Microneedling treatment is a great way to address stubborn acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. The popularity of this minimally invasive procedure continues to grow among skincare enthusiasts and professionals.
The treatment works as a trusted skincare solution by creating tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin that trigger the body’s natural healing response. The process gets more and thus encourages more collagen production to improve skin texture, reduce scarring, and make your skin look better overall. This piece will teach you everything about microneedling, from its working mechanism to what you can expect during and after the treatment.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that creates controlled skin injuries using fine, sterilized needles. A hand-held roller or an electric tool with tiny needles penetrates the skin’s surface to a precise depth.
How Does It Work?
The body’s natural healing response drives the science behind microneedling. Tiny punctures from microneedles trigger a rapid healing cascade that releases various growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factors. These microinjuries stimulate new collagen and elastin fiber production.
The procedure creates micropunctures reaching depths between 0.5 to 2 millimeters, based on the treatment area and desired results. Research through histological examinations shows a remarkable 400% increase in collagen and elastin deposition six months after four treatment sessions.
The healing process follows these key stages:
- Formation of a fibronectin matrix within 5 days
- Development of new collagen III that persists for 5-7 years
- Thickening of the stratum spinosum
- Establishment of normal rete ridges at one year post-treatment
This controlled injury process guides neovascularization and neocollagenesis to depths of 5 to 600 micrometers with a 1.5mm needle. The skin’s follicular infundibulum widens by 47%, which improves its absorption of therapeutic products.
Who Can Get Microneedling?
Microneedling treatment helps adults who want better skin. We found this procedure works well for all skin colors and types. It’s an inclusive option that addresses various esthetic concerns.
The Ideal Candidate
People aged 18 and older who want to fix specific skin issues make perfect candidates for microneedling. The treatment helps people with:
- Acne scars and enlarged pores
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Stretch marks and surgical scars
In spite of that, some conditions might stop you from getting treatment. People with active skin infections, ongoing acne breakouts, or chronic conditions like psoriasis should wait. Those with blood disorders or people on anticoagulant therapy should avoid this procedure too.
Consultation
A complete consultation will give optimal results and safety before starting microneedling treatment. Your original appointment serves several purposes. Your healthcare provider will get into your skin condition, look at your medical history, and talk about your esthetic goals.
During the consultation, the specialist will review:
- Current skincare routine
- Existing skin concerns
- Medical conditions that might affect treatment
- Expected outcomes and number of sessions needed
The consultation also has a detailed discussion about potential risks and proper aftercare instructions. This complete review helps create a treatment plan just for you and ensures the safest, most effective way to achieve your desired results.
The Treatment in Hampden
The microneedling treatment at our Hampden facility starts with comprehensive preparation using the FDA-approved SkinPen Precision system. We begin by cleaning your skin to remove makeup, dirt, or debris that could affect how well the treatment works.
Numbing & Preparing For The Treatment
Note that we apply a topical numbing cream that stays on your skin for about 20-30 minutes. This step will give a comfortable experience throughout the procedure. We then clean the area with alcohol to get it ready for treatment.
Treatment
The SkinPen device performs the actual microneedling by creating controlled micro-injuries with sterile needles. These needles can be adjusted to penetrate between 0.1mm to 2.5mm into the skin based on your specific needs. You can expect the procedure to take 30-60 minutes.
We apply specialized serums during the treatment that sink deep into the micro-channels created by the needles. We used serums containing growth factors and hyaluronic acid to boost the treatment’s results.
Results
Your skin responds to microneedling treatment in distinct phases. You might see improvements within 24-72 hours, but the most important changes show up after 4-6 weeks as new collagen develops in your skin. The treatment leaves your skin looking smoother and more radiant right away, and you’ll notice continued improvement in texture and firmness over time.
Most clients need a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to get the best results. These improvements can last anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on your skin condition and how well you maintain it.
Things to do before & after your treatment
Good preparation and aftercare affect your microneedling treatment’s success by a lot. These steps help you get the best results and understand what it all means for side effects.
Before your treatment
We stopped using Accutane at least six months before your treatment. You should stop using retinoids, topical antibiotics, and exfoliants 3-7 days before the procedure. Stay away from IPL/Laser procedures and keep your skin protected from sun exposure for two weeks before your session.
The best results come when you avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen three days before the procedure. Your skin needs to be clean without lotions, makeup, or sunscreen on treatment day.
After your treatment
Your skin needs protection and care after the treatment. The treated area must stay clean without makeup for 24-72 hours. Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 60-90 minutes outdoors.
Stay away from excessive heat like hot tubs, saunas, and hard exercise for the first 48 hours. Your skin may show mild redness, swelling, and flaking for 2-3 days. Use gentle cleansers with lukewarm water and pat dry with clean hands.
You can start your regular skincare routine after 48 hours, but avoid retinol products for at least 72 hours after treatment. You might need maintenance treatments based on your skin’s condition, usually every 2-4 weeks for 3-6 sessions.
Visit Elegance Esthetics Spa For Your Microneedling Treatment
Elegance Esthetics stands out in Maryland by delivering premium microneedling treatments. Our qualified practitioners bring their expertise and extensive experience to every treatment session.
Three core principles form the backbone of our service. Quality comes first – we maintain the highest standards in everything from sterility protocols to treatment procedures. Our practitioners take time to understand your esthetic goals and medical history, which makes our approach truly personal.
You’ll start with a one-on-one consultation with our expert practitioner. We’ll talk about your skincare goals and examine your skin type to create a treatment plan that works best for you. Each treatment follows our detailed protocol:
- Gentle cleansing of the treatment area
- Application of numbing cream to keep you comfortable
- Precise microneedling procedure using specialized equipment
- Detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up scheduling
Our care extends beyond the treatment room. You’ll receive complete guidance for post-treatment skincare to achieve the best possible results. We also offer advanced options like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) enhancement to boost your skin’s rejuvenation even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about microneedling treatment need clear, evidence-based answers. Here’s what you should know:
How many sessions will I need?
You’ll typically need 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. The exact number depends on your skin concerns – acne scarring needs 3-6 sessions, while collagen induction needs at least 3 treatments to start. You’ll need 2-3 treatments each year to maintain the results.
Is microneedling painful?
The discomfort stays minimal when you apply topical numbing cream 20-30 minutes before treatment. Most patients say it feels like an electric toothbrush moving across their skin. Some areas feel more sensitive because of their bony structure, such as the jawline, forehead, and hairline.
What’s the recovery period like?
Healing takes 24-72 hours, and you’ll notice some redness and mild swelling. You can return to your regular activities right away, though your skin may feel sensitive for about a week. The deeper skin layers need 3 days to 2 weeks to heal completely, based on how intense the treatment was.
Who’s an ideal candidate?
Most healthy adults looking to improve their skin can get microneedling. The treatment won’t work if you have active acne, infections, or uncontrolled diabetes. This treatment works great for people with darker skin tones since it has a lower risk of hyperpigmentation than laser treatments.
How does microneedling compare to other treatments?
Microneedling recovery takes just a few days, while chemical peels need about a week of healing. The treatment works well on all skin types and creates lasting results by stimulating collagen production. Your results will keep getting better for up to 6 months after treatment.
