What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production with minimal downtime. During the treatment, a qualified healthcare provider uses a device equipped with fine, sterilized needles to create tiny punctures in the outermost layer of the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, promoting the production of collagen and elastin—essential proteins that help maintain skin firmness and smoothness.
Although microneedling is most commonly performed on the face, it can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the legs, back, and neck, where signs of damage or aging are present. This cosmetic treatment typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and individual needs.
Microneedling can be done with or without radiofrequency (RF), and each method has distinct effects:
- Microneedling Without RF: Uses fine needles to create micro-punctures, improving skin texture, fine lines, scars, and pores by targeting the outer skin layers.
- Microneedling With RF: This technique combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The RF energy is delivered deeper into the skin layers along with the micro-punctures, promoting more extensive collagen remodeling. This method is particularly beneficial for addressing deeper skin concerns, such as skin laxity and crepiness, and provides enhanced tightening and lifting effects.
In this article, we will cover the various aspects of microneedling, including the conditions it can treat, the specific procedure performed at Dermapure, and potential side effects. We’ll also discuss how to prepare your skin for the treatment and what to expect after the procedure.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling offers a range of benefits for skin health and appearance, primarily through its ability to stimulate collagen production. Here’s a closer look at its key advantages:
Collagen Production
One of the main benefits of microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is its ability to boost collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic. However, starting around age 25, our collagen production naturally decreases by about 1% each year. This loss of collagen affects the skin’s strength and elasticity. By the time women reach menopause, collagen production can drop by about 30% within just five years. Microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin to help restore a youthful appearance.
In addition to reduced collagen production, the aging process is further accelerated by an enzyme called collagenase. Collagenase breaks down existing collagen in the skin. As we age, the levels of this enzyme increase, which speeds up the breakdown of collagen fibers. This accelerated breakdown contributes to the loss of skin elasticity and the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
Microneedling helps counteract these effects by creating tiny punctures in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This process leads to a significant increase in collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing overall skin tone.
Skin Texture and Elasticity
Microneedling effectively improves the appearance and texture of the skin. It can minimize the visibility of facial acne scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles by encouraging the skin to renew itself. The treatment also enhances skin elasticity and smoothness, making it beneficial for those looking to address signs of aging or skin damage.
The treatment can be tailored using different needle lengths, which affects the results in various ways:
- Shallow Needle Penetration:
When microneedling is performed with shallow needle penetration, it primarily focuses on improving skin radiance, evenness, and permeability. This means the treatment enhances the glow of the skin and makes it more receptive to home skincare products, allowing them to work more effectively.
- Deeper Needle Penetration:
For deeper microneedling, which involves longer needle penetration, the impact is more profound. This approach targets the deeper layers of the skin, promoting significant structural changes that improve skin tightness and rejuvenation. Deeper treatments are particularly beneficial for addressing more substantial concerns such as deep wrinkles and severe skin damage.
RF vs. Non-RF Microneedling
Microneedling can be performed with or without radiofrequency (RF), each offering different results based on the treatment depth and intended outcomes.
Microneedling Without RF focuses on stimulating collagen production within the outer layers of the skin. This traditional approach enhances surface texture and addresses superficial skin concerns, such as fine lines and surface scars. It’s effective for improving skin smoothness and radiance but works primarily on the outermost skin layers.
Microneedling With RF RF microneedling integrates radiofrequency energy, allowing for deeper skin treatment. This method targets the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen remodeling and enhancing tightening and lifting effects. It is particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles and addressing skin laxity, especially in areas like the abdomen where skin may appear saggy or wrinkled. The heat from RF energy helps smooth out pronounced lines and improves overall skin texture. Additionally, RF microneedling can be tailored to individual needs with adjustable needle depths and RF intensity, making it a versatile option for various skin concerns.
Hair Growth
While microneedling is primarily known for its skin benefits, emerging evidence suggests it may also aid in hair growth. A 2021 review published in Dermatologic Therapy highlighted microneedling’s potential in treating hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia. This review points to microneedling’s ability to enhance hair growth by stimulating the scalp and promoting the regeneration of hair follicles.
Microneedling works by creating tiny punctures in the scalp, which triggers a healing response that encourages increased blood flow and collagen production. This process can improve the overall health of hair follicles and create a more favorable environment for hair growth.
