Skin Aging Process and Microneedling

As our skin ages, the production of the skin’s primary building block (collagen) slows down which causes the skin to look and feel thin. By stimulating the production of new skin cells, microneedling creates a more youthful and uniform skin appearance. Clinical results from microneedling are natural, subtle, and achieved over time as the body repairs itself. As a result, it can be used to minimize wrinkles and enlarged pores as well as to improve the appearance of scars in all skin types.

What Is the Microneedling Process?

Microneedling treatments can be performed alone, but a series of 3 to 5 treatments at monthly time intervals are often recommended to maximize the clinical response. Each minimally invasive procedure is performed within a 30 minute office visit. Our providers will determine the best treatment strategy for each individual based on the degree of skin damage and patient concerns.

What Is the Recovery Like?

During the procedure, there may be light bleeding, but the skin appears only minimally pink (without bleeding) at the completion of the treatment. As such, microneedling is considered a “no downtime” treatment. The healing process is quick and painless. Mild skin redness and swelling (like a sunburn) is expected, but resolves quickly within a few days. Skin care products to enhance the results from the procedure are supplied in order to maximize the benefits from treatment. In most cases, makeup can be applied the following day. Favorable clinical responses are often observed within 3-4 weeks after treatment as the collagen begins to form.

What Conditions Can be Treated with Microneedling?

Microneedling is recommended for treatment of enlarged pores, vertical lip lines, crow’s feet, stretch marks, and scars from a variety of causes such as acne, trauma, and surgery. Our providers often combine it with other treatments, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), in order to increase the clinical benefits.

Acne (and Other) Scars

Microneedling is recommended for a variety of different scars- including those resulting from acne, trauma, or surgery. Clinical improvement ranging 50% to 80% has been seen after a series of 3 or more sessions at monthly intervals. Patients with longstanding scars which have often caused them to be self-conscious have regained much confidence after treatment. If you have suffered from scarring, our providers are best equipped to create a customized treatment plan to help you regain confidence and restore the beauty of your skin.

Wrinkles (Vertical Lip Lines, Crow’s Feet)

Microneedling has proven helpful in smoothing the vertical wrinkles that are often seen around the mouth (perioral rhytides) as well as the wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet or periocular rhytides). These wrinkles are often caused by repetitive muscle movements in the areas as well as by destruction of collagen due to cumulative sun damage through the years. The thin skin around the eyes makes them more prone to wrinkling as well.

Microneedling Enhancements

For an optimal microneedling treatment, some patients choose to add exosomes to the skin before, during or after a microneedling treatment for amplified results.

Exosomes are lipid nanoparticles that get secreted by our cells and send messages to other cells to help regulate biological processes. Exosomes naturally secreted from stem cells demonstrate potent regenerative/repair properties when transmitted to damaged or wounded cells. The topical exosomes we use with microneedling have the same reparative function as stem cell exosomes. When topically applied with a microneedling treatment, these powerful regenerative exosomes enhance the cellular repair triggered by microneedling.

Ready to try Microneedling?

Microneedling is safe for all skin types and is effective on all parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolletage, and scalp. Microneedling can be done at any time of the year; however, we recommend that patients stay out of direct sunlight during the first five days after treatment. To schedule a consultation to see if microneedling is right for you, call us today!