What is Microneedling, Exactly?
Would you like to be able to reduce wrinkles, improve the look of scars, get rid of some stretch marks, or encourage new hair growth? There’s actually a single treatment that can achieve all of these desired goals for your skin! Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that can be applied from head to toe, in order to help heal your skin and make you look younger. And the best part is that it involves no surgery! The procedure is quick and cost-effective, you won’t have to spend weeks in recovery, either.
Having your skin poked and prodded by tiny little needles may not sound like a very fun experience, but it’s completely safe and more effective than you may realize. The needles create small punctures in the epidermis, which then prompt your body to generate new collagen and elastin. You’re effectively tricking your skin into thinking that you’ve been injured, thus triggering it to send more collagen to the affected areas.
How Does Microneedling Work?
We’re glad you asked! Dermatologists like Winston Salem Dermatology specialize in microneedling, and are fully trained and credentialed to perform the procedure correctly. First of all, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and then a topical numbing cream is applied to the specific areas to be treated. It takes around 10 – 20 minutes for the numbing cream to kick in. A dermatologist will then apply a serum to help promote skin repair and healing.
Finally, it’s time for the needle action. A microneedling pen will be maneuvered up and down your face (or in whatever area of skin you choose to have the procedure applied) to effectively “needle in” the serum. The needles actually make small cuts into your skin, with the goal of starting your body’s natural healing process by sending in collagen and elastin to patch up all the tiny injuries. Among other things, new collagen serves to help fill and smooth wrinkles or other rough patches in the skin. In addition to the face, many folks like to have microneedling done on their stomach or thighs. Once the microneedling is completed, another layer of serum will be applied by the dermatologist. That’s all there is to it!
Specific Areas of the Skin That Microneedling Can Benefit
Microneedling is an effective procedure that benefits a range of problem skin areas, including the following:
- Acne scars
- Age spots (also popularly known as “sun spots”)
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Large pores
- Other types of scars
- Areas of reduced skin elasticity
- Areas of uneven skin tone
What Are Some of the Benefits of Microneedling?
Microneedling is a simple procedure that can really help your skin glow after just one treatment, and it also continues to boost the look of your skin complexion for months. Here are just a few notable benefits of choosing to undergo microneedling:
Softens Lines and Wrinkles
Let’s be honest – nobody likes to look older than they are. But premature aging which presents itself in the form of fine lines and wrinkles does just that. The tiny injuries from a microneedling session boost collagen and elastin production which can help to smooth out lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
Scar Treatment
Since microneedling stimulates natural collagen and elastin generation, it’s effective in helping to address acne scars and other scars, too. The only type of scar that microneedling can’t help is a keloid or raised scar.
Sun Damage
Microneedling helps reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other negative effects of sun exposure. It reinvigorates the skin and helps to even out your tone.
Tightens up Skin & Shrinks Large Pores
As you get older, your skin loses elasticity and tends to sag more. Microneedling can help to tighten up your skin and reduce sagging. Microneedling around large pores can help to shrink their appearance as well.
Reduces Stretch Marks
Microneedling can make a positive difference on just about any area of skin on your body. It can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks which show up after periods of rapid skin growth, including those which can form during pregnancy.
Rosacea Correction
Rosacea typically produces a ruddiness and thickening of the skin which is partially caused by a rapid breakdown of collagen. The collagen growth which microneedling stimulates can help offset this breakdown, helping your skin to look less inflamed and irritated.
Improved Effectiveness of Topical Skin Products
Since microneedling produces hundreds of micro-holes in the skin, it creates better opportunities for the skin to absorb various creams, serums, gels, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments. Microneedling can help improve the effectiveness of topical acne treatments, too.
Fewer Side Effects than Other Procedures
Microneedling has a similar effect to that of laser or chemical peel treatments, but without the same side effects or potentially lengthy recovery time.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
To be fair, microneedling doesn’t tickle. At the same time, the needles used are very small, so the amount of pain you’ll experience is less than you might expect. A dermatologist will also apply a numbing cream to the skin before beginning the microneedling procedure, so generally folks only experience very mild discomfort during the procedure. Your skin will be red and sensitive afterwards for around a day or so. If you plan to go outside, make sure to use a good, chemical-free sunscreen. You’ll also want to keep your skin hydrated by using a mild cleanser and then applying a recommended serum. It’s also best not to apply any makeup for the first day after your treatment. The results of microneedling aren’t instantaneous, because it involves the growth and regeneration of new skin cells. But you really will start to see some positive results over the course of the next few weeks and months after the procedure!
Professional Microneedling Treatment
A word to the wise: don’t entrust microneedling treatment to someone who isn’t a licensed professional. Better to partner with a dermatologist at Winston Salem Dermatology! You really can have younger, healthier-looking skin without having to go under the knife. Our microneedling procedures have been demonstrated to provide outstanding results after just one single treatment. And don’t worry about having to take time off from work or missing out on important family obligations, because microneedling requires essentially no downtime at all!
Reach out to us today to learn more about microneedling and other cosmetic treatments we offer to enhance the look, function, and health of your skin. Connect with us online, or give us a call at (336) 774-8636 today!