What in the world is microneedling?
Quick Facts
Microneedling uses a dermaroller to prick the skin to aid in generating new collagen leading to smoother, firmer skin
Usually used on the facial area and can also be used to treat scarring, wrinkles or large pores
The procedure is considered safe for most healthy people, is non-invasive and has virtually no downtime
Those who take certain medications or are pregnant are not suitable for the procedure
Approximately four + treatments are required for optimal results
Microneedling is much more effective than home rollers
What is microneedling?
Also know as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can be used to treat a range of skin concerns including acne scarring, stretch marks and sun spots.
To be considered an ideal candidate for the procedure, you are in good health, are not pregnant and have skin concerns that have not responded to other relative treatments such as chemical peels.
Microneedling works by encouraging skin to produce more collagen. In the case of microneedling, the small pin pricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin, resulting in the skin responding by making new collagen-rich tissue.
Leading up to your appointment, you may be asked to begin preparations such as refraining from using topical retinoids and stopping certain medications such as ibuprofen and acne medications.
Approximately an hour or so before your treatment, a topical anaesthetic will be applied to your skin to reduce the chance of any pain being felt. During the procedure, small pricks in the skin are made with a pen-like tool, often called a dermapen. It is unlikely that you will notice these after the procedure. Following the procedure a serum will be applied to the skin to aid in calming and soothing your skin. All in all, you can expect a total time of around two hours.
After the procedure you can expect minimal to no down time, though you may notice redness and irritation on the skin in the first few days following. Your skin will be sensitive after the procedure, so a good quality sunscreen is an absolute must.
Your skin will work rather quickly to rejuvenate itself, so you should start seeing results within two weeks. However, as microneedling is not a permanent treatment, you may need multiple sessions and/or complimentary treatments to maintain your results. Your individual treatment plan will be discussed with you by your cosmetic professional.
What can microneedling treat?
Acne & other scars
Sun / Age spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Large pores
Uneven skin tone
Reduced skin elasticity
While microneedling is most often used in the facial area, it can be used in conjunction with other treatments to aid in reducing the look of stretch marks in the thigh and abdominal area.
What are the risks and side-effects?
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are side effects. While the most common side effect is skin irritation following the procedure, there are some larger side effects to watch for that would warrant a call to your treating professional / Doctor:
Bleeding
Bruising
Infection
Peeling
Microneedling may not be recommended for those who:
Are pregnant
Have certain skin diseases
Have open wounds
Have had recent radiation therapy
What about home rollers?
Home rollers have become a popular DIY and lower cost option for those seeking to achieve salon results at home. However, while attractive, home rollers do not penetrate the skin as well as the equipment used in a skin clinic so you may find that the results are incredibly temporary and that the desired results have not been achieved.
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