Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Are you looking for smoother, more even skin with a youthful glow? Microneedling is an effective way to firm and improve the condition of your skin while fighting signs of aging. This treatment triggers new collagen formation to improve your skin from its deep inner layers, providing long-lasting results for almost anyone. 

What is Microneedling?

The most common and important protein in your skin is collagen. This protein forms the structural fibers that support your skin from within. It also adds firmness and lift that keeps your skin looking youthful. Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is an effective way to stimulate new collagen production to improve your skin dramatically. 

Microneedling remains popular despite the wide range of newer lasers and other types of skin resurfacing treatments. Many people find that microneedling remains an effective way to achieve maximum results with minimal downtime. Microneedling may also be safe for people who are not recommended for lasers or other energy-based treatments. 

*Individual Results May Vary

Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

One advantage of microneedling is its safety for all skin types and tones. Microneedling is often recommended for those with darker skin tones seeking skin rejuvenation since lasers can cause hyperpigmentation for these individuals. Microneedling is suitable for oily, dry, or aging skin. Healthy adults of any age are usually good candidates. 

You should not have microneedling if you have an active skin condition, infection, or skin irritation in the treatment area. People who tend to form abnormal scars should also not have microneedling. This treatment is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, and it should not be used on scars until they are about six months old. 

Only a consultation can determine whether microneedling is the right treatment for you. Candidates for microneedling may want to treat skin issues ranging from fine lines to pigmentation problems. Microneedling excels at treating textural and pigmentation issues of all types as well as achieving an overall healthy glow. 

How Does Microneedling Work?

Your microneedling treatment begins with a numbing cream that keeps you comfortable. Once your skin is numb, your expert aesthetician moves the handpiece over your skin. Tiny needles create shallow channels in your skin, penetrating just far enough to trigger the cells in your dermis to become more active. 

Cells in your dermis called fibroblasts produce collagen, and when they are triggered by microneedling, it results in a process called collagen induction therapy. The increased collagen gives your skin improved firmness and a more youthful appearance. The channels also stimulate the surrounding skin to produce growth factors and promote new skin cell development. 

What Can Microneedling Treat?

Because it triggers new collagen formation and brings new skin cells to the surface, microneedling can address many different skin concerns. Microneedling is recommended to treat:

• Lines and wrinkles
• Skin laxity
• Dullness
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars
• Uneven skin tone
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun damage
• Age spots

The benefits of this treatment are not limited to your face. You can have microneedling almost anywhere on your body. Many people have this treatment on the body to address issues like acne scars, stretch marks, and signs of sun damage. Discuss all your skin concerns during your consultation so your team can provide you with the best possible results. 

How Should I Prepare for Microneedling?

You should arrive for your microneedling session with clean, product-free skin. We recommend limiting the use of irritating products such as scrubs, peels, or retinol before treatment. We may also recommend that you limit the use of over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and others) that can increase bleeding. 

You should not shave the treatment area for at least three days prior to your session. Wear sun protection and avoid exposure. If you have a tendency to develop cold sores, Dr. Cobbinah may prescribe medication to prevent them from appearing. Notify your treatment team right away if you develop a skin condition or infection before your scheduled session. 

Is There Any Downtime After Microneedling?

Each microneedling treatment is different, so your experience may vary. Most people experience a few hours to a few days of minor redness and swelling. We recommend avoiding the same irritating products you avoided before treatment for several days while your skin heals. However, your skin is also prepared to absorb beneficial products during this time, so ask your aesthetician for recommendations on skincare products. 

What are the Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling remains popular for many reasons. Along with its powerful collagen-stimulating properties, it offers several other benefits:

• Safe for use all year round, unlike some lasers, which require avoiding sun exposure
• Lack of downtime allows an immediate return to work or other activities
• Long-lasting, low-maintenance results 
• Smoother, brighter, more youthful skin
• Safe for most healthy adults
• Customizable to target your unique skin concerns

Almost anyone looking for a way to fight signs of aging and environmental damage can benefit from microneedling. We recommend a consultation so we can discuss whether this treatment is right for you and, if not, which options may work better. Your best results are always our goal. 

How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?

Microneedling requires a series of treatments to achieve maximum benefits. Most people will see their desired results after four to six sessions. Each treatment takes ten to twenty minutes, but you should plan on time before treatment for the numbing cream to take effect, which can take up to an hour. Your aesthetician will explain exactly what you can expect when you arrive. 

You may start to see results after your first few microneedling sessions. Full results take up to three months to develop as your skin adds new collagen. You can expect to see continuous improvements for several months after your last treatment. Your skin will look firmer and smoother, and you will notice improvements in pigmentation and texture. 

How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?

The new collagen triggered by microneedling can last a long time. Many people benefit from one maintenance treatment a year to keep their skin looking smooth and bright. Individual results differ, so you may need follow-up sessions more or less often depending on your needs. Regular microneedling treatments result in skin that looks youthful and glowing. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about microneedling, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.