With “needle” in the name, microneedling may seem like a frightening treatment option. Although numbing cream is used, the technique is non-invasive and has many more positive effects on the skin than just a regular facial.
You’re generating collagen and thickening the skin,” adds Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Sheila Nazarian, M.D., “so instead of looking fantastic for a few days after your regular facial, your skin is smooth and radiant for much longer.”
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling causes your skin to generate new collagen as a result of this stimulation. Skin is slightly injured by the procedure’s pinpricks, prompting the body to produce new, collagen-rich skin.
The newer skin tissue is more uniform in color and feel. Collagen loss occurs often in older people and when skin has been injured. Adding collagen to the skin may help make it firmer by stimulating the growth of new skin tissue.
What Can You Expect From a Microneedling Treatment?
The procedure starts with a thorough face wash and applies a topical numbing medication. After that has taken effect your doctor will use a serum on your skin to help it mend.
Dr. Nazarian recommends “needling in” the serum by gliding a microneedling machine pen back and forth across your face, with the needles moving in an up-and-down motion.
a mask is utilized further to seal the serum and the procedure results. Remember that microneedling is not the same as the controversial vampire facial that employs growth factors from your blood and is only suggested for advanced aging.
Can You Feel the Microneedling Needles?
If having tiny needles pierce your skin fills you with dread, know that it won’t hurt. The numbing lotion helps alleviate the slight discomfort that is often experienced during the operation, and after that, you can expect some slight pinkness, similar to a sunburn. Small, punctate sores may appear, but they will most heal in a day or two.
What Kinds of People Benefit Most from Microneedling?
Because it’s completely mechanical and doesn’t include any heat, Dr. Nazarian claims it’s suitable for people of any skin tone. Smoothing out the skin and filling in acne scars are two significant side effects of this therapy, but it can also reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by blocked pores.
Dr. Jaliman warns against microneedling for those with eczema, rosacea, or susceptible skin. Blood-thinning medications and heavy alcohol use can lead to dehydration, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore you should also avoid it.
How Often Should I Get Microneedling?
It all relies on the extent of the skin problem. She recommends doing microneedling once every three to six months if your skin is healthy and you take good care of it.
However, a person with severe acne scars should schedule a treatment once a month for four to six months. Dr. Nazarian recommends coming in for touch-ups once a year or more often if you feel like your skin needs a fresh start. We recommend a minimum of four treatments for the face and a maximum of six for the rest of the body.
