Receiving a microneedling treatment is a quick and easy process. Before beginning, the practitioner cleanses the skin of the treatment area and applies a prescription-level numbing cream to ensure the treatment is painless, though some patients report a slight tickle. The skin is again cleansed and the practitioner passes a small pen-shaped medical grade device over the treatment area, sometimes multiple times. Rejuvenation of the skin begins quickly after the procedure is complete.
Afterward, the treatment area may have slight bleeding or appear red like a mild sunburn. Sensitivity after treatment usually lasts between 24 to 72 hours after treatment. For a minimum of 12 hours after a microneedling treatment, you should avoid any sun exposure to the treated area, as well as avoid applying any make-up or acidic products to the area. Sunscreen should be worn for at least a week after treatment.
Our practitioner likens receiving a microneedling treatment to,"lifting weights," because it builds collagen and elastin the same way you build muscle at the gym. When you lift weights, you create tiny micro traumas in the muscle which the body quickly sends blood and nutrients to heal. In that same way, microneedling creates micro traumas in the skin which the body sends blood and nutrients to heal, only instead of building muscle, you build collagen.
Microneedling treatments are popularly known to improves the color and texture of skin, however few realize the extent of issues which microneedling can help. Four or less treatments can help rejuvenate sun damaged skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even treat hyperpigmentation or areas of skin discoloration. It also works to reduce or even competely eliminate scars, especially smaller acne scars which can be brought to the surface by increasing collagen growth beneath them.
A 2019 study found that 97% of patients had a positive result to their microneedling treatment.
MICRONEEDLING
With so many ways to treat surface skin issues, it's hard for any one treatment to stand out however that's exactly what microneedling does. Microneedling treatments are less intensive than chemical peels, they penetrate deeper than lasers, and don't require the expense and recovery time of injectables. They are an increasingly popular treatment option which plump the skin, increase collagen production, and diminish surface skin problems with minimal pain. If you haven't heard of microneedling before, now is a great time to find out more about microneedling and maybe even see it's success for yourself.
R Jessie Edwards, FNP
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