Recently, everyone has been turning to microneedling as the treatment that punctures the skin, causing sudden changes in its structure and giving it an improved texture. Microneedling does not cause any damage or thin the skin, which is contrary to popular belief. Certainly, microneedling will not harm the skin when the treatment is done correctly.
As many people believe that microneedling removes a layer of their skin, but as indicated, the procedure is in the category of non-invasive methods of cosmetic treatment, so there is no need to worry about damaging the skin as no layer of skin is going to be removed.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling aims to target certain cells to release growth factors that are ideal for preserving layers of the skin. The small punctures in the skin’s surface with tiny needles trigger the body’s natural healing process, which increases collagen and elastin production. As a result, it helps the skin’s healing process, minimizes unwanted appearances, and regains its natural shape.
Also, it is a common misconception that collagen production is the only key to microneedling. Elastin, on the other hand, helps the shape and appearance of the skin, making it tightens. These two (collagen and elastin) work together to create skin strength and flexibility.
What Benefits Does Microneedling Offer?
Besides just brighter and improved skin texture, microneedling also offers the following benefits:
Increase Natural Collagen and Elastin Levels
As indicated above, the role of collagen is what gives the skin structure, like the body’s native version of dermal filler. On the part of elastin, it is what gives the skin elasticity and bounce.
Reduce the Appearance of Acne Scars
Acne scars are one of the most challenging skin concerns to treat. Therefore, increasing collagen levels and skin volume underneath acne scars makes it possible to create a smoother texture.
Improve Skin Firmness
Sagging, drooping, and wrinkling occurs when the skin’s natural elastin levels are depleted with aging. Microneedling is a great treatment for loose skin because it triggers the body’s natural elastin production process. As a result, skin becomes firmer and tighter, and it looks more youthful.
Shrink Oversized Pores
Aging skin, lifestyle, and genetics play a role in the severity of oversized pores. With microneedling, it is possible to tighten the skin and subsequently shrink the size of pores by inducing collagen production. As a result, the pores become less noticeable while making the skin look smoother and more radiant.
Address Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation happens due to aging, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or genetics. With the help of microneedling, it helps break down clusters of skin pigment to lighten dark areas. Additionally, it can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and create a more unified skin tone.
Reduce the Severity of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are tough to treat, causing frustration for everyone suffering from their appearance for many years. One effective treatment is microneedling since it triggers collagen production beneath the skin’s surface. As a result, microneedling can help the stretch marks less noticeable and look smoother.
Smooth Out Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Fine lines and wrinkles form on the skin when the body’s natural collagen and elastin production slows with age. By addressing the issue at the source and stimulating increased collagen and elastin production, microneedling can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
What Conditions Can Microneedling Address?
Microneedling can also treat skin concerns on all body parts, from the head to the feet, which include:
- Acne/blackheads
- Burns
- Cellulite
- Hair loss/Restoration (known as alopecia)
- Loose sagging skin
- Minimizing pore sizes
- Scars (boxcar, icepick, keloid, surgery, or acne scarring)
- Stretch marks
- Skin rejuvenation/texture issues
- Sun damage
- Under-eye issue
- Uneven skin tones or spots
- Wrinkles and fine lines (smile or frown lines)
What Are The Advantages Of In-Office Microneedling?
- Best for stimulating growth factors and the break-up of scar tissue
- Overview of a professional to assess and monitor treatment
- Monitored speed, depth, accuracy, and can treat bleeding
- Longer needles that penetrate deeper, allowing better absorption of skin products
- Provided additional medical-grade treatments or added topicals for improved results
- Higher cost but better results and lower risk of complications
What To Expect During The Procedure?
The doctor makes tiny pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool during the procedure. These are only tiny pinpricks that patients won’t even notice after the procedure. To continue, the doctor will move the tool evenly across the skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even.
Also, the doctor will use a topical anesthetic to reduce the chances of pain before getting started. This is done about an hour before the treatment. Overall, the actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes.
What To Expect After The Procedure?
The body immediately responds to the wounds after the treatment. The doctor will then provide the necessary steps for aftercare and best skincare practices. Most patients experience minimal downtime if any at all.
The aftercare tips to follow to see optimal results include:
- Leave the treatment area alone to protect it from bacteria.
- No washing or cleansing yet for the first 24 hours and sweating or exposing the area to any heat (Gym or Sauna).
- Wait for 48 hours before applying make-up.
- Ensure to stay out of the sun for the first two weeks, and never forget to apply sunscreen when outside.
- Serums like hyaluronic acid and products with growth factors are often recommended to help speed up the rebuilding process.
What Are The Possible Risks And Side Effects After Microneedling?
Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling doesn’t come without risk. Following the procedure, patients will notice a minor skin irritation in most cases. Aside from that, they may also see redness for a few days.
Moreover, it is highly recommended to contact a medical professional if any of the severe side effects below occur, such as:
- bleeding
- bruising
- infection
- peeling
- swelling
- increased wrinkling
Who Should Not Receive The Microneedling Treatment?
This treatment is not for all, and the people who should not receive the microneedling are the following:
- people with autoimmune problems of the skin like Lupus
- cigarette smoker
- those with diabetes
- people with eczema or dermatitis sufferers
- those who have keloid scarring
- people on the Fitzpatrick scale (1,2,3)
- those with prior Roaccutane user
- those with sensitive or impaired skin
- those who have signs of active infection
- those with sunburn
- people with very dark or unstable skin type
- those who had a topical treatment (like laser or peels) in the last 12 week
How Long Does The Result Last?
Within a couple of weeks, most clients start to notice results, but improvements can sometimes be seen immediately. For the body to properly heal, the sessions of microneedling are usually spread out every four to six weeks. The result will depend on the age, the health of the skin, and the depth and frequency of treatments received.
Also, the results of microneedling are long-lasting after receiving the required amount of treatments. That said, an effective skincare routine is necessary to maintain visible results. However, microneedling is not a permanent solution, so most professionals usually recommend multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
The Bottom Line
Microneedling works to rejuvenate the skin by boosting collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and elevating the skin’s overall texture. Aion Aesthetics offers Microneedling, which creates “micro-wounds” using a microneedling device to boost the body’s natural wound healing process, generating new collagen. This regenerative treatment rejuvenates the skin on the deepest layers of the targeted area.
You can also check for more treatment services by Aion Aesthetics here.