For even more effective results, microneedling is often combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP involves extracting a concentration of platelets from your own blood and applying it to the scalp. The growth factors in PRP further stimulate the hair follicles, enhancing the microneedling benefits and potentially leading to more significant hair regrowth.
How painful is microneedling?
Microneedling is generally well-tolerated, but the level of discomfort can vary from person to person. Many describe the sensation as a mild prickling or scratching feeling.
To minimize discomfort, a topical numbing cream is typically applied to the treatment area before the procedure. This anesthetic cream helps to numb the skin, making the procedure more comfortable and reducing pain significantly. The numbing effect usually lasts throughout the treatment, and most patients experience minimal to no pain during the session.
What conditions does microneedling treat?
Microneedling addresses a variety of skin concerns by promoting collagen production and skin renewal through controlled micro-injuries. Here’s how it helps with different conditions:
- Enlarged Pores: By stimulating collagen around the pores, microneedling tightens the surrounding skin, which helps reduce pore size and makes them appear smaller and less noticeable.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The treatment encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which smooths out fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Loose or Crepey Skin: Microneedling tightens and firms sagging skin by boosting collagen, which restores elasticity and improves skin texture.
- Mild Scars, Especially From Acne or Burns: Microneedling helps to remodel the skin and break down scar tissue, leading to smoother skin over time. Studies have shown significant improvement in the appearance of scars post-treatment.
- Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots: By promoting skin turnover, microneedling can help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots, leading to a more even skin tone.
- Skin Discoloration and Uneven Tone: The skin rejuvenation process helps correct uneven skin tones by encouraging cell renewal.
- Stretch Marks (Thighs and Abdominal Area): Research shows that microneedling significantly improves the appearance of stretch marks by increasing collagen and elastin in the treated areas . One study demonstrated a reduction in the severity of stretch marks, with a high satisfaction rate among participants.
- Alopecia Areata: When combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), microneedling can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth in individuals with conditions like alopecia.
- Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): Microneedling has been explored as a treatment for hyperhidrosis, particularly when used with RF energy, as it can reduce excessive sweating by targeting sweat glands. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology supports this effectiveness, demonstrating significant improvement in patients with hyperhidrosis after treatment. Read the study here.
- Cellulite (RF Microneedling): For cellulite, RF microneedling is highly effective. The radiofrequency energy penetrates deep into the skin layers, breaking down fat and tightening the skin. Studies show that RF microneedling is safe and effective for long-term treatment of Type II and III cellulite. A single session can significantly reduce cellulite with lasting results and a high success rate.
- Skin Tightening: The combination of microneedling and RF energy is especially effective for skin tightening. It reaches deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.
By promoting collagen remodeling and skin renewal, microneedling effectively treats a broad range of skin issues, offering both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.
Contraindications
Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for many skin types; however, certain conditions and situations may make it unsuitable. Before undergoing microneedling, it is essential to consider the following contraindications and consult with a healthcare provider:
- Active Acne or Accutane Use: Individuals with active acne or those taking acne medications like Accutane should avoid microneedling, as it may increase the risk of scarring. It’s advised to wait at least six months after discontinuing Accutane.
- Blood Disorders or Anticoagulants: People with blood clotting disorders or who are on blood thinners should avoid microneedling due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
- Cancer Treatments: If you are currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, microneedling is not recommended as it may interfere with healing.
- Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system can lead to a higher risk of infection post-treatment, so those with weakened immunity should avoid the procedure.
- Skin Rashes or Cold Sores: If you frequently experience skin rashes like contact dermatitis or cold sores, microneedling could trigger or worsen these conditions.
- Keloidal Scarring: Individuals prone to keloids, which are hard, raised scars, should avoid microneedling as it may exacerbate this condition.
- Suspicious Skin Growths: Moles, freckles, skin tags, or other growths that change in size, shape, or begin to bleed should be evaluated by a healthcare provider before considering microneedling.
- Sensitive Skin: Individuals with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should consult with a dermatologist to determine if microneedling is safe, as it may aggravate their condition.
- Open Wounds and Active Skin Infections: The treatment should not be performed on skin with open wounds, cuts, or active skin infections.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid microneedling due to the potential for increased skin sensitivity and risk of complications during pregnancy.
Microneedling Procedure at Dermapure
Personalized Assessment:
Before undergoing a microneedling treatment, a consultation is scheduled to understand your skin type and expectations. This allows the expert to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal results while considering any specific skin concerns or potential allergic reactions.
