Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation. Now it is being used for a wide range of conditions including acne scars, post-traumatic burn scars, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks and many more.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure using thin needles. Your doctor or clinician uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps your body stimulate the skin’s healing process. The aim is to produce more collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that keep your skin firm and smooth.
It is very easy to see the benefits of microneedling before and after.
Who Benefits from Microneedling?
You should consider microneedling if you suffer from any of the following:
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines or wrinkles
- Loose skin
- Mild scars, especially from acne or burns
- Skin discolouration or uneven skin tone
- Stretch marks
- Alopecia Areata (hair loss due to autoimmune disease)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Before Microneedling
You will have a consultation with a healthcare provider. These procedures can be safely done by a doctor, plastic surgeon, dermatologist or aesthetician. Just make sure whoever is performing the procedure has extensive experience in the technique.
The provider will do an examination of your skin, review your health history and discuss any goals you have for the procedure. They should take photos of the area so you can compare your results from before and after.
Before starting treatment, your provider may ask you to apply vitamin A or C cream to your skin. These creams can help start the process of collagen production.
During Microneedling
Your clinician will clean your skin and apply a numbing cream or ointment. They will do this about 30 – 45 minutes before the procedure to give the ointment time to work.
The device has tiny needles which penetrate your skin as the clinician gently rolls it across the treatment area. With electrical devices, the needles pulse up and down to puncture your skin. The depth of the puncture is controlled by the operator. Longer needles go deeper into your skin. This might be necessary if you are addressing deep scars or pockmarks from acne.
You might feel a warmth or scratching sensation on your face once the process starts. Some people feel discomfort is the needles are near bony areas such as your cheekbones. Deep microneedling may cause slight bleeding. You are alert so you can discuss what’s happening with your practitioner.
After Microneedling
The procedure might last 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area that needs treatment. Once the treatment is over you can go home.
Your skin might be red and swollen for a few days afterwards. You can use an ice pack to reduce irritation and discomfort. You can wear makeup the day after, but it is recommended to stay out of the sun until your skin heals.
Microneedling is a proven safe and minimally invasive procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin.
