For a serious skin glow-up without the significant downtime of more invasive lasers, consider microneedling. A favorite skin rejuvenator, this collagen-stimulating needle-based treatment corrects almost every skin concern possible, from smoothing out lines and wrinkles to reducing the look of acne scars and everything in between.
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Microneedling is a popular procedure, but you should not take it lightly.
Microneedling is a popular procedure, but you should not take it lightly. At-home microneedling rollers can help improve the skin’s tone and texture, but professionally-administered versions like SkinPen Microneedling are where dramatic skin changes occur. There’s plenty to know about the treatment before committing.
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling is a professionally-administered skin-rejuvenating procedure that works to improve collagen for healthier, better-looking skin.
The skin repairs itself to improve conditions like scars, wrinkles and lines, and sun-damaged skin by jumpstarting the collagen-producing process. Microneedling uses tiny stainless steel needles rolled or stamped onto the skin to create micro-injuries (safe, controlled injuries that incite the skin’s healing process).
At L'amour MedSpa, we use the SkinPen Microneedling device. Quickly inserting needles into the skin at appropriate depths, creates tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. These open channels allow specific serums and ingredients used during the treatment to penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal results. As these wounds heal over the coming days and weeks, the skin becomes smoother, plumper, and more youthful.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling offers a plethora of benefits which is why it’s used to improve everything from hair loss to acne scars and stretch marks, to name a few of its benefits.
One of the immediate benefits of microneedling is the glowy, dewy appearance it gives the skin, which is seen in the days following the treatment and usually lasts a few weeks. However, the effects of microneedling are cumulative, so the more you do it, the brighter and more glow the complexion appears. Besides a luminous glow, microneedling also provides other skin benefits such as:
- A plump, healthy appearance
- Stimulating dormant hair follicles to jumpstart hair growth
- Reduce the appearance of scars and acne scars
- Increase collagen production
- Diminish the appearance of fines lines, wrinkles, and minimal sun damage
- Improve the appearance of stretch marks
- Enhances the skin’s texture
- Improves discoloration and hyperpigmentation
- Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT AREAS FOR MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling can be used on various body areas and literally from head to toe.
The entire face is fair game when it comes to SkinPen Microneedling. However, microneedling should not be done directly on the lips or eyelids.
The procedure also works well on acne scars, neck wrinkles, the scalp (to incite healthy hair growth), on areas of the body where stretch marks are present, and anywhere where scars may be present, like the legs, chest, or arms.
WHAT IS THE COST OF SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling varies in cost from provider to provider.
On average, one session of microneedling can cost around $400 or more depending on location & addition of PRP.
To determine the cost of your microneedling treatment, call our office to schedule a consultation where we will put a custom program together to correct your current skin concerns.
HOW IS MICRONEEDLING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TREATMENTS?
SkinPen microneedling is a one-of-a-kind treatment that stimulates new collagen for healthier, younger-looking skin.
Unlike lasers, which have better skin-tightening capabilities, microneedling doesn’t come with the downtime that lasers offer. Beyond the recovery period, microneedling doesn’t ablate the skin like lasers and is safe to use on various skin types and tones.
Injectables and fillers work wonders for filling in lines and wrinkles and stopping the formation of wrinkles. In contrast, microneedling smoothes the skin’s surface to make lines and wrinkles less apparent. Each treatment works differently, but both work towards the end goal of smoother, younger-looking skin.
Compared to a light treatment like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which targets sun spots, brown spots, and other signs of sun damage and discoloration, microneedling works well on minor areas of discoloration. But, the two are often used together for a more holistic skin brightening regimen.
Depending on the most pressing skin conditions, some patients benefit from a combination approach that includes microneedling and lasers or even chemical peels.
THE STANDARD
Mechanical SkinPen microneedling is more intense than at-home microneedling rollers, but it’s the least robust option. This version of microneedling is strictly microneedling itself; no add-on treatments or infusions are used. Instead, it uses a motorized pen to create hundreds of microscopic controlled skin wounds at about a depth of 2.5 millimeters. Creating safe micro-injuries on the skin’s surface prompts the skin to heal and stimulates collagen production to improve skin.
MICRONEEDLING + PRP
Often called the “Vampire Facial,” combining microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) works well for those whose skin requires even more collagen production. It also enhances skin tone, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots, and works better to improve acne scars better than microneedling alone.
WILL MY SKIN BE RED AFTER TREATMENT?
Yes, the skin will emerge pink or red following microneedling. Adding PRP to microneedling will leave the skin with pinpoint bleeding. The redness will subside in the first 24 hours after microneedling, and by day two, the skin may look flushed or slightly pink, which will continue to fade in the next few days. It may also feel somewhat tight or dry and flaked off during the first few days after microneedling. Keep in mind that the more aggressive the microneedling treatment and the more healing the skin endures, the more redness ensues.
WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW A PARTICULAR SKINCARE REGIMEN AFTER MICRONEEDLING?
Since the skin is 'open,' it's best to follow a simple, bland regimen and take a break from acids and exfoliating ingredients and products, including harsh cleansers, scrubs, and exfoliating masks and cleansers, too. Likewise, it’s best to avoid supercharged actives like vitamins A and C, retinol and retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids, and fragranced skincare products until your provider gives you the green light to resume using them. It’s best to stick to gentle, healing moisturizers and ointments, a simple hyaluronic acid serum, and sunscreen during the healing phase. Moisture is key to healthy healing.
WHAT’S THE DOWNTIME?
The more basic the microneedling treatment is, the shorter and less intense the recovery is. For example, more intense microneedling RF treatments can leave the skin red and swollen for a few days, if not longer, depending on the device used. Overall, the skin may look and feel rough, slightly red or pink, or sensitive for the first few days to upwards of one week. However, there’s no reason to hide out at home or not partake in your normal daily activities.
IS SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING HELPFUL FOR ACNE SCARS?
Yes, SkinPen microneedling is one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of acne scars. Depending on their depth, color, and age, we will recommend the best version of microneedling to use for your skin. By creating new collagen deep within the skin, the scars ‘plump up’ and fade so that they are less noticeable.
DOES SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING HURT?
We always perform SkinPen microneedling with topical numbing cream, which helps make the treatment more comfortable. Your skin will be numbed before the treatment so that there's less feeling as your provider performs the treatment. Post-microneedling, there shouldn't be any pain or discomfort.
WILL I BREAK OUT?
Some patients break out after microneedling, and if your skin is prone to pimples, let your provider know before starting the treatment. This way, we can avoid treating any active lesions under the skin and on its surface. Avoid using heavy occlusive ingredients post-treatment if you are prone to breakouts. Gentle hydrators are best in this situation.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS WITH MICRONEEDLING?
Generally, there are no risks associated with microneedling as long as it is performed safely and by a professional. However, if it is not performed correctly by an experienced professional, there is more risk for infections, bruising, and hyperpigmentation.
