Microneedling… The Collagen Booster
Hello from Advanced Aesthetics.
Today I’d like to tell you about microneedling. This is a very popular facial treatment throughout the country for a very good reason. It is a collagen induction treatment. A what? It is a treatment that induces or promotes the body to produce new collagen and elastin in the skin. New collagen and elastin in the skin will promote a more youthful appearance, because as we age we lose collagen and elastin, it becomes less organized and just older. In addition, new collagen and elastins can help minimize scarring and wrinkles. Scars may be from an accident/trauma or even scars from acne or stretch marks. As the skin heals, it begins creating the new collagens and elastins to replace older, damaged ones. As the skin’s dermis improves, so does the look of the outer surface of the skin with a smoother, more firm appearance.
How is the treatment performed? First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed, dried, and a topical numbing agent is applied to the skin for several minutes. Once the surface of the skin is numb and rinsed, a microneedling device is used over the skin. I use the SkinPen microneedling device, as it is the only FDA approved microneedling device in the US. This device has several very tiny needles that oscillate very rapidly into the upper dermis of the skin to create small micro-injuries. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process through cytokines and growth hormones to produce new collagen and elastin, i.e. younger, smoother skin. During the procedure, additional products are often placed on the skin such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, or even PRP (as discussed below) for even better results.
Healing time after this is about 5-7 days total, with redness lessening throughout that time as well as likely some peeling. No makeup should be applied for 2-3 days (3 days is preferred), and only the products recommended by your physician should be used. Mineral makeups can be worn if really needed, but just plan to wear none for best results. In addition, say “no” to any sun exposure and be prepared to use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed (get a pretty one) hat FOREVER! It is a necessity. Why do treatments to improve the look of your skin and try to reverse the aging that has occurred to your skin and then go and re-damage it by exposing it to UV light, infrared light, and heat that will re-damage it? Just don’t do it.
You will see the most results and have complete healing and stimulation of the skin in about 6 months after the treatment, although you will see results more quickly than this. At 6 months after your treatments are done, this is the best the skin will look.
Have you heard of the Vampire Facial? This is what all the hype is with it, and it deserves the hype. This is microneedling with PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma added to improve stimulation with growth hormones and stem cells from your own blood that gets microneedled into the skin. Basically the best of microneedling.
These treatments are best done in a series of at least 4-6, about 1 month apart. But some may need more in that series to treat more extensive problems. In addition, be prepared to keep your look up after the procedure by getting one every 4-6 months.
The below before and after photos are courtesy of the SkinPen site. They are quite dramatic and you can expect the same with your skin.
