Microneedling has become a popular cosmetic treatment because of its efficiency and affordability. The procedure’s impressive results leave a long-lasting impression on many first-time patients.
Any cosmetic procedure that involves a needle might seem intimidating. Microneedling is no exception.
However, it’s a minimally invasive treatment worth trying. This blog will explain the basics and benefits of microneedling so you know what to expect when you visit your cosmetic specialist.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling (commonly referred to as collagen induction therapy) is a cosmetic procedure in which an aesthetician punctures the patient’s skin with small, sterile needles. The treatment causes tiny cuts on the skin, stimulating the body’s collagen and elastin production. The additional collagen and elastin supply is critical because both proteins (which are found in connective tissues) dwindle as a person ages.
As ageing symptoms show, the skin becomes thinner and less firm. Fortunately, microneedling helps offset those symptoms. Many patients reap skin-related benefits and enjoy a younger appearance from microneedling.
You can choose from several microneedling options that provide unique benefits:
Traditional microneedling: Your physician uses a microneedling device to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and increase blood flow to your skin.
Microneedling & PRP: Cosmetic surgery experts refer to this microneedling technique as the “vampire facial.” In this scenario, your aesthetician will utilise platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to tighten, lift, and revitalise your skin.
RF microneedling: This treatment combines microneedling with radio frequency to boost collagen and elastin production.
Advantages of Microneedling
The benefits of microneedling include:
Enhances skin tone and texture
Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis
Addresses scars and hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
Minimises wrinkles and fine lines
Enhances hair growth
It suits many skin types
Provides a viable alternative to laser procedures for patients with dark complexion
Affordable treatment for many customers
What Body Parts Can Benefit From Microneedling?
Versatility is one of microneedling’s unique advantages—you can request your cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure on various body parts besides your face. Typical microneedling areas include:
Stomach
Thighs
Arms
The hands’ backsides
What Are The Steps Involved in Microneedling?
First-time patients may find specific cosmetic treatments intimidating. However, despite the procedure’s use of needles, patients have little reason to worry about microneedling. It’s a straightforward process that produces excellent results.
Here are the steps involved in professional microneedling:
Initial consultation: Before undergoing microneedling, you will schedule a consultation with your aesthetician. During this meeting, they will examine your skin, review your medical background, and discuss your aesthetic goals.
Numbing: Your doctor will desensitise the targeted areas with numbing cream to ensure optimum comfort on the day of the procedure.
Microneedling: The practitioner uses a handheld tool with fine needles. The device’s needles follow a circular or linear pattern on its head.
The device will puncture your skin as the aesthetician moves it in controlled patterns. Depending on the depth of the scars and severity of the acne, he may use longer needles. Microneedles typically range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm in length.
To optimise your results, you can combine microneedling with other procedures. A good example is dermaplaning, which profoundly exfoliates your skin. The treatment improves skin texture, enhances radiance, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
The Comparison Between Professional Microneedling And At-Home Microneedling
If you’re comfortable with at-home microneedling, you can do it yourself using appropriate devices such as derma rollers or microneedling pens. However, we recommend you try professional microneedling for best results.
At-home microneedling tools don’t penetrate the skin as deep as those used at reputable cosmetic surgery clinics. Since your aesthetician’s tools penetrate the skin deeper, you will achieve optimal outcomes.
Potential injury is another downside of at-home microneedling. You might risk skin damage stemming from improper technique. You can also have a chance of developing an infection from poor hygiene practices.
Am I A Good Candidate For Microneedling?
Although microneedling is safe for many patients, individuals who fall into these categories are better suited for other treatments:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People taking blood thinners
Patients with skin disorders, including acne, rosacea, or eczema, in the targeted area
Individuals undergoing medical supervision for specific ailments
Microneedling is an ideal treatment for skin conditions such as fine lines, scarring, pigmentation, texture, and laxity. If you have any of these skin issues, schedule a preliminary consultation with your practitioner.
During this meeting, ensure you set realistic goals. Your cosmetic surgeon can make the appropriate recommendations to help you achieve them.
Can I Undergo Microneedling If I Am Pregnant Or Breastfeeding?
Although microneedling doesn’t use lasers, chemicals, or electricity, it can result in facial micro-injuries. Since the risk of infection and other complications exists, we recommend you skip microneedling if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Schedule an appointment with your practitioner if you’re no longer breastfeeding or expectant.
Microneedling Recovery
To achieve optimal results, it’s critical to follow your practitioner’s aftercare guidelines. Your skin will look and feel like a sunburn for 72 hours following your microneedling treatment. After three days, your skin will feel dry with some peeling and flaking.
We recommend that patients refrain from wearing makeup for one to two days after the procedure. They should also avoid using active ingredients, including retinol, AHAs, and BHAs, and exfoliants for seven days. Patients shouldn’t undergo other cosmetic procedures, such as volumising treatments and wrinkle reduction treatments, for at least two weeks.
Please limit using a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF for seven days after your microneedling treatment to allow your skin to recover. Refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine while your skin heals from the treatment. Consult your cosmetic specialist for the appropriate suggestions If you need assistance with your aftercare routine.
How Long Before I See My Microneedling Results?
Cosmetic treatments vary in the length of time before patients see results. You will usually see results from your microneedling procedure after four weeks. You must consider several factors on how fast you see results, including:
Individual reaction to the procedure
Number of sessions
Extent of the skin condition
Aestheticians recommend varying numbers of treatment sessions per individual. Microneedling patients usually undergo three to six sessions annually at four-to-six week intervals.
You may ask yourself, “Is microneedling worth it?” Yes, it is. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that has earned positive reviews from many patients. Combining microneedling with specific facial treatments and a consistent skincare routine produces the best results. Once you conclude your preliminary microneedling sessions, you can maintain your results with one or two yearly visits to your cosmetic surgery clinic.
Is Microneedling A Permanent Solution?
No, microneedling isn’t a permanent cosmetic treatment. We recommend regular microneedling sessions because many factors affect skin health, including:
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Environmental factors
Sun exposure
Nutrition and hydration
Sleep
Stress
Skincare routine
Medical conditions
Following the recommended frequency mentioned in the preceding subsection will help you achieve your long-term skincare goals.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedure. Your aesthetician will apply numbing cream on the targeted areas to ensure optimal comfort during the treatment.
The microneedling tool will produce tiny pricks on your skin, which may result in bleeding. Many patients describe it as a scratchy feeling. You may feel minor discomfort when the needle touches bony regions such as the forehead. However, it’s only a brief discomfort because microneedling takes only 30 to 60 minutes.
Is Microneedling Worth It?
Yes, microneedling is worth it. It’s an efficient, minimally invasive treatment that improves skin texture and tone, minimises scars and hyperpigmentation, promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, and helps slow ageing.
If you’re thinking about undergoing microneedling, we recommend you do thorough research, consider the advantages and disadvantages, and hire an experienced and qualified aesthetician to achieve your long-term skincare goals.
Flawless Aesthetics offers cost-effective microneedling Sydney treatments to clients. Please call us at 02 8041 3293 between 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. AEST, Monday through Friday, to discuss your skincare requirements. One of our friendly staff members will assist you immediately.