Microneedling is a hot topic in the beauty community. But, like all other products and procedures, there are bad options, good options, better options, and (my favorite) the best options.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical rejuvenation procedure. To understand how Microneedling works, you should know a little about the skin. The structure of your skin consists of a protein, Collagen. Over time those proteins start hitting the snooze button. Think of Microneedling as the infamous boot camp wake-up call.
Microneedling is a direct reflection of its name; Small (micro) injuries by way of needles. It shocks your collagen back into action, initiating the body’s healing response. Our providers use a microneedling pen. Which allows them to change the depth of the micro-injuries. Different depths are used to treat different concerns. It sounds scary, I know! But, the micro-injuries are very superficial. Going no deeper than 2.5mm (about the thickness of a nickel).
What are the benefits?
The benefits of Microneedling are very similar to the benefits of many lasers used for facial rejuvenation. However, you would need a few different lasers to address all of the concerns listed below. Whereas, Microneedling addresses all of them.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne Scars
- Laxity of skin
- Skin Tone
- Skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
- The appearance of large pores
Am I a Candidate?
Short answer: Most likely. Typically, the issues listed above are treated with lasers, which can cause more damage/pigmentation when treating darker skin tones. Microneedling does not involve heat, so ANY skin tone is treatable. However, we do not recommend it if any of the following apply to you:
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- active acne
- active herpes simplex
- skin infection present at the time of treatment
- current eczema, psoriasis, severe rosacea flare in the treatment area
- extreme keloid tendency
- anticoagulant therapy
- chemo/radiation
SIDE NOTE: The body is very adaptable. When you workout, you change up your routine to keep your body from adapting to your workouts. Skin is the same. If your current skin maintenance plan includes regular laser treatments, consider switching to Microneedling.
Options
Bad
Microneedling should never be a DIY project. Home use is not only risky, but it is also unsanitary. Microneedling should be done by a professional with a Microneedling pen. Dermarollers can cause scarring, divets, and pigmentation. (See video below)
SIDE NOTE: If you plan to undergo the magic of Microneedling, make sure to do your research on multiple clinics, providers and what products and equipment they use. Finding a certified and skilled provider is crucial.
Good
Microneedling – Microneedling alone is the base treatment and
Microneedling with Growth Factor works wonderfully for mild to moderate concerns. Acne, scars, stretch marks, blemishes, fine lines or texture of the skin. It is also a great option for those who have youthful skin and want to maintain their youthful glow. Growth Factors act as boosters in your skin’s healing process. Growth Factors include; Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, etc. Our favorite is Growth Factor, a substance capable of stimulating cellular growth and healing. They may be synthetic, plant-based, or derived from snails! It may sound strange, but adding a growth factor will speed up your healing process and improve your end result.
Best
“Using synthetic growth factors has its benefits, but they don’t speak your body’s language. And PRP does.” – Jessica Andrews, ME
Microneedling with PRP is the crème de la crème. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is also known as Liquid Gold in the beauty world because of its high concentration of platelets. Platelets have an abundance of growth factors. Growth factors aid the body in the healing process by stimulating rapid cell repair. They also increase collagen production AND remodel old deforming collagen. Best of all, PRP is as natural as it gets; liquid gold from your very own body.
What to expect
Upon arrival, the treatment area should be make-up and sunscreen-free. To minimize discomfort, a highly effective topical numbing cream is applied to the area for 30 minutes. If your Microneedling includes PRP, your blood draw and PRP extraction will take place during your numbing time). After the numbing cream has been removed, the skin is cleansed and prepped. Depending on the treatment size, the procedure will take 10-30 minutes.
Immediately after the treatment, the skin will look red, like a sunburn. It may also feel warm and tight. The majority of redness should subside over the first 12-48 hours. Although uncommon, some mild swelling and bruising may occur. (if you have PRP you may have redness, swelling and bruising at the draw site).
Once the redness subsides, most patients notice a significant glow to their skin. Collagen production, however, takes more time and more visible results may take 8-12 weeks.
A series of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended to boost collagen production and optimize results. Depending on the severity of the desired correction, we may recommend that you start with more than 3 treatments. For continued improvement and prevention, maintenance treatments are recommended once every 3-4 months.
For more information, please call our Seattle medical spa at 425.827.8285
