Microneedling: Everything You Need to Know

acne, Aging, Micro-Needling, Pigmentation, Wendy Ashley, wrinkles No Comments

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I get asked all the time about microneedling. When someone finds out this is something I have performed as part of my practice, questions are sure to follow. Just this past week, my cousin who lives out of state called me to specifically ask what microneedling was, do I perform it and what kinds of results do I see.

I want to start by saying, microneedling is my FAVORITE service to perform and my personal favorite for my skin. I find the recovery and results to be consistent and predictable. Downtime is minimal and comfortable.

So, I thought it was time to share 6 of my most commonly asked questions and maybe help shed some light on this awesome treatment.

What is microneedling exactly?

Microneedling is a treatment performed with a small, medical grade appliance, typically resembling a fat marker or highlighter. Each treatment is performed with a new, clean, sterile needle head. That needle head, or cartridge, contains 12, 33 gage (very small) needles, clustered together, that pulse up and down, in a vertical and oscillating motion, at varying depths and speeds, controlled by the practitioner. This process creates micro channels, as we make passes along the skin. This purposeful wounding, in turn, encourages the body’s reparative system to step up and produce collagen and elastin.

What will microneedling do for my skin?

As we age, we experience volume loss that results in lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. This volume loss is the result of a decrease in collagen production. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies and the primary component of our connective tissue. We need collagen to give our skin structure. Microneedling is a collagen inducing therapy, thereby, directly encouraging new collagen production. Our patients experience a change in texture, firmness, discoloration and overall health and appearance of their skin. Think of this amazing “pen” style appliance as erasing evidence of how time and the environment have effected your skin.

Can’t I just buy one of those face rollers and use it as home?

I get this one a lot. Especially as the home rollers popularity has increased in the last 3 or 4 years due to a popular sell from home skin care line. Even as a trained professional, I cannot imagine picking up one of those use at home “weapons” and taking it to my face. The first difference I point out is how painful that must feel. When we microneedle a patient, we apply a topical numbing cream. Here at Pelle Medical Skincare, this cream is specially formulated for our microneedling treatments and makes the experience so much more comfortable. We all have heard the old saying, beauty is pain. But, at least in this case, it doesn’t have to be.

Second, there is a huge difference in the process of microneedling versus a roller. A roller performs as such, in a rolling motion, with metal spikes, thru your tissue. This causes additional, unnecessary tissue damage. With that rolling motion, there is a dragging, tugging even tearing that occurs that does nothing to aid in what you are trying to accomplish with this type of treatment. And actually, creates unnecessary inflammation that lasts days longer than the treatment performed with the straight up and down, controlled motion of the microneedling appliance.

What will I look like after the treatment?

Another popular question. Especially with celebrities like Kim Kardashian posting pictures of her after pictures of her microneedling, people are freaked out about what they will look like when we are finished. Immediately after we are finished with your treatment, you will be red and flushed, as if you have had too much sun. Some experience small red dots for a few hours or a day. But for the majority, by the end of 24 hours, you will look like yourself and you are welcome to wear make-up. The minimal amount of downtime, is one of the many reasons I love microneedling for my clients and even myself.

Is microneedling only good for anti-aging?

No. While microneedling is a great tool for patients looking to address their aging concerns, it is also very useful in treating acne and scars left behind by acne. It’s great for treating pigmentation, whether hormonal, post acne or sun damage. A little-known fact is that we can even treat aging and pigmentation concerns on the BACK OF YOUR HANDS!

Is one treatment enough to see the difference I want to see in my skin?

In most cases, you are going to see the best results after 6 consistent treatments. By consistent I mean every 6 weeks. We are treating and correcting your concerns on a deep, cellular level. It takes times to see the optimal results. But trust me, you are going to see results. Of course, there are patients that have needed more than 6, but the majority are very happy after six treatments. We always recommend having maintenance microneedling sessions once or twice a year.

Fortunately, microneedling pairs nicely with the other treatments you are already doing for your skin, such as dermaplaning and peels. You can continue your already established regimen and add microneedling in every 6 weeks. Our amazing ladies here at Pelle will work closely with you to customize the best regimen and home care to optimize your results.

My guess is, these 6 questions have probably brought up more questions for you. I would love to hear from you and get you all the information you need. Feel free to email Pellé or call and schedule a consultation at 513.272.0064.

— Article by Wendy Ashley, LMA

 

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