What Can Microneedling Treat?
Are you tired of seeing more and more changes to your skin in the mirror? Age and sun damage cause decreased collagen, which leads to common skin concerns like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but microneedling offers an effective way to rejuvenate your complexion. Microneedling can treat many signs of aging and sun damage, as well as stretch marks and acne scars.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation procedure that triggers your body’s natural healing response to revive your skin. Also called collagen induction therapy, this popular cosmetic treatment involves using a small, handheld device with very fine needles to create microchannels in the skin’s surface. Your body responds to this microdamage by increasing collagen and elastin production.
Microneedling can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and more. It can improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, making it a popular option for those looking to achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The tiny punctures created during the procedure trigger the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. These fibers help to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, leading to a more radiant complexion.
A microneedling appointment at Essential Med Clinic & Aesthetics typically takes one to two hours. Your provider will apply a numbing cream to your skin approximately an hour before the actual treatment to allow it time to take effect. This way, you can expect minimal discomfort during treatment. Patients often describe microneedling as feeling like sandpaper on their skin.
During the procedure, the microneedling device is passed over the skin, creating tiny punctures that trigger the body’s natural healing response. The needles used in microneedling are typically between 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters in length, depending on the treatment area and the desired results.
What Skin Concerns Can Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address a variety of skin concerns. Collagen and elastin are essential to your skin health and appearance, but these naturally decrease as we age and can also be broken down by sun damage. By increasing the production of collagen and elastin, microneedling has extensive anti-aging benefits for your skin.
Here are some of the most common concerns that microneedling can treat:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Rough texture
- Dullness
Microneedling can also help improve the absorption of topical skincare products, as the microchannels created during the procedure allow for deeper penetration of active ingredients. This can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine and lead to even better results.
Is There Any Downtime After Microneedling?
One of the benefits of microneedling is that there is typically very little downtime associated with the treatment. Most patients can return to their regular activities immediately following the procedure, although some redness and mild swelling may be present for a day or two.
Patients should avoid using any harsh skincare products, such as retinoids or exfoliating scrubs, for at least 24 to 48 hours after microneedling. It’s important to avoid sun exposure and to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for several days after the procedure. Though this is especially important while your skin is healing, continuing to consistently use sunscreen after this period helps protect your skin and preserve your complexion.
Request a Consultation
Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
When Will I See Results from Microneedling?
It takes time for your skin to produce more collagen in response to a microneedling treatment, so you may not see immediate results. Many patients see an improvement in their skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance within a week after the procedure. These results vary from person to person, however.
In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months to see the full effects of microneedling, particularly if the treatment is being used to address deeper wrinkles or scars. You may also need multiple microneedling treatments to see improvements for more severe skin issues.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
The duration of microneedling results can vary depending on several factors, such as the patient’s age, skin type, and the severity of their skin concerns. In general, you can expect to enjoy noticeable improvements in your skin’s appearance for several months after the procedure.
The production of collagen and elastin fibers stimulated by microneedling can continue for several weeks or even months after the procedure, which can help to improve the skin’s appearance further. However, as the natural aging process continues, the skin will naturally begin to lose collagen and elastin over time, which can eventually lead to a return of some of the original skin concerns.
To maintain the results of microneedling, patients may need to undergo periodic touch-up treatments. You should also maintain a healthy skincare routine that includes regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to limit sun damage. By taking good care of your skin, you can help extend the duration of your microneedling results and enjoy a more youthful and radiant complexion for years to come. We typically recommend maintenance microneedling treatments every six months to a year.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling can be an effective option for many different skin concerns and is a safe treatment for most patients. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for microneedling at Essential Med Clinic & Aesthetics is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Freda Cobbinah. She will evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Good candidates for microneedling are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. Microneedling can be effective for a variety of skin types and tones, but patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for the treatment. We may not recommend microneedling if you have active skin conditions like acne or eczema in the treatment area.
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.
