The practice known as microneedling is a cosmetic treatment used to improve collagen production. Increased collagen production leads to healthier, younger-looking skin. It is also known as collagen induction therapy and can help reduce or remove the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Microneedling is also sometimes used in combination with anti-aging treatments, like the removal of sun spots or eyelid surgery.
People who are generally healthy but have certain skin issues are ideal candidates for this procedure. When skin disorders are not responsive to treatments or home remedies, microneedling is often the last option before surgical treatments are considered.
Microneedling improves the condition of the patient's skin by encouraging the production of more collagen. The patient receives tiny pinpricks that cause minimal damage to their skin, prompting the production of collagen-rich tissue. As a result, the new skin has better tone and texture. Increased collagen production also helps make skin firmer.
The pinpricks made during this procedure are so small, the patient rarely feels anything until afterward. The doctor uses a special tool to evenly stimulate the person's skin.
In most cases, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to the area that will be worked on, numbing the person's skin and minimizing any discomfort caused by the pinpricks. The process only takes about 30 minutes for most patients, but it is often followed by a calming treatment or serum, which can easily add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the time that the patient spends at the clinic.
Reasons that people get microneedling treatments include:
Microneedling is also used to eliminate stretch marks and scars left by various issues all over the body.
Microneedling is typically reserved for patients who are healthy overall. The ideal candidate must not:
Many patients think that microneedling might be right for them. Let us go over the answers to a few of the questions that they may have.
Microneedling is a rejuvenation technique that involves using fine needles to make tiny punctures in the top layer of a patient's skin. This makes the body start producing more elastin and collagen, two compounds that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Patients who get the procedure typically see a noticeable improvement in their overall skin texture. The procedure can also be used to remove acne scars and stretch marks.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient process and typically lasts no more than 30 minutes. It often involves the use of a handheld tool that is gently moved over the areas being treated. The procedure might also include injecting the patient with platelet-rich plasma or vitamins to boost their results. A skin moisturizer may be applied to the areas treated afterward.
Microneedling can lead to redness and mild swelling that last about 24 hours after treatment. Patients are advised to avoid planning important events right after their treatments because it can take a few days for all the redness and swelling to go down. About four treatments, each spaced a month apart, are generally recommended for patients to see significant results. Patients are free to return to their regular activities after their treatment, but they should try to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.
This treatment is not invasive like a surgical procedure, so there is not much of a recovery period. Most patients do not require any downtime after getting microneedling treatments. Some people might notice minor redness or irritation the first few days after the treatment. This is just their body's way of reacting to the pinpricks.
The patient's skin will also experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, so it is best to stay in shaded places immediately after getting the treatment. The person's skin will quickly begin to create new tissues, and there should be visible results within a few weeks.
At Optimal Medical Group, we can help you eliminate a wide range of skin issues with our microneedling treatments. Visit us at our Fresno office today to learn more about how it can improve your appearance.
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