Youthful skin has abundant collagen, making it smooth and resilient. The production of this vital structural protein slows down as we age. Microneedling can trigger new collagen production to give you more youthful-looking skin. It even improves the effectiveness of topical serums or other treatments.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling offers one of the most effective ways to stimulate new collagen production. Using tiny needles, it creates channels in the skin surrounded by healthy cells. Microneedling signals to these cells that they should begin a process of repair and healing, including increasing collagen production.
What Does Microneedling Do?
The microneedling handpiece uses tiny sterile needles that create micro-channels in the skin. While these channels stay open, your provider may apply serums or other treatments so they can reach the deeper layers of the skin. These tiny areas of damage begin to heal almost immediately as surrounding cells send out healing factors. The micro-damage triggers cells to produce collagen, a process that lasts long after the micro-channels have healed.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling can improve a range of skin concerns resulting from aging and collagen loss. These skin concerns include:
- Skin laxity
- Lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Stretch marks
- Scars
Microneedling offers significant improvements in these skin conditions, and results can last for up to a year with diligent skincare and sun protection.
What is Microneedling Like?
While you may have hesitated to try a treatment that involves needles, microneedling only penetrates a few millimeters into the skin, and most people find it easy to tolerate. Numbing cream can increase your comfort level. Treatment usually takes less than an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
What is Microneedling With PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) makes an excellent addition to microneedling treatments. PRP comes from a sample of your blood which is spun in a centrifuge to extract the platelet-rich layer. PRP contains growth and healing factors that help your skin heal more quickly after microneedling. It also speeds up the process, so you see results faster. Immediately after microneedling, PRP is applied to the skin, where it enters the micro-channels and reaches the deeper layers of the skin.
What Results Will I See After Microneedling?
Results from microneedling begin to develop within a few weeks and will improve with each subsequent treatment. Most people will benefit from four to six treatment sessions to see their full results. After treatment, you can expect your results to last for up to a year. Because UV rays damage collagen, sun protection will extend your results and keep skin looking younger. A skincare routine with quality products will also keep your results lasting longer.
Is There Any Downtime With Microneedling?
You may have some sensitivity and redness after microneedling. This goes away within a day or two. Avoid using harsh products or scrubs for several days and follow all the aftercare instructions provided to you to help you achieve your best results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Unlike many laser treatments, microneedling works safely on all skin types and tones. Good candidates want to correct signs of aging and understand what they can expect from their results. You may not make a good candidate if you have a tendency to form raised, enlarged scars (keloids).
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.