Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that effectively increases collagen production and alleviates fine lines and wrinkles. Read on to learn more about microneedling, what it does, its benefits, and its possible side effects.
Skin procedures have become more common in recent years. Although skincare routines are essential, more people are embracing minimally invasive procedures to alleviate several skin conditions and improve their health. For example, botox injections temporarily relax facial muscles to alleviate dynamic wrinkles and improve elastin formation. Microneedling is a popular skin procedure that enhances skin hydration and relieves skin conditions like acne. The procedure involves tiny needles slightly punctured into the outer skin surface to trigger collagen production.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a cosmetic skin treatment that involves making tiny holes in the top layer of skin using smaller, thinner needles. The process is barely invasive, and any slight injury to the top layer of skin gradually heals. The process also promotes collagen and elastin production in the deeper skin layers.
What Does Microneedling Do?
Microneedling alleviates fine lines and wrinkles and enhances the skin’s texture and aesthetic appeal. Casabona (2019) mentioned that microneedling reduces stretch marks and makes the skin more supple.
According to Minh et al. (2019), microneedling can benefit people with darker skin because it does not adversely affect skin pigmentation. The procedure also shrinks enlarged skin pores and minimizes the appearance of scars.
Ageing is a natural process that causes a significant drop in the amount of collagen in the skin. Khalid et al. (2019) stated that microneedling improves collagen and elastin formation, making the skin tighter.
UV rays damage the skin by penetrating the inner layers and disrupting collagen formation. Microneedling enhances skin rejuvenation by reducing signs of sun damage on the skin.
Dabek et al. (2019) stated that microneedling alleviates alopecia areata. The procedure is also utilized to deliver certain nutrients and medications directly to the bloodstream, such as vitamin C.
The cosmetic doctor analyses your skin beforehand to determine its colour, texture, and shape. Various medical issues may impact the procedure’s success; therefore, the doctor may also review your medical history. These medical issues include acne, cancer, diabetes, and cold sores.
To perform microneedling, the skin must first be cleaned and numbed. The doctor uses a roller with small needles to create temporary skin wounds. The roller is also softly applied to the skin to ensure the punctures are precise and efficient. Even though deeper microneedling may slightly cause bleeding, the procedure is generally safe, especially when performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
How to Maintain Skin Rejuvenation after Microneedling Procedures
- Avoid overexposure to the sun since it dries out the skin, exacerbates inflammation, and inhibits elastin production. Use sunscreen whenever you are exposed to UV rays from the sun.
- For moisturized skin, increase your water intake. Use moisturizing creams as well, as they help your skin maintain moisture and clean the pores of dirt and bacteria. The creams should be applied two days after the operation to ensure the skin has healed.
- Avoid drinking alcohol in excess since it dries out the skin. Avoid smoking as well because the chemicals in nicotine seriously harm collagen synthesis and develop fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
- Avoid applying cosmetics to your face for 48 hours after the operation to reduce pain and irritation.
Does Microneedling Have Any Side Effects?
Possible side effects of microneedling include inflammation, redness, slight bleeding, bruises, and inflammation. However, these side effects are temporary, and the skin eventually regains its firmness and texture.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
Microneedling injections cost varies per session, depending on the extent of the injections. Note that quality does not always correspond to cost; therefore, confirming the cosmetic surgeon’s credentials and license is essential.
Patients should only receive microneedling injections from certified plastic surgeons. Therefore, more accomplished aesthetic doctors would bill more money for the procedure. Fortunately, a patient would be less likely to experience worsening side effects if the procedure is administered skillfully.
The extent of the treatment strongly influences the cost of the treatment. Furthermore, the accessibility of local sources for microneedling equipment and the cost of living in the doctor’s location determine the cost. As a result, microneedling injections would be less expensive in suburban and rural areas than in large cities.
You must discuss the procedure’s possible risks, benefits, and safety with your aesthetic doctor.
Do Certain Medical Conditions Limit a Customer From Undergoing Microneedling?
Customers undergoing cancer therapy treatments, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, must be careful before undergoing microneedling procedures. Scientists suggest that cancer may affect the efficacy of the microneedling procedure. In addition, the patient should avoid taking blood thinning medications since they interfere with blood clotting.
Other health conditions that affect the outcome of the microneedling procedure include; eczema, contact dermatitis, acne, raised scars, and psoriasis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling
When Should You See Your Aesthetic Doctor?
The possible side effects of microneedling often subside within a week. However, consult your cosmetic surgeon for medical advice if you experience extended periods of swelling, bleeding, inflammation, or bruising.
Can a Patient Perform Microneedling At Home?
Derma-needling rollers purchased nearby can also be used to do microneedling at home. However, because the devices only reach the epidermis, they are less effective at promoting collagen production and smoothing out wrinkles.
The skin can be effectively exfoliated locally by microneedling, but it is less effective at minimizing wrinkles, reducing stretch marks, and promoting the production of elastin and collagen.
Does Microneedling Involve Surplus Treatments?
Additional topical lotions and serums may be used to guarantee the efficacy of microneedling procedures. Hyaluronic acid serums, for instance, reduce wrinkles and improve skin plumpness. Since they reach the deeper layers of the skin, they also boost collagen production.
Is Microneedling Permanent?
Microneedling procedures are temporary and last for about six months to a year. The longevity of the procedure also depends on the skincare routines the patient practises. The patient must ensure they regularly exfoliate their skin to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Furthermore, the patient should wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to maintain skin firmness.
What Is the Difference Between Microneedling and Microdermabrasion?
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are skin treatment procedures that enhance the aesthetic appeal and skin texture. However, microdermabrasion is non-invasive since it does not involve needles. The cosmetic surgeon uses a small, hand-held device that removes bacteria and dirt from the epidermis. On the other hand, microneedling involves smaller, thinner needles puncturing the upper skin surface to trigger collagen and elastin formation in the inner skin layers.
The Bottom Line
Microneedling is a medical skin treatment that involves making small holes in the epidermis. The process is minimally invasive since it utilizes smaller, thinner needles. Microneedling eliminates fine lines and wrinkles. It also reduces the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars. In addition, the procedure enhances collagen production, improves skin texture, enhances skin hydration, and reduces skin hyperpigmentation.
Although microneedling has minimal side effects, they subside with time. Consult your cosmetic doctor if you experience the side effects for an extended period. Microneedling procedures last for about six months to a year.
References
Casabona, G. (2019). Micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for the treatment of stretch marks. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(2), 20.
Dabek, R. J., Roh, D. S., Ozdemir, D., Austen Jr, W. G., & Bojovic, B. (2019). Fractional laser-assisted hair regrowth and microneedling for the treatment of alopecia areata: a review. Cureus, 11(6).
Khalid, F. A., Ahmad, S., Mehrose, M. Y., Saleem, M., Yousaf, M. A., Mujahid, A. M., … & Tarar, M. N. (2019). Efficacy of micro-needling on post-acne scars. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 31(3), 336-339.
Minh, P. P. T., Bich, D. D., Van, T. N., Khang, T. H., Gandolfi, M., Satolli, F., … & Lotti, T. (2019). Microneedling therapy for atrophic acne scar: effectiveness and safety in Vietnamese patients. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(2), 293.#
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