Photographic Records:
Pre- and post-treatment session photographs are essential for tracking the progress of your skin. These photos help you visualize the improvements over time and provide a clear understanding of the treatment’s long-term benefits.
Skin Cleansing and Disinfection:
Thoroughly removing all traces of makeup, oil, and any surface impurities is crucial before the procedure. The skin is also disinfected to ensure a clean, sterile surface, minimizing the risk of infection and preparing it for the microneedling process.
Application of Numbing Gel:
To minimize discomfort during the procedure, a numbing gel containing lidocaine is applied to the skin. This topical medication is left on for about 45 minutes, ensuring the treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Microneedling Treatment:
The microneedling process involves applying gentle pressure to the skin with a single-use, sterile device equipped with fine needles. These needles create controlled microperforations in the skin, stimulating collagen production. The device is moved precisely and evenly across the skin, with overlapping passes to ensure complete coverage. In areas needing more attention, a second pass may be performed. After the numbing, the actual treatment takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Yes, microneedling does come with some common risks and side effects. These can include bruising, minor bleeding, and temporary skin peeling. There is also a risk of scarring or skin infection if the procedure is not done properly or if aftercare instructions are not followed. However, these side effects are generally mild and temporary when the procedure is performed by a trained professional.
When To Call the Doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you experience bleeding for more than 24 hours, blistering, or swelling that lasts longer than a week after microneedling. These symptoms could signal complications that require medical attention.
Is microneedling safe for all skin tones?
Microneedling is considered safe for all skin tones because it does not target pigment in the skin, unlike procedures that use heat, light, or lasers. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with darker skin tones, as it carries no risk of causing skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation.
How to Prepare Your Skin for Microneedling?
To prepare your skin for microneedling, follow these essential steps:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from UV rays by avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 24 hours before your treatment. Use a high-SPF sunscreen if you need to be outside.
- Pause Certain Products: Cease using retinoids, exfoliants, and other topical agents that can increase skin sensitivity, 5-7 days before your procedure. This helps prevent irritation and ensures optimal results.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep your skin well-moisturized in the days leading up to your treatment to promote better healing and results.
- Skip Blood Thinners: Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days before your session, as they can interfere with the natural healing process.
- Cleanse Gently: On the day of the procedure, cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser to ensure it is clean and free of makeup or residues.
- Avoid Other Procedures: Refrain from IPL/Laser treatments, unprotected sun exposure, and waxing or shaving in the treatment area for 5-7 days prior to your appointment.
- Address Cold Sores: If you are prone to cold sores, take an antiviral medication starting 2 days before and on the day of the treatment.
What Are the Aftercare Instructions for Microneedling?
After a microneedling treatment, the downtime can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on individual skin response and the depth of the treatment. To ensure optimal results and minimize complications, follow these aftercare instructions:
- Avoid Makeup: Refrain from applying makeup for at least one week to allow your skin to heal properly and prevent any risk of infection.
- Keep Your Skin Clean: Gently cleanse your skin daily to remove impurities and avoid infections. Use a mild cleanser and avoid scrubbing or using harsh exfoliants.
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from sun exposure by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds to prevent irritation and pigmentation issues.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintain skin hydration by using a soothing, hydrating serum or moisturizer. Keeping your skin well-moisturized aids in the healing process and enhances results.
- Avoid Irritants: Do not use products with retinoids, glycolic acid, or other irritating ingredients immediately after treatment. Stick to gentle, hydrating products.
- No Swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, rivers, or oceans for at least a week to reduce the risk of infection and prevent exposure to potential irritants.
Visible improvements typically appear within a few weeks as your skin regenerates and improves in texture and tone. Adhering to these aftercare guidelines will help you achieve the best possible outcome from your microneedling treatment.
How many sessions of microneedling do you need?
The number of microneedling sessions required to achieve noticeable results varies based on individual skin concerns and goals. Typically, for optimal results, a series of treatments is recommended. Here’s a breakdown:
- Initial Treatment Schedule: Most individuals see improvements with a series of 3 to 6 sessions. These sessions are usually spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the severity of the skin condition and the treatment plan.
- Maintenance: After completing the initial series, one session per year is often recommended for maintenance to sustain results and prevent skin issues from resurfacing.
- Results Timeline: Visible improvements generally begin to appear within a few weeks after the initial treatment. Collagen production, which is crucial for skin rejuvenation, takes about 2 to 6 months to fully develop and mature.
