How Does Microneedling Treatment Work?
In recent years, microneedling treatment has been very popular as a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that helps to address a wide variety of skin concerns. One of the novelties involving the stimulation of natural healing processes—also known as collagen induction therapy—has unique abilities to increase the texture, tone, and overall benefit of skin appearance.
Understanding Microneedling Treatment
Microneedling is a beauty treatment where very fine needles are used to give small, controlled punctures into the skin. Those micro punctures give an alarm to the natural healing body process that induces the rising production of collagen and elastin for tightened, smoothed, youthful-looking skin.
The Science Behind Microneedling
It initiates a three-phase wound healing process:
- Inflammation: An immune response is triggered in the body that increases blood supply to the concerned area and initiates the process of repair.
- Proliferation: New cells develop, like fibroblasts, to form collagen and elastin.
- Remodeling: New collagen and elastin continue to regenerate, which further restores the structure and appearance of the overlying skin with time.
Microneedling Treatment Benefits
The benefits of microneedling treatment are many and can relieve a number of skin conditions, including:
- Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
- Softer and firmer skin
- Results in diminished appearance of acne scars and other types of scarring
- Pore depletion
- Firmer and more elastic skin
- Absorbs skin care products better than scalp skin
- Depigmentation and fewer damages to the sun
- General skin rejuvenation
Microneedling for Face: The Procedure
One of the most highly demanded applications of microneedling is on the facial skin. This could be what the typical microneedling facial entails:
- Consultation: This will be the initiation process where your practitioner will assess your skin and you describe what you want to achieve before deciding whether microneedling is the best process for you.
- Preparation: You will arrive with clean, dry skin and optionally apply topical anesthesia to help make these treatments more comfortable.
- The Procedure for Microneedling: A pen with very fine needles is gently rolled or stamped across the skin, creating thousands of microscopic channels.
- Application of serum: After microneedling, the application of a nourishing serum penetrates more deeply due to the micro-channels.
- Aftercare: Your practitioner will guide you through how to best look after your skin for a few days following the treatment.
A full microneedling facial typically takes 30 minutes to an hour in length.
Microneedling Devices
In professional settings, microneedling treatment is typically delivered using one of the following devices:
- Dermarollers: hand-held rollers covered in a multitude of tiny.
- Derma Pens: electric handpieces that move up and down, acting like stamps and causing micro-injuries, such as dermapen.
- Microneedling Devices with Integrated Automation: An advanced feature that enables the control of penetration depth and increases or decreases the speed of needle movement.
Combining Microneedling with Other Treatments
To increase the benefits of microneedling, it is often combined with other treatments, for instance:
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
The combination of microneedling and skin PRP treatments has become extremely popular. Known as the ‘vampire facial’ by some, the treatment entails smearing platelet-rich plasma on the face during microneedling or following the procedure. PRP contains growth factors in the blood that further increase collagen proliferation and hasten healing.
The skin PRP process involves:
- Drawing a little amount of the patient’s blood
- Processing the blood to isolate the platelet-rich plasma
- Application and absorption of PRP into the skin during or after microneedling.
This can enhance the benefits of the microneedling treatment, and such a combination may be converted into a dramatic enhancement in skin texture and tone.
Microneedling with Radiofrequency
While most advanced microneedling devices also utilize combined effects with radiofrequency energy to their effect by heating deeper layers of skin to stimulate further collagen synthesis, it is absolutely true that this process works well against skin laxity and the worst wrinkles.
Microneedling with Serums
Skin serums can also be used while performing a microneedling facial. The micro-channels already present in the skin would make it convenient for the application of the serums. Common serums used include:
- HA for hydration.
- Includes Vitamin C to brighten and protect with antioxidants.
- Peptides to induce collagen
- Growth factors in the regeneration of the skin
What to Expect After Microneedling Treatment
Immediately after treatment:
- Your skin may have a red appearance and feel slightly warm to the touch, like a mild sunburn.
- It is possible that a little swelling and some pinpoint bleeding may occur.
In the days following:
- The redness typically disappears within 24 to 48 hours.
- You might see some mild peeling or flaking as your skin cell renewal increases.
- Aftercare is very important, so do use everything your practitioner tells you, most of the time involving no sun exposure, gentle products on your skin, etc.
Long-term results:
- Improvements in the texture and tone of the skin could be made within a couple of weeks.
- Optimal results normally start becoming evident between 4 and 6 weeks after a treatment, as collagen synthesis is boosted.
- Some patients derive other aspects from having a set of treatments spaced at about 4–6 weeks until the best result has been achieved.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
For most people wishing to make their skin look better, microneedling can be quite useful. For some, though, it is not the best idea. Here are some instances when microneedling may not be really recommended for you:
- Present with active acne or skin infections
- Experience the formation of keloid scars.
- Have a background of poor wound healing.
- Are expecting or breastfeeding.
- Have certain skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Always consult with a professional practitioner to get a general view as to whether microneedling would be appropriate for your specific needs and skin condition.
Preparing for Your Microneedling Treatment
Based on the information given above, the following are preparation tips for getting the best microneedling result:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks before receiving any treatments.
- Stop using treatment products, including AHAs, BHAs, and other potential irritant skin care products, for 3-5 days prior.
- You may, however, need to consider taking an antiviral medication prior to the treatment if you experience cold sores.
- Kindly attend your appointment without makeup and ensure your skin is clean.
- Tell your healthcare provider about any changes in your health or new medications you take.
Maintaining Your Results
For best results and optimization of the benefits of microneedling:
- Maintain a regular, qualitative skincare routine.
- Care for your skin: Never forget sunscreen.
- Advise on moderation in eating and an appropriate intake of water.
- Consider periodic follow-up or tune-up treatments as advised by your practitioner.
- Stop smoking and try not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, as they both increase the risk of skin aging.
Conclusion
Microneedling is a very flexible and effective skin rejuvenation technique that deals with lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and even blemished skin texture. An overview of what microneedling is and all the benefits it provides will explain why the skin should be treated with this innovative treatment.
VLCC brings to you the most advanced form of treatment being offered by highly trained professionals in the aesthetic world. Featuring expert alignment of microneedling innovations combined with advanced techniques, including skin PRP, VLCC offers treatment customization for an incredible range of skin conditions. Starting from an in-depth expert consultation all the way to up-to-the-minute microneedling facials, VLCC makes sure that special treatments get showered upon each one of its clients for the best of results. Trust VLCC for your microneedling treatment; you are not only going in for a procedure but embarking on an adventure of healthier, more vibrant skin. Let a team of VLCC experts guide you through the transformational experience of microneedling and help you achieve that radiantly youthful glow you have always dreamed of.