If you want your skin to look young, healthy, and flawless, then you may want to consider a treatment like microneedling. This non-invasive aesthetic treatment can rejuvenate your skin for a better-looking appearance without any chemicals, lasers, or other risk factors like allergic reactions. At CAS MediSpa in Bloomington, IN, we know that sometimes the simplest treatment is the most effective – and that’s why this treatment is so popular.
So, what is microneedling? This is an aesthetic treatment that uses sterile microneedles, usually 2mm in length, to repeatedly pierce the top layers of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. In particular, this treatment induces the production of collagen, which then smooths the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne scars, and so much more. This treatment can also be used to correct superficial pigmentation concerns.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Microneedling?
In general, most people will see initial improvement in the quality of their skin about one week after their treatment. Some people will notice an improvement in the tone and texture of their skin only a few days after treatment, but as your skin heals and produces more collagen in the sub-dermal layers, your skin appearance will continue to improve.
You will likely be able to see the most dramatic results of your treatment about two to four weeks after your first appointment since this is when fresh collagen will mature in the skin and restore your textural concerns. Your results will continue to improve gradually as you have additional treatments, particularly if you want to resolve moderate concerns. Usually, you can see your best results about four to six weeks after your final appointment.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
Ultimately, the number of treatments needed will depend on your specific concerns. Some people with mild concerns may only need two to four treatments to achieve their desired results, while those who have moderate to severe concerns may need four to six initial treatments to see optimal results. We will be able to estimate the number of treatments you will need based on your specific skin condition and your goals.
How Frequent Are Your Treatments?
Because the results of this treatment are temporary, most people will schedule regular appointments to maintain high collagen production. It’s common to have regular appointments once every three to six months based on your needs and preferences. If your results are lasting longer, you may only need additional treatments once or twice a year.
How Long Do Results Last?
You can usually expect the results of this treatment to last for three to five months at a time. The longevity of your results may be determined by the concern you are treating, your skin type, and your age, but in general, new collagen produced in the skin will only last for a few months before it starts to deplete again.
You may be able to help your results last longer by adopting good skincare practices and by using high-quality products that will support your desired results. For example, if you are treating age-related concerns, anti-aging skincare products may be able to support collagen in your skin. Some other things you can do to maintain your results include:
Limit Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun are thought to contribute to about 90% of visible skin aging, including the breakdown of collagen in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. If you want to prolong your results, then you should do your best to limit unprotected sun exposure. You can do this by wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, or by applying high-strength SPF during the daytime, such as under makeup.
Avoid Stress
The number one enemy of collagen production is stress. The stress hormone cortisol is known to rapidly break down collagen in the skin, which is why people who lead high-stress lifestyles may show signs of premature aging. You may be able to enjoy longer-lasting results if you can avoid stress in your life or use stress-relief practices, such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation.
Diet and Exercise
Finally, your skin thrives when you have a healthy diet and you drink enough water. In particular, your skin relies on water to remain supple, so by drinking enough water each day, you will be supporting a better skin texture. It’s also important for your skin that your diet contains enough healthy fats and B vitamins, which support biotin levels in the skin that contribute to a more youthful-looking appearance.
What Can You Expect From This Treatment?
Microneedling treatments are most commonly used on the face, particularly for areas such as the forehead, nose, mouth, chin, and cheeks. This treatment can also be used on other areas of the body to reduce visible aging, including the stomach, buttocks, thighs, hands, and chest. Your treatment appointments will usually take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete based on the number of treatment areas you are addressing.
This treatment works by rapidly increasing the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which is prompted by creating micro-injuries on the skin surface. Most people find this treatment well-tolerated, but you may choose to include a topical numbing cream for your comfort during the treatment. Most patients will only feel pressure and a slight prickling as the microneedling device is used on the skin.
What Can This Treatment Address?
The main purpose of this treatment is to induce higher collagen production to correct concerns like skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and enlarged pores. However, this treatment is also commonly used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as well as to promote more evenly-toned skin. During the healing process after your treatment, your skin will turn over new skin cells and this will help you reduce some pigmentation concerns.
How Should You Prepare?
As with many other aesthetic treatments, it’s very important to prepare your skin well for your appointment. Usually, you can prepare for this aesthetic treatment by avoiding potentially irritating skincare products, such as retinoids, for at least three days before your treatment. You should also avoid waxing, tweezing, sun tanning, tanning beds, and laser treatments for at least three to five days before your appointment.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, your skin will be vulnerable to the environment, so you will need to do your best to protect your skin from possible irritants. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, excessive heat and sweating, hot water, steam, and even spicy food for the first one to two days after your treatment. You should continue to avoid using retinoids and other aggressive skincare products for at least three to five days after your treatment.
What Is Recovery Like?
During the first 24 hours after your treatment, you will not be allowed to wear makeup since you will need to keep your skin clear of potential bacteria. Other than following your post-treatment instructions, you will not have a formal recovery period. Most patients go back to work on the same day or the day after their treatment. Your skin will usually be fully recovered about three to five days after your treatment.
Can You Combine This Treatment?
This treatment can be combined with several other aesthetic treatments so you can reach all of your aesthetic goals. For example, this treatment is highly compatible with Hydrafacial or injectable treatments like dermal fillers and neurotoxins. Combining this treatment with others is a good way to address all of your skin concerns at one time. Depending on which treatments you are combining, you may be able to have some treatments on the same day to simplify your skincare routine.
Who Are Good Candidates?
The best candidates for this treatment include those who want to improve the tone and texture of their skin, those who have healthy or reasonably healthy skin, and those who are not prone to scarring. This treatment may be able to be used by pregnant women who are qualified for aesthetic treatments. You are likely a good candidate if you want to correct:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage or dark spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dry or rough skin
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
- Dull skin
Rejuvenate and Refresh Your Skin
Microneedling treatments are an ideal non-invasive treatment that will improve the overall appearance of your skin. Most people are good candidates. You can expect to see the results of this treatment in only a few weeks. Contact us at CAS MediSpa in Bloomington, IN to schedule your first appointment today.