Microneedling Is An Invasive Medical Procedure Approved By The FDA
If you’re tired of trying out countless serums and creams without any noticeable results, you should start thinking of undergoing a microneedling procedure.
Microneedling is an invasive medical procedure approved by the FDA for the stimulation of rapid collagen production and elastin, for treatment of skin conditions such as acne scars, fine lines, pigmentation, brown spots, and wrinkles. In comparison to fractional laser treatments and chemical peels, microneedling gives you younger, smoother and firmer looking skin; quickly and safely.
The procedure can be performed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or an aesthetician using microneedles to create tiny punctures on the topmost layer of your skin. These punctures will trigger your skin’s healing process to what it assumes to be wounds; thus, creating skin with a smoother surface.
Allowing your skin to get pricked by 0.2mm to 1mm needles requires a lot of courage. Fortunately, the pain is insignificant, and the results of smooth and glowing skin is long-lasting.
So, if you’ve made up your mind to undergo a microneedling procedure, there are a few things you should know, so you won’t be caught off guard.
Preparation: Go For The Best
Microneedling, though quite easy and straightforward, is a delicate process. And you need to ensure that your dermatologist, plastic surgeon or aesthetician is licensed. Take your time to look for a practitioner with an excellent reputation, so you’re confident about the procedure. This will help you feel mentally relaxed and ready during the process.
Discuss At Length
It’s crucial that you discuss past treatments and recurring skin conditions with your dermatologist. This enables them to quickly pinpoint any condition or previous treatment that might contradict the effectiveness of a microneedling procedure. An experienced dermatologist will evaluate your skin type and check that the area to be treated is free of any:
- Open lesions
- Active fungal, viral or bacterial infections
- Skin cancer
- Herpes simplex infections
- Possible side effects of skincare treatments undergone earlier
These checks will help your dermatologist or surgeon determine how deep to go, and necessary precautions that need to be taken before the procedure. For example, if you’ve received isotretinoin, you will not be able to undergo a microneedling process until six months after the isotretinoin treatment.
- Ensure that you ask a lot of questions concerning the procedure, so you are more aware of what to expect.
- It’s important to note that for a procedure to be effective, you will need to avoid some things before the treatment.
- You should avoid the use of self-tanning lotions or sprays 48 hours before treatment
- You should avoid the use of skincare products that contain retinol, Retin A or vitamin A, 3-5 days before your treatment
- You should avoid sun exposure, tanning or getting sunburned.
Procedure
Depending on the method applied, the area of the skin and device used, a micro-needling procedure lasts between 30-45 minutes. For safety and precision, sterile needles with disposable tips are used in the procedure. To numb the pain, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin’s surface after makeup and cream residues have been removed off the skin. The dermatologist proceeds to create tiny punctures on the intended sites with a dermaroller, derma-stamp or dermapen. After which an ice pack, a saline formula or hydrating mask is placed over the operated surface.
You should note that in some instances, negligible pinpoint bleeding might occur which is nothing to worry about, as it can easily be controlled.
Pricing
The price of a microneedling procedure varies among professionals depending on the treatments they applied. Factors affecting the pricing of each session includes –
- Application or type of topical anesthesia used
- The use of a hydrating mask after treatment
- Application and type of soothing collagen enhancing serum used after treatment
Depending on the facility, degree of professionalism and what was used or not used, a microneedling session may cost between $300 -$700.
Frequency
- Acne scars and skin rejuvenation – 5-8 treatments undergone every 4-5 weeks
- For stretch marks, surgical scars and keloid scars – 8-10 treatments undergone every 5-6 weeks
- Lesser intervals are needed for fresh scars or stretch marks less than six months old
Microneedling Devices
Commonly used microneedling devices include Dermapen, Derma-stamp and LED microneedling devices, either of which may make use of silicone, metal or glass hollow microneedles.
After Effects
Following the treatment, you may feel stinging sensations on thin skin surfaces, especially around the eyes or on your neck.
- The skin may feel dry, swollen, tight and highly sensitive to touch.
- The treated area may become reddish, but irritation will decrease after 24 hours
- 2-7 days after treatment, the skin may feel rough as the old skin on the treated area flakes off
- On very rare cases, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, herpes simplex outbreak, scarring, infection, skin and tissue necrosis may occur. The risk of these complications can be reduced if you follow instructions and recommendations to the letter.
Post-Treatment Care
Stay clean
Keep your skin constantly clean for at least 72 hours after the treatment using mild cleansers. Avoid the use of harsh skin care products for about a week.
Avoid alcohol-based toners
The surface of your skin will feel extra-sensitive after the treatment and might react drastically to alcohol-based toners.
Avoid makeup
If you want to get the best results possible from your procedure then you should avoid applying makeup for a week. By doing so you can prevent skin irritation from harsh ingredients in cosmetic products. This will allow your skin to breathe and fully recover from the microneedling session.
Avoid any form of unnecessary exposure to the sun
Be careful and avoid direct sunlight on your face – cover up properly. You should only use the sunscreen recommended by your microneedling professional.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will help your skin recover quickly.
Collagen stimulation
Your dermatologist or surgeon will prescribe collagen stimulating peptides which you’ll use after microneedling to boost collagen production.
Benefits Of Microneedling
- Tightens the skin by shrinking pores as collagen develops around pinpoint punctures
- Boosts the effects of medicated topical creams and serums by allowing your skin to absorb more of the product
- Reduces darks spots and risk of sun damage, by effectively minimizing brown patches on the face caused by melasma
- Speeds up the healing process of visible scars
- Significantly reduces wrinkles and fine lines
