Microneedling and Anti-Aging. Why You’ll Love It
Anyone, regardless of their age, can have concerns about signs of aging on their skin. Perhaps you see signs of wear like sun damaged skin, discolored skin patches, or acne scars. But maybe you’re not ready to go straight to injectables or dermal fillers yet. A great alternative option for those who want more youthful looking skin is called microneedling.
What to Know About Microneedling
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a revolutionary cosmetic treatment that works on many of the most common signs of aging, like wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damaged skin. Its primary purpose is to promote collagen and elastin production in the skin, primarily the layers known as the dermis and epidermis. Collagen and elastin are naturally occurring substances in the body that give skin its elasticity and firmness, but it diminishes over time. This causes those unwanted signs of aging skin.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a special tool with a disposable, motorized tip. This tool carefully delivers tiny, discrete wounds to the skin, creating small punctures with its thin needles that prick the skin. These minuscule skin pricks are virtually painless. The dermal and epidermal layers then stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Microneedling?
In general, microneedling is primarily recommended to treat acne scars, skin discoloration and pigmentation issues, wrinkled areas like crow’s feet (fine lines around the eyes), enlarged pores, stretch marks, and vertical lip lines. It can be combined with other treatments, like laser therapy or resurfacing treatments, to deliver the optimum results.
What Should I Expect at a Microneedling Treatment?
First, microneedling should always be performed by a knowledgeable, experienced specialist. Typically the treatment is done at a dermatology clinic. Each microneedling treatment takes about 30 minutes, and usually, a series of three to five treatments at monthly intervals are recommended for the highest-quality results. Depending on the type of skin concern being addressed and its severity, more treatment sessions may be recommended by the specialist.
Microneedling requires zero downtime, which is another reason that it’s such an appealing treatment for those trying to get quicker, easier results. Side effects are rare, but if any occur, the most common is some light bleeding during the treatment. Occasionally, there may be a pinkish tint to the skin following the procedure. Any skin redness and sensitivity that occurs (which looks like a sunburn) clears up within a few days following the procedure.
Certain skincare products should be used after each microneedling treatment to ensure proper healing and stimulation of collagen and elastin. The treatment provider will prescribe the appropriate skincare regimen to promote all of the benefits of the treatment. Results are noticeable within three to four weeks following treatment, and skin texture, tone, and appearance continue to become more evident as weeks and months pass.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas and you want to give microneedling a try or learn more about this treatment, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.