If treatments are discontinued, the skin will continue to age naturally over time. The effects of microneedling are not permanent, so ongoing maintenance may be necessary to retain the overall benefits and address new skin concerns that arise with aging.
How much does microneedling cost?
The cost of microneedling typically ranges from $850 to $1200 per session. This variation depends on factors such as the treatment area and the number of sessions required. Larger areas may cost more, and since multiple sessions are often needed to achieve optimal results, the total cost can add up accordingly.
Microneedling is generally not covered by insurance, as it is classified as a cosmetic procedure.
Are at-home microneedling devices effective?
At-home microneedling devices, such as dermal rollers, have become popular, especially on social media, but they differ significantly from professional treatments. While they may offer some benefits, such as improving skin texture and enhancing product absorption, their effectiveness is generally limited compared to professional microneedling.
One of the main limitations of at-home devices is their shallower needle penetration. These devices, often equipped with short, blunt needles, primarily affect the outermost layer of the skin, including the stratum corneum, which is the uppermost layer of the epidermis. This means that they do not reach the deeper dermal layers necessary for substantial collagen production and skin repair. In contrast, professional devices can penetrate deeper, ranging from 2 mm to 3 mm, reaching not only the epidermis but also the dermis, a deeper layer of skin. As a result, the improvements in skin appearance and texture are usually less pronounced than those achieved with professional treatments.
Additionally, at-home microneedling tools may pose a higher risk of infection or skin irritation if not used correctly or if proper hygiene is not maintained. Professional microneedling, conducted under sterile conditions and with deeper needle penetration, is recommended for more effective and safer results.
Various Technique of Microneedling
Serums with Microneedling
Combining microneedling with serums enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment by allowing deeper penetration of active ingredients into the skin, improving the integrity of the skin barrier. Here’s how different types of serums can complement microneedling and their specific benefits:
Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its hydrating properties. When used with microneedling, it deeply moisturizes the skin, helping to plump and smooth the complexion. This serum can also aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity and firmness.
Vitamin C
Serums Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. It supports collagen production and protects the skin from environmental damage. Applying Vitamin C serums post-microneedling enhances skin tone, reduces dark spots, and promotes a radiant glow.
Peptide Serums
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help stimulate collagen and elastin production. They are excellent for improving skin texture and reducing signs of aging. Using peptide serums with microneedling can accelerate skin repair, reduce wrinkles, and enhance overall skin firmness and resilience.
Niacinamide
Serums Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is effective in reducing redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. It also strengthens the skin barrier and improves its texture. Combining niacinamide with microneedling can help even out skin tone and address various skin concerns such as enlarged pores and post-acne marks.
Microneedling with RF
Integrating radiofrequency (RF) energy with microneedling provides an advanced treatment option that enhances the procedure’s efficacy. RF microneedling combines the mechanical effects of microneedling with the thermal effects of RF energy, promoting deeper collagen production and improving skin tightening and lifting. This technique is especially effective for treating more pronounced skin concerns.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a powerful treatment duo that leverages the regenerative properties of your own blood to enhance skin rejuvenation.
During a PRP-enhanced microneedling session, a small amount of your blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge. This specialized machine spins the blood at high speeds to separate it into its various components, concentrating the platelets and growth factors into a serum known as PRP.
While your blood is being processed, a microneedling device creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This procedure stimulates the skin’s natural healing processes and allows for deeper penetration of the PRP serum. Once the PRP is ready, it is applied to the treated skin, where it works to accelerate healing and enhance the regenerative effects of microneedling.
Benefits of Microneedling with PRP:
- Enhanced Healing and Skin Regeneration
The growth factors and platelets in PRP promote faster healing and tissue regeneration. This combination can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin.
- Effective for Acne Scars
PRP is particularly beneficial for treating acne scars. The regenerative properties of the platelets help to remodel scar tissue and improve skin texture, making it a valuable option for those looking to reduce the visibility of acne scars.
- Safe for All Skin Tones
Microneedling with PRP is an excellent option for individuals with darker skin types. Unlike treatments involving heat or light, which can sometimes cause pigmentation changes, this approach is gentle and minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Improved Skin Tone and Texture
The combination of microneedling and PRP can enhance skin tone and texture, leaving the skin looking smoother and more even. The PRP infusion helps to rejuvenate the skin from within, providing a more youthful and radiant appearance.