The skin deals with suffers daily damage from external forces like the sun, anatomical changes due to aging, and physical trauma. The culmination of these factors can dramatically alter its appearance.
While some topical interventions can be effective, they typically don’t address the underlying cause of skin damage. On the other hand, microneedling is an effective aesthetic procedure that can achieve dazzling results for individuals with many types of skin damage.
The treatment harnesses the body’s natural healing process to fortify and restore the skin. Rather than causing damage, the tiny needles used to administer the procedure trick the body into a natural reconstructive response.
This article explains microneedling, the types of results you can expect, and what makes someone a good candidate for the procedure. This information will prepare you for a discussion with an esthetician and help you determine your suitability for this treatment.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is an effective and minimally invasive revitalizing skin treatment. The process involves a microneedling device, which is an implement usually featuring needles between 0.5 and 2 millimeters in length. Providers apply the device to the skin to make microscopic punctures.
In response to this mild physical trauma, the body produces higher amounts of collagen and elastin. These proteins are the vital building blocks of skin, and their production decreases over time due to aging and skin damage.
The body uses the proteins to create new skin cells that strengthen the skin and emerge over time, replacing the damaged outer layer responsible and visible signs of damage from the microneedling.
What are the Benefits of Microneedling?
The primary benefit of microneedling is that it improves the skin’s appearance and texture without the risks of surgery or other invasive procedures. The influx of proteins tightens the skin, resulting in a rejuvenating glow.
Microneedling can effectively improve the appearance of wrinkles on the face. One of the most common uses for the treatment is correcting scars caused by acne or injury.
In addition, microneedling can help reduce the size of pores and eliminate fine lines. Providers can also improve the appearance of stretch marks and skin laxity with microneedling.
Most people undergo the procedure to correct skin damage or diminish signs of aging on their faces. However, it can be applied almost anywhere on the body as long as there’s skin damage. Unlike more invasive skin treatments, microneedling recovery requires minimal downtime and involves a simple aftercare routine. Most people resume their daily routines immediately after the treatment.
The extent of your improvement due to this treatment will depend on your baseline health and the nature of your skin damage. The microneedling procedure is viable for all skin tones because it does not involve lights or lasers.
How Long Does it Take to See Microneedling Results?
Microneedling benefits emerge in accordance with your body’s healing process. The initial results typically become apparent within a few weeks. Most providers agree it takes four to six treatments to see optimal results. Your underlying health, age, and the nature of your skin damage will influence this timeline.
Microneedling sessions should be spaced three to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your skin time to recover and allows the results to present themselves. As new cells rejuvenate the skin, your provider can assess the need for additional microneedling sessions.
How Long Do the Benefits of Microneedling Last?
The elevated collagen and elastin production that results from microneedling usually continues for three to six months after the initial treatment. Generally, a yearly maintenance appointment helps sustain these results.
Your health, genetics, and adherence to a proper skincare regimen will influence the longevity of your microneedling results. Maintaining proper hydration and taking collagen-stimulating peptides can fortify your body and support the healing process to help you optimize your results.
The nature and extent of your skin damage will also influence how long your microneedling benefits last.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Individuals in good overall health with wrinkles, scars, large pores, thin skin, loose skin, and/or stretch marks are usually good candidates for microneedling. It’s essential to be clear and forthright with your provider about your health history to avoid potential adverse side effects.
Anyone who has severe acne or takes acne medications should avoid the procedure. Individuals who have blood disorders or are undergoing cancer treatment should also avoid microneedling due to clotting and infection risk.
Susceptibility to rashes or forming hard and raised scars also disqualifies an individual from the procedure. Finally, those with moles, freckles, skin tags, eczema, or psoriasis should not undergo the treatment.
To learn more about how microneedling treatment could rejuvenate your skin, contact Bella Medspa today.