What is Microneedling?
What is Microneedling?Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that increases your own skin’s collagen and elastin production. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lighten acne scars, brighten your complexion, and restore your skin’s overall health.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling works by creating tiny, invisible, and shallow punctures on the very top layer of the skin. This process stimulates your skin’s own healing mechanism and boosts your cell turn-over rate and the production of collagen and elastin. It is not an injection!
The Microneedling procedure
When you come for your microneedling appointment, we start by applying a numbing cream to the problem areas that you have discussed with the doctor previously. The cream sits for about 30 minutes on your face, and the actual needling session takes about 30-40 minutes. Then a calming and hydrating balm is applied to the treated area, topped with post-procedure SPF. You should set aside 60-75 minutes for the entire appointment.
Microneedling with Dr. D’Amico
Dr. D’Amico answers your questions on microneedling.
Dr. D’Amico Patient Testimonial
“I had several procedures done in 2012 by Dr. D’Amico. The results were fantastic. His office staff was very caring and professional. I would not trust anyone else!’– Debra I“Selecting a plastic surgeon is not just a function of the surgeon’s skill. Dr. D’Amico consistently demonstrates exemplary skills. But, Dr. D’Amico’s professionalism reaches a different level. He possesses the highest integrity and sense of ethics in a discipline which requires these traits more than most. Further, his character is also reflected in his support staff. Dr. D’Amico has clearly earned our respect, but, more importantly, he has our trust. “– Dara, Sherie, and Arnie R.
Who is a good candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a youthful treatment that is good for any skin type. Anyone who wants to rejuvenate their appearance can benefit from Microneedling.
What Conditions Does Microneedling Improve?
Because microneedling stimulates a natural healing response that brings healthy new collagen to the area, this treatment can improve a variety of troubling conditions. It can even address more than one simultaneously, all because collagen is a building block to tissue regeneration. Some of the conditions that improve with microneedling include:
- Acne scarring
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Rosacea
- Melasma
- Uneven skin tone
What Should I Avoid Before Microneedling?
The two primary goals in preparing for microneedling are to reduce side effects and maximize your treatment outcome. To reduce the risk of bruising after your treatment, we recommend avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen during the week before your treatment. Any medication or supplement that can thin the blood, including aspirin and vitamin E, should be avoided for several days prior to microneedling. Starting 24 hours before treatment, it is also beneficial to refrain from alcohol consumption.
To reduce the risk of skin irritation after microneedling, it is advisable to avoid using harsh chemicals in the treatment area during the week before your appointment. You can shave up until about 12 hours before your treatment, but please avoid all other forms of hair removal, including waxing. Your microneedling treatment should also take place at least one week away from any heat-based treatment, such as IPL.
After you consult with your provider and decide to schedule your microneedling treatment, you may receive a list of precautions to take before your next appointment. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What Can I Expect Immediately After One Treatment?
Your very first microneedling treatment will stimulate collagen production that continues for several weeks. Initially, your skin may look red and slightly puffy. However, you should quickly notice a new softness and radiance. Your pores may appear smaller right away, and your skin should gradually look brighter, smoother, and firmer as new collagen repairs the old.
How Long Do the Microneedling Results Last?
If you have just one microneedling treatment, your results may last about six weeks. The effects of collagen stimulation may last longer depending on the care that you give to your skin. Suggestions for prolonging your microneedling results include wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and using high-quality skincare products that are carefully selected just for your skin type and needs. If you schedule a series of microneedling sessions to occur over several weeks, your results can be expected to last up to one year.
Why Does My Skin Look Worse After Microneedling?
Microneedling works by stimulating a tissue-repair response that delivers a high concentration of collagen to the target area. To stimulate this response, the process involves the creation of micro-injuries to the uppermost layers of your skin. Where there is an injury, even a tiny one, there will be inflammation. If your skin looks red and puffy or swollen after your microneedling treatment, don’t worry. This is an indication of inflammation, and inflammation is part of the tissue-regeneration process. Your skin may be slightly more sensitive but should recover relatively quickly. Within a few hours to a few days, redness and swelling should resolve without any special intervention.
Who is NOT a Candidate for Microneedling?
We love performing microneedling and seeing the benefits it can achieve! However, we know that there are people for whom this treatment isn’t a good fit. If you are currently taking Accutane or have taken this acne medication in the last six months, you need to postpone microneedling treatment. You may not be a good candidate for microneedling if you:
- Have active acne or a skin infection
- Have a history of keloid scars
- Are pregnant or nursing
It is important to let your provider know if you have a chronic health condition, and also what medications and supplements you take, if any. Your consultation and medical history will help us curate the perfect skin rejuvenation plan for you!
The Areas of The Body Microneedling can treat
The areas that can be treated are the face, neck, hands, and in some cases the abdomen. You will need a consultation with the doctor first to see if the areas in question will benefit from microneedling.
Does Microneedling require anesthesia?
Microneedling does not require anesthesia and can be done with little or no downtime. It can even be done on your lunch break!
Does Microneedling Hurt?
By applying numbing cream pre-treatment, the microneedling procedure can be completed pain-free. Some areas, such as the jawline and forehead may be more sensitive. These areas are treated with care by adjusting the needle depth.
What Effects Does Microneedling Have?
Some of the effects of microneedling are increased collagen and elastin production, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin tightens, lighter acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and brighter complexion.
How is recovery & when should I see my microneedling results?
Your skin will be red immediately after the treatment and fade to light pink. By the next day, the redness will be gone, or slightly pink at the bony areas such as cheekbones and forehead. You may use mineral-based powder, but not heavy chemical-based coverups because these types of makeup will not let oxygen through, which is vital for your skin to heal. For one week before and after the treatment, there are restrictions on certain types of creams and serums that you can use. You will need to check with us and manage a proper skin care regimen to prevent complications and get the most out of your treatments.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
To see the maximum benefit, we recommend a treatment course of four consecutive sessions done a month apart, and a maintenance session every 2-3 months thereafter. For more severe problems such as acne scars, more treatments may be needed to see maximum improvement.
Schedule a Consultation
Call us today at (201) 567-9595 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
