Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment designed to create microscopic damage to the skin using a handheld device and very short, very fine needles that puncture the outer layers of the skin. The goal is to kickstart the skin’s healing mechanisms and produce new collagen to achieve a more youthful-looking and rejuvenated skin.

Sun damage, acne, wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, and sun spots, often make it difficult to achieve soft, supple, and glowing skin. Collagen Induction Therapy, otherwise known as Microneedling is a result of several years of research, as a minimally invasive technique boosting your skin’s collagen and elastin production, two important substances for maintaining plump, youthful, glowing skin.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Microneeding is the use of a mechanized device, dermapen, for making thousands of miniscule needle punctures in the outermost layers of the skin. The technique controls the depth, spacing, frequency, and pattern of these needle pricks to stimulate your body to produce collagen in the needed areas. Microneedling has been scientifically demonstrated to help improve fine lines, freckles and sun spots, scars, burns, pitted and non-pitted acne scars, stretch marks, and large pores.

CAN MICRONEEDLING BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?

It is possible to combine microneedling with other treatments, including growth factors, vitamin C, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve skin quality, texture, and evenness. Microneedling has been effective for facilitating the absorption of growth factors, with the popular “vampire facelift” (shown on Bar Rafaeli and Kim Kardashian, above) as an example of the combination.

WHY NOT JUST USE A LASER OR CHEMICAL PEEL?

Microneedling is the preferred treatment option among patients as compared to laser or chemical peels due to its safety for all skin tones and parts of the body. Its relatively short downtime is another major attraction to microneedling.

Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy is also a great technique for people concerned about their complexions but are confident with trying Botox or fillers, as it is mechanical and requires no chemicals or neurotoxins.

BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING

• Adjustable needles to target skin of different textures and thicknesses
• Suitable for all parts of the body
• Increases the ability of the skin for absorbing anti-aging serums and topical creams
• Reduction of fine lines by triggering a more robust, radiant dermis
• Helps in fading sun damage and hyperpigmentation
• Suitable for the treatment of stretch marks
• Compatible with dermal fillers or surgical procedures
• Painless with no downtime
• Short period of treatment lasting only 30 minutes

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE?

A specially designed cosmetic stylus is used for directing a fleet of a dozen sterile needles to create micro-injuries that stimulate self-healing. A soothing gel is applied before the procedure for minimizing abrasion and lubricating the stylus. Patients tend to experience a sandpaper-like sensation as the pen glides across their skin. Skin-renewal serums such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma), hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, and growth factor gels are often used to enhance microneedling. The process lasts about 30 minutes with the results visibly impressive for up to a year.

DOES IT HURT?

Microneedling is actually quite painless despite its scary sound, with our specialist using lidocaine numbing cream on your face to ensure comfort even as you remain awake during the procedure. The experience is similar to a deep facial. However, the absorption of the growth factors, vitamin C, or platelet-rich plasma will leave your face slightly red and tingly but you should be good and ready by the next day.

You should see an improved skin appearance almost immediately and it continues for 4 to 6 weeks. Microneedling can be repeated as frequently as every 6 weeks for the best results.

IS IT EFFECTIVE?

The before and after photos of Microneedling do not do enough justice to the effectiveness of the procedure. While individual results and situations may vary, this technique has been demonstrated to be effective in treating facial wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, burns, surgical scars, and stretch marks.

RISKS OF MICRONEEDLING

The microneedling procedure is a minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment designed to offer long-lasting results in days. The chances of side effects such as allergies, infections, injuries, and skin damage are negligible. However, patients may experience minor swelling, bleeding, and bruising post-treatment, with the symptoms reducing and disappearing days after the procedure. While microneedling is not very painful, patients may experience minor pains depending on their threshold.

Other possible effects include raw and itchy skin a few hours after the treatment.

ELIGIBLE

CANDIDATES FOR MICRONEEDLING

The microneedling treatment is suitable for anyone seeking improvement in their youthfulness. Eligible candidates are:

• Patients with clogged pores
• Patients with acne scars, blemishes, and marks
• Patients with a hollowness in the face
• Patients who wish to improve their skin elasticity

PERFECT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Most dermal treatments require customization to suit different skin types and prevent the chances of pigmentation and marks. However, microneedling does not require such a process. The procedure follows the principles of acupuncture and is designed for all skin types, including dark skin. It does not require the use of any chemical peels or topical ointments to get the desired result.

The sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, and marks are naturally healed, with the face filled in once fresh elastin and collagen are produced. If you want more information about the procedure, feel free to visit our New York City clinic.

RECOVERY FROM MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling clients tend to experience some redness due to the procedure. The redness often heals quite rapidly within the first week. However, it is important to avoid being exposed to the sun after your treatment and to wear sunblock.

Results can be visible within 7 to 10 days in the form of a fresh lovely glow, and the skin tone may continue to improve for 6 months, as more healthy skin cells are produced. Microneedling can be repeated more than once, depending on the advice of the provider during follow-up visits.