Micro-needling: The Next Big Thing In Skin Rejuvenation

Medical treatments and advanced technologies represent the perfect marriage in collaboration between the procedure itself and the body’s own healing mechanism. Micro-needling for skin rejuvenation and reduced fine lines and deep wrinkles is an elegant example of this.

Effectively known for its medical and cosmetic benefits, micro-needling is increasingly quoted as the next big thing in skincare. Here is an inside look into micro-needling, how it works, its benefits, and recovery tips.

What is micro-needling and how does it work?

Microneedling, also known as skin needling, collagen induction therapy (CIT) and percutaneous collagen therapy (PCI) is a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure for skin rejuvenation that uses a micro-needling device to create controlled skin injury.

Micro-wounds are created through each fine needle puncture in the skin, allowing each controlled injury to trigger the body to fill these microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. As a result, there is an improvement in overall skin texture, firmness and hydration, as well as reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

What is micro-needling used for?

Micro-needling is most commonly used for reducing scars (caused by acne, surgery, etc.), fading stretch marks, reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles, and tightening sagging skin. It is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures. Unlike chemical peels, dermabrasion and/or laser treatment, micro-needling yields the results while causing minimal skin damage.

Am I a candidate for micro-needling?

Micro-needling can be safely performed on all skin types and all skin colors. There are a few restrictions that may limit or exclude patients from undergoing this procedure:

-Are pregnant or breast feeding
-Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
-Have any kind of current skin infection, condition, herpes simplex in the area to be treated
-Have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
-Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions on the skin
-Have used Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the last three months

What are the benefits of micro-needling?

Micro-needling has numerous benefits, including medical, cosmetic and cost purposes. Below are its key benefits to consider:

-Suitable for all skin types, including ethnic skin
-Performed on all areas of the scalp, face and body including fragile areas like around eyes, mouth and neck
-Quick post-operative recovery period
-Stimulates circulation, collagen production and tissue regeneration
-Cost effective compared to other resurfacing procedures
-Reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring
-Reduces pore size

What should I expect during the micro-needling procedure?

Micro-needling is an investment in time; the number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual skin condition and how he/she responds to the treatment. While 3-6 treatments are often recommended, a minimum separation time of 4-6 weeks is required between treatments. Patients, however, will begin to see results after the first appointment.

The procedure can take a few minutes up to an hour to complete, depending on the area to be treated and the severity of the condition. On the day of the procedure, no lotions, makeup or other topical products are to be applied on the treatment area. Your medical professional may apply a topical numbing cream on the treatment area or inject local anesthetic to minimize discomfort prior to beginning the procedure.

During the procedure, the skin is punctured in a specific pattern using a skin needling device that is used to over the skin multiple times to maximize results. As each fine needle punctures the skin, microscopic wounds are created to stimulate skin cell regeneration.

Post-procedure Instructions and Recovery

After the procedure, post-operative care is important between and after sessions. These include:

-Moisturizing Skin regularly. Skin dryness, scaling, redness and swelling may be seen after treatment, lasting for several days or longer, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles
-Sun protection, recommended for several weeks (avoid zinc-based products)
-Using a gentle cleanser the evening of the procedure. Cleansing, skincare and makeup may be applied the next day, but avoid products with AHA’s glycolic acid, retinol and acidic ingredients

Emollients and antibiotic creams may be prescribed, if considered necessary
Follow up with your medical professional on scheduled and follow up sessions

If micro-needling peaks your interest, visit Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery to schedule your next appointment.

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