form of cosmetic rejuvenation designed to improve the look, feel, and function of skin. For more information about available treatments for whole-body skin rejuvenation, contact our office to speak with a skin specialist.
Microneedling Treatment
Collagen induction therapy is performed using a studded microneedling pen — the handheld device features up to 10 microneedles, which range in size from 0.5mm to 2.5mm in length. Shorter-length needles are typically used on the face, while longer-length needles are used in different areas of the body. Prior to the procedure, our skin specialist applies a microneedling serum topical gel to the treatment area. The pen is then pressed against the skin in a single motion, creating tiny punctures on the top layers of skin. The process is repeated until the entirety of the area is treated. Depending on the patient’s desired results for treatment, various topical-application based skincare products may thereafter be applied to the area. The resulting micro-channels from treatment better allow absorption of the product into the deeper layers of the skin, which increases the product’s efficacy for maximum results.
Microneedling Aftercare
The amount of healing time required depends on the intensiveness of the performed treatment, including the selected setting of the pen, the size of the needles, and the number of overlapping passes on the treatment area. On average, patients experience minor facial redness for two to four days following treatment. However, a number of patients experience complete skin healing in as little as 24 hours following their microneedling skin rejuvenation procedure. Our Boardman dermatologists recommend that patients avoid sun exposure for several weeks after treatment.
Who Should Consider Microneedling?
Due to the minimally invasive nature and the lack of light and heat-based techniques, microneedling treatment is considered safe for virtually all patients with ranging ages and skin types. Patients with active infections and those with scleroderma; collagen vascular diseases; cardiac abnormalities; rosacea; blood clotting problems; active bacterial or fungal infections; immuno-suppression; raised moles, warts, or lesions; active acne breakouts; scars fewer than six months old; and dermal injections in the past six months may not be candidates for CIT. Contact our office to determine your candidacy.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
The microneedling treatment is designed to minimize pain or discomfort to the patient. The feeling of applied treatment is similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas of the skin are more sensitive than others, the speed of the microneedling pen and the applied topical hydrating gel help minimize discomfort. Prior to starting the treatment, our clinicians may likewise apply an anesthetic cream to the treatment area to minimize pain or discomfort to the patient. Following treatment, the patient may experience minor redness and irritation to the treatment area, however, this should dissipate soon after.
Possible Risks Of Microneedling
Microneedling is widely regarded by dermatologists to be a safe and effective treatment. While the procedure is low-risk in nature, there are a number of possible risks. The primary risk is skin irritation after the procedure, which typically dissipates in 24 hours. Additional side effects may include swelling; discomfort at the treatment area; redness; bruising; dryness; flaking of the skin; bleeding; infection; changes in skin pigmentation; and negative reactions to topical medications used during treatment. Contact us to discuss possible treatment risks with skin care specialists.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
The number of microneedling treatments required depends on each patient’s unique goals for cosmetic dermatology as well as each patient’s skin condition. In most cases, four to six treatments are performed to achieve desired results. However, patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, or severe scars and stretch marks may require six to eight treatment intervals. Each session is performed six to eight weeks apart with possible additional treatments scheduled in between microneedling in order to maximize the overall results of treatment. Schedule an appointment to determine your ideal treatment plan for skin rejuvenation.