Micro-Needling Therapy
Micro-needling treatment or collagen induction therapy is one of the latest trends in the cosmetic industry. The technique is here to stay due to its praised skin rejuvenation effect and long-term benefits! How can hundreds of needle pricks help improve your skin texture and promote collagen production?
How does micro-needling work?
The micro-needling technique involves the use of minuscule needle tips that puncture the skin to trigger the body’s healing mechanism. The organism interprets the needle penetration as physical trauma and prompts the derma, a deeper layer of skin, to send healing compounds to the “injured” skin. For new skin to grow, the body has to boost collagen production. The increase in collagen reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin texture, and heals scars.
What are the benefits of micro-needling?
Micro-needling therapy is used to provide a more youthful appearance to facial skin and combat signs of aging. The body’s increased collagen production resulting from the micro-needling procedure:
- improves the aspect of fine lines
- fills in deeper facial wrinkles
- reduces facial acne scars
- heals surgery and burn scars
- softens stretch marks and the appearance of scars
- combats the signs of photo-damaged skin
- lightens dark spots
- reduces uneven skin tone
- reduces the appearance of enlarged pores
- promotes skin tightening
- improves the appearance of spider veins and broken capillaries
- rejuvenates skin
How to prepare for the procedure:
If you are planning to expose your skin to micro-needling, you will have to discuss the option with your healthcare provider and follow their instructions. Your health care provider will probably recommend discontinuing the use of intense topical treatments, such as retinol-based creams and serums, for a few days before the micro-needling session, and avoiding shaving the treated area the week before the procedure.
People who suffer from active infections, lesions, active acne, or unstable skin type are not good candidates for micro-needling due to the high risk of inflammation and irritation. Furthermore, micro-needling is not recommended for patients with sunburned skin or who suffer from active cold sores. Micro-needling should be performed only on clean, dry skin.
What to expect during the procedure?
We perform the procedure using a micro-needling device, Skin-Pen equipped with fine needles meant to create tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. The needle lengths are usually not larger than 0.25 millimeters. The health care provider uses exclusively sterile needles to avoid any risk of infection.
Before the micro-needling procedure, we apply a numbing cream or anesthetic cream to reduce the discomfort to a minimum. Patients are often surprised to see that the procedure is simple and doesn’t last more than 30-45 minutes depending on the treated area. Most of them report minimal pain. Some of them feel minor pain in more sensitive areas of the face, such as the cheekbones and forehead.
Aftercare:
Immediately after the micro-needling session, the specialist will apply a serum and hydrating face mask to soothe your skin and start the healing process. While this is a non-invasive procedure, patients are recommended to avoid returning to their normal activity immediately after the procedure, mostly because their skin will look as though they have suffered a mild sunburn, and it may feel warm and tight. These are normal side effects that will most likely pass in 24 to 48 hours.
You can return to your normal skincare routine a few days after the procedure, but try to avoid intense sun exposure, tanning beds, and always wear sunscreen when going outside. Noticeable improvement of skin texture can be expected over the next few months and the results can last for over a year. Furthermore, micro-needling improves the absorption of regular topical skincare products, which can only lead to more hydrated skin and a boost of natural glow.
Real Results, Real People, Below!
