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For those who follow Luminary Dermatology on social media, you’ve probably seen microneedling mentioned more than once. With all the rave, you may be wondering, what exactly is microneedling? We’re here to tell!
Microneedling is a procedure that creates microscopic openings in the surface of the skin; a needle-tip device is utilized to deliver tiny punctures along one’s skin. What this does is activate the skin’s natural healing process of producing collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. The best part—microneedling is completely non-surgical and requires little downtime.
What does microneedling do?
Microneedling is a rejuvenating skin treatment that addresses:
· Wrinkles & fine lines
· Hyperpigmentation
· Sun damage
· Mild inelasticity
· Acne scars
· Large pores
· Rough skin
· Dull skin
Because collagen production naturally declines with age, microneedling is a great method to induce collagen production in your skin. By inducing the creation of collagen (as well as elastin), microneedling leads to smoother, plumper, firmer skin.
The Microneedling Process
Modern treatments use an automated pen-like, handheld device. The head of the device contains a circular arrangement of tiny needles. The device is set to penetrate the skin at a certain depth, making the treatment highly customizable. A gel is administered to the patient’s skin which makes the microneedling pen glide along one’s skin seamlessly.
As the provider passes the head of rotating needles across the skin, the needles make tiny openings in the epidermis. These minuscule punctures prompt a healing response in the skin without damaging tissue.
Opening the skin’s pores for nourishing topicals: Another benefit of microneedling is that the skin is essentially opened up via the tiny channels made, and can thereby better absorb any variety of rejuvenating topical ointments, creams and other skin products chosen by you and the provider.
What is PRP?
PRP is short for platelet rich plasma and it’s an optional enhancement to a microneedling procedure. If one opts to include PRP in their microneedling session, many refer to the session as collagen induction therapy, or more infamously, the “vampire facial.”
How Long Does it Take to Heal from Microneedling?
Microneedling is minimally invasive, but your face will be flushed and red for about 24-72 hours after the appointment. During this time, don’t apply facial cosmetics. We know it is tempting to conceal the redness, but microneedling opens up the pores of your face, so the last thing you want to do is clog all those channels into the epidermis with makeup.
For 24-48 hours, it is normal to experience peeling, dryness, swelling and bumps. Follow your provider’s directions for which moisturizers and cleansers to use during this time. Your skin will start looking radiant and fresh after a few days, and results will continue to improve over the next couple of months as new collagen and elastin forms.
Interested in undergoing a microneedling session? Click here to learn more about Luminary’s microneedling procedure!
One Response to The Magnificence of Microneedling
Luke Smith says:
It’s great that you mentioned how microneedling therapy is a great way to induce collagen production in your skin. My wife has been quite worried about her skin lately so we are now looking for treatments that could help her out. From the looks of it, it seems microneedling is what my wife needs, so we should probably set an appointment for it soon.