Microneedling is becoming increasingly popular for those looking to improve their skin’s appearance. According to one study, at least 73% of patients saw an improvement in their skin 30 days after treatment. But what is microneedling exactly, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-holes in the skin. As your skin repairs, this can help reduce wrinkles, lines, discoloration, age spots, stretch marks, and scars.
Follow along as we discuss the benefits of microneedling, possible side effects, and cost implications. We will also share some information on the results you can expect from a microneedling procedure.
What Is Microneedling?
What is microneedling, and how does it work to improve your skin’s natural appearance?
Microneedling works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. The tiny needles penetrate just below your skin’s surface and create microscopic channels for topical treatments.
This process helps those products penetrate much deeper than they normally would, increasing their effectiveness dramatically. Additionally, collagen production increases as your body stimulates new tissue growth to repair these wounds, improving skin tone and texture.
Microneedling Benefits
Aside from being a minimally invasive procedure with virtually no recovery time, there are plenty of other benefits of microneedling. Microneedling:
- Increases the production of collagen
- Reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and dark spots
- Helps improve uneven skin tone and stretch marks
The procedure also improves skin elasticity and possibly promotes hair growth in those with alopecia.
Plus, microneedling is affordable compared to laser treatments and is generally considered safer for people with darker skin tones.
Microneedling Procedure
The microneedling procedure may sound intimidating initially, but it can provide incredible results for anyone struggling with skin texture or scarring. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after a microneedling treatment.
Before
Before microneedling, consult a professional, such as a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or aesthetician. They will examine your skin and discuss your goals for the procedure. Then, they’ll likely take photos of the area for comparison before and after treatment.
It’s important to ask questions about the potential risks and side effects of microneedling and how soon you can expect results.
Some providers may advise that you stop applying retinol and other creams shortly before your appointment. You also want to avoid shaving or waxing the area.
During
Before beginning, your skincare professional will apply a numbing substance such as lidocaine gel to help with discomfort.
Once your skin feels numb to the touch, they’ll use an electric device with needles of varying lengths, from 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, to puncture the skin. You might feel slight warmth or discomfort during the process. However, it’s generally painless.
This procedure can range from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on how large an area needs treatment.
After
After microneedling, you may experience redness and swelling for up to five days. To reduce any discomfort or irritation, applying an ice pack and avoiding going out in the sun until your skin has healed is recommended.
You should also avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Always remember to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen. However, as it’s an outpatient procedure, you can go home once it’s finished.
Microneedling Side Effects
Microneedling is generally safe. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. The most common ones are:
- Minor irritation
- Redness
- Slight bruising
These should go away within a few days. More severe side effects such as bleeding, infections, or peeling should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
People with psoriasis, eczema, open wounds, active acne, or a history of skin scarring may not be good candidates for microneedling. If you’re worried about how your skin will react, discuss this with your provider during your consultation!
Microneedling Results
You should wait around five to seven days to start seeing initial results. However, you will notice full results after about a month to three months. Why does it take so long? Your body needs time to produce more collagen.
Does Microneedling Work?
For most people, yes! However, depending on your skin type and the severity of your skin issues (such as deep acne scars), you might need more treatments to achieve your desired skin.
With proper technique and care, microneedling can safely restore a youthful appearance to your skin. However, always follow up on your treatments with a great skincare routine that helps your skin stay hydrated and protected from damage.
Depending on the skin issues you’re trying to treat, you also might see better results if you combine microneedling with other treatments, such as facials or chemical peels.
Is Microneedling Permanent?
Sometimes, microneedling can provide transformative, long-lasting results that you’ll love! Results usually last from four to six months but can sometimes be permanent. It all depends on your individual needs and aesthetic goals.
For example, if you visit us for a consultation, we’ll review your cosmetic concerns in detail. We’ll evaluate them to give you a better idea of how long the results will last. With microneedling, most people can look forward to seeing significant improvements with minimal downtime.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
The cost of microneedling can vary greatly, depending on the size of the area you’re treting and the number of procedures you need. Generally, one session costs anywhere from $200 to $800.
Insurance generally does not cover microneedling unless it’s medically necessary. Despite this, many people find that the cost is worth the results they get from microneedling treatments.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to visit your local dermatologist for a quote.
Schedule Your Consultation
So what is microneedling? It’s a minimally invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatment that provides great results with minimal downtime.
Our clinic in Nicholasville, KY, offers this amazing service to help you achieve your desired look. Our experienced team of professionals is here to answer any questions or concerns.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how microneedling can help you achieve your desired look!