What’s The Point Of Microneedling?
Table of Contents
ToggleDr. Phillip Chang
Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
First up, Microneedling has nothing to do with sewing or needlepoint. If you have come to this post thinking about quilting or dress making you will be disappointed. Microneedling is a beauty procedure used to help treat scars, pigment issues and reduce wrinkles and lines.
It’s not a new procedure. Back in 1905, Ernst Kromayer, a German dermatologist, used various sized dental burs to treat scars and birthmarks. It has, however, come a long way since then using hypodermic needles to safely make micro injuries in the skin to encourage collagen production. It is a very popular procedure for people who want to look younger but are not ready for a facelift or other surgical route.
If Microneedling is something you want to know more about, you have come to the right place. We have collated all the information into a formative and easy to read Q&A for you.
What Can Microneedling Do For Me?
Microneedling has shown to help improve a number of skin issues. A 2009 study showed that over 80% of patients who used this procedure to treat acne scarring had assessed their treatment as ‘excellent’ and felt that their acne scars were visibly reduced.
It can also reduce pores, improve the look of stretch marks, moderate sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
How Does Microneedling Work?
It is a nonsurgical treatment that uses a handheld device made up of 12 very fine needles at the tip. This is rolled over your skin, lightly puncturing at surface-level only, creating small wounds. These break down old scar tissue and help generate new skin cell growth. As the skin heals it produces collagen and elastin which tighten and plumpen the skin to create a healthy glow and makes your skin look tighter, brighter and healthier.
How Often Do I Need To Have Microneedling Done?
Your skin will look luminous after one treatment, but we would recommend you have between 3 – 6 sessions depending on what you are treating. Scar reduction will need more treatments than fine wrinkles. A 2008 study showed that after the fourth session, collagen production typically occurs leading to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment!
It is not a permanent solution, and we would recommend you combine it with a laser therapy like BBL to get maximum results.
Is It Only For The Face?
Microneedling can be used for most parts of the body. Common areas include: the face, neck, arms, thighs, chest and legs. Wherever you get stretch marks, pigmentation issues, scarring, saggy skin and fine lines.
Does It Hurt?
Before a microneedling session, your face will be slathered in a numbing cream. This takes around 20 minutes to kick in and will ensure that you feel little pain during the treatment. Once the numbing cream wears off, you may experience mild soreness.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary depending on treatment. The pricing is based on the condition being treated and how many sessions are required. But, you can expect to pay between $200 and $700 per treatment. During your initial consultation, your practitioner will perform a skin analysis and then cost up a treatment plan.
How Long Will The Treatment Take?
The actual Microneedling will take around 20 minutes depending on where on your body you are having it done. The numbing ointment can take up to 30 minutes to take effect. After the treatment, a calming solution is applied to help reduce the soreness and redness. You will then be ready to leave. Expect Microneedling to take around 60 to 90 minutes. You should expect to take a half day from work.
What Is The Downtime?
Recovery time is relatively short. You will have some redness for a couple of days and may see some minute pinprick marks. You can wear make-up to cover the redness. There may be some soreness but an over the counter pain killer can help with that. Remember to apply a very high SPF cream if going outside to protect your skin while it is vulnerable.
Is It Safe? Are There Side Effects?
It is safe for most people although we don’t recommend you have it done if you are using Accutane or have used it within the last 2-3 months. Also those with skin infections or open wounds, herpes simplex or actively undergoing radiation.
Side effects are minimal but can include pinpoint bleeding, mild swelling and redness. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may find your skin is itchy. Moisturize with vitamin rich cream or vaseline.
Can Microneedling Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Using Microneedling with Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is very effective at stimulating skin cells to encourage tightening. PRP is taken from your own blood and applied to your skin after Microneedling so the rich plasma can penetrate the skin through the micro injuries.
BBL and non-surgical skin tightening are also good companions. They will be worked into your treatment plan at your initial consultation.
Invitation
If you are looking for plumper, healthier, stronger skin with minimal downtime and little discomfort, Microneedling could be the right treatment for you. We invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
Let Us Help You!
Our office can provide you will helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many procedures we offer.
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