Microneedling

If you’ve tried all the high-end creams and magical serums and are still looking for a way to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne scars, microneedling may be the next step for you. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure where an automated pen with a disposable tip that contains 12 tiny sterile needles is used to create small needle punctures or micro-injuries to the skin. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeated skin puncturing with very small needles to generate new collagen that results in smoother, firmer skin. Microneedling – sometimes called skin needling, collagen induction therapy (CIT) or percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) is used to treat and improve conditions such as acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin texture, visible pores, brown spots, stretch marks and pigment issues. Most people may have the procedure performed as long as they do not have any active infections, lesions, or any known wound healing problems. 

THE SCIENCE

The automated pen uses a sterile disposable tip that contains 12 needles that create very controlled microinjuries to the skin. Each microinjury then stimulates a cascade needed for wound healing. Simply put, microinjuries cause inflammation. The inflammation then recruits different types of growth factors with the end result being skin rejuvenation. The needles can also work to break down old, hardened scar tissue.

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeated skin puncturing with very small needles to generate new collagen that results in smoother, firmer skin.

GOOD FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE

The procedure itself is considered a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve harsh chemicals such as chemical peels, nor does it use light or laser technology such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or CO2. For these reasons, microneedling is known to be good for most skin types including Asians, Latinxs, and African Americans.

FINE LINES AND WRINKLE REDUCTION

With a few sessions of microneedling the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and deep wrinkles will be reduced using the body’s own healing cascade. You may consciously sense tightening of the skin.

SKIN TEXTURE

The small needles stimulate collagen deposition on the treated areas which can help shrink your pores. It can also break up hard tissue that has formed due to acne scarring and give your skin a smoother appearance.

SUN DAMAGE AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

Microneedling can help reduce hyperpigmented areas of the skin by breaking up the pigment that lies below the skin’s surface. Several treatments along with some skin lightening products will help lighten the skin.

Although minimally invasive, as with any procedure, microneedling may have adverse effects such as hyper or hypopigmentation. Other adverse effects reported consist of aggravation of acne and reactivation of herpes. It is always important to notify your provider of a history of herpes or cold sores. After the procedure it is very important to protect yourself from the sun and wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.