Plastic surgeons provide a variety of options to help improve one’s appearance. Plastic surgery, however, isn’t always required to rejuvenate the skin.
Wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and stretch marks are a skin concern of many of our patients. While Botox, lasers, and chemical peels are common treatments, microneedling is another nonsurgical procedure that can help improve these skin issues by stimulating collagen production and thus improving skin texture and tone.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also referred to as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is performed using a handheld device with tiny needles that make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. These “micro-injuries” do not leave visible scars. The microscopic punctures stimulate the skin to repair itself naturally through a process called dermal remodeling. New collagen is produced as the skin repairs itself.
Professional devices can go deeper than at-home microneedling devices, reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin. Professional devices are electric powered and evenly push the microneedles into the skin. As a result of the deeper and more even penetration, professional microneedling stimulates more skin remodeling. Microneedling also helps the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) become thicker and tauter.
Multiple treatments, spaced out every few weeks, are recommended to achieve desired results. Through a series of sessions, microneedling can increase elastic skin fibers.
What skin conditions does microneedling treat?
Microneedling may treat a variety of skin conditions such as scarring (acne, chickenpox, surgical, etc), enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Consultation is required to determine if you are a microneedling candidate, as some of these conditions require other treatment such as injection or surgery.
Unlike lasers or other devices, microneedling does not deliver heat or radiation to the skin. As a result, individuals with melasma (dark patches of skin), hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin), or who tan easily can undergo microneedling with less risk of worsening pigmentation issues.
What are the side effects of microneedling?
Microneedling is generally considered safe. Microneedling may cause temporary swelling, redness, bruising, and skin flaking. Microneedling may also worsen active skin breakouts, so people with active acne or oral herpes should not be treated with microneedling until the breakouts have cleared.
How is the microneedling treatment?
Microneedling generally has less discomfort than regular Botox injections. A topical anesthetic cream is applied beforehand to help numb the treated area. Microneedling has a shorter recovery time compared to the lasers or deep chemical peels. Downtime with microneedling is typically one day with temporary redness and swelling.
Most people can exercise and return to wearing regular makeup the next day after treatment. Skin will be more sun sensitive initially after treatment, so sunblock and sun protection is required.
What is the difference between microneedling and micro infusion?
Micro infusion with Botox and micro needling are both cosmetic procedures used to improve the appearance of the skin, but they involve different techniques.
Micro infusion involves a specialized device with microneedles to deliver small amounts of Botox (botulinum toxin) and often filler into the skin using very fine needles. The Botox and filler is diluted and infused into the superficial layers of the skin.
Micro infusion delivers Botox directly into the skin rather than injecting it into the muscles, as is done in traditional Botox treatments. The Botox may also help reduce oil production and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Micro infusion also stimulates collagen production and improve the skin’s texture and tone, but not as much as compared to microneedling.
Micro infusion targets primarily the face, while microneedling can be performed on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolletage, and hands.
The results of both procedures are gradual and progressive. It usually take several sessions to achieve the desired outcome. Improvement in skin texture, fine lines, and scars can be observed over a period of weeks to months. Both require maintenance treatments, so patients should plan on continuing treatment after the initial period.
Can microneedling be combined with Botox?
Yes. Microneedling can be combined with a variety of nonsurgical treatments such as Botox and filler injections. However, each circumstance will vary and specific treatment will be determined after office consultation with your aesthetic provider.
Contact office to schedule your microneedling session.
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