Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves creating controlled skin micro-injuries using a device containing multiple tiny needles. The needles penetrate the skin’s surface to a specific depth, usually between 0.5mm and 2.5mm, depending on the device used and the area of the body being treated.
Microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing process by triggering the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that give skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen and elastin production decrease as we age, resulting in several skin concerns. Microneedling effectively stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin, improving its texture, tone, and overall appearance.
It is excellent when treating a wide range of skin concerns, such as uneven skin texture and tone, wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a cosmetic procedure that combines microneedling with the patient’s blood plasma to enhance the skin’s rejuvenation process. PRP is a concentration of growth factors and platelets naturally found in the blood and essential for healing and repairing damaged tissue.
The microneedling procedure creates micro-injuries to the skin’s surface, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. When combined with PRP, the growth factors and platelets in the plasma accelerate the healing process, increase collagen production, and improve the skin’s overall appearance and health.
During the microneedling with PRP procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the other components of the blood. The plasma is then applied to the skin during the microneedling process, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin fibers.
Process
The process for microneedling typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with a qualified practitioner who will assess your skin type, discuss your skincare concerns and goals, and determine if microneedling suits you.
- Preparation: On the day of the treatment, the practitioner will do skin cleansing and apply a topical numbing cream to decrease pain during the procedure. Some practitioners may also use a topical serum or a PRP solution to enhance the treatment results.
- Microneedling: Once the numbing cream has taken effect, the practitioner will use a microneedling device that contains tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. The device is moved over the skin in a controlled manner, ensuring that the needles penetrate to the desired depth.
- Post-treatment care: After the procedure, the practitioner will apply a calming serum or moisturizer to the treated area. Depending on the needles used, you may experience some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort, which should be okay within a few hours to a few days.
- Follow-up treatments: The benefits of microneedling are typically seen after several treatments, spaced several weeks apart, to allow the skin to recover fully. The required treatments will depend on the patient’s skin concerns and the desired results.
Remember that the process of a particular medical spa may differ from the other. The procedure written above is only from the general viewpoint.
Benefits
Microneedling is known for the benefits it can give. Here are some you must know:
- Improved skin texture: Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps to improve the skin’s surface, tone, and elasticity, which results in a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.
- Diminished acne scars: Microneedling can effectively treat acne scars by collagen production stimulation. It can also help to eliminate the hyperpigmentation appearance associated with acne scars.
- Minimized pores: Microneedling can help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin health.
- Evened skin tone: Microneedling can help to improve uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or age spots. Promoting new cell growth can also improve overall skin brightness.
- Reduced stretch marks: Microneedling can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks through collagen stimulation.
- Safe for all skin types: One of the most loved benefits of microneedling is that it is safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and does not cause significant damage to the skin.
Suitable candidates
Although microneedling is generally safe for many people, it’s vital to consult with a qualified practitioner first to determine if it’s suitable for your skin type and condition. Typically, appropriate candidates for microneedling include those who:
- Have good overall health.
- Have specific skin concerns.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Are not taking certain medications.
- Are not breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Have a suitable skin type.
- Do not have active skin conditions and infections.
Results
The results for microneedling are visible four to six weeks after the process. By this time, your body is already producing elastin and collagen to be sent to your micro-wounds, resulting in younger and healthier skin. These results also commonly last from three to five months.
Downtime
Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling has some potential side effects and downtime. However, these are generally mild and temporary. Some of the most common side effects and downtime associated with microneedling include:
- Redness and swelling: You may experience these reactions immediately after the procedure. Redness and swelling are normal reactions and should vanish within a few hours to a few days.
- Sensitivity: Your skin may feel more sensitive after microneedling, and you may experience mild discomfort or itching, which will subside within a few days.
- Dryness and flakiness: As your skin heals after the procedure, you may notice some dryness and flakiness. Both of these should improve within a few days to a week.
- Bruising: In some cases, microneedling can cause bruising in the treated area; this is more likely if you take blood-thinning medications or have a history of easy bruising.
- Infection: There is a minor disease risk with any skin-penetrating procedure, but this risk can be minimized by carefully choosing a qualified practitioner and following post-treatment care instructions.
The downtime associated with microneedling is generally minimal, with most people able to return to normal activities within a day or two. However, you may need to avoid certain skincare products or activities, such as sun exposure or intense exercise, for a few days after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
If microneedling entices you, Destiny Med Spa is here to help! Contact them today and know more about the beneficial procedure.