What Is Microneedling? Benefits, Costs, Side Effects, and More
You'll be afraid if you begin your microneedling research using an Instagram or Google image search. These photos are quite alarming. This is because microneedling involves puncturing skin with small needles that draw blood. Although it may sound unwise to stick a lot of needles in your face, the procedure causes a rejuvenation effect that many people love.
This is everything you need about this popular procedure.
What is Microneedling?
A cosmetic procedure that can be used to treat many skin conditions, microneedling is it. Manish Shah MD, a Denver-based board-certified plastic surgeon, said that microneedling has been used for over 20 years. Dr. Shah says that microneedling is becoming more common in skin-care practices due to the advancement of equipment and techniques.
What Does Microneedling Do?
According to Emory Aesthetic Center,microneedling is the procedure of puncturing the skin using small needles. Shah states that if you have the procedure performed in a dermatologist's clinic, your skin will likely be numbed to reduce pain or discomfort. Shah explains that a pen-like instrument called a Dermaroller is used to insert small stainless-steel needles under the skin to cause microinjuries and punctures.
According to a March 2017 study in Dermatologic surgery , these microabrasions increase collagen production to aid in healing. Shah says that the goal is to cause damage to the skin and stimulate the body to send healing agents such as collagen and elastin to the area where treatment is being done to repair it.
According to a study published by the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, the treatment takes between 10 to 20 minutes. However, you will need to allow more time for topical anesthesia. Shah states that there are often multiple sessions, usually spaced out one month apart. Each session will require the needles to be inserted into the skin deeper. The skin will thicken and become more resistant to deeper penetration.
The Skin Benefits OfMicroneedling
It has the main benefit of increasing collagen production. Collagen fights wrinkles and naturally declines with age, according Cleveland Clinic. Shah states that any intervention that promotes collagen synthesis can make the skin appear and behave younger. A study was published in August 2018 in . It showed that four sessions of microneedling were performed on study participants, each one-month apart. They saw dramatic improvements in skin texture, lines, and laxity after the final treatment.
According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, microneedling can be used to treat scarring from acne. The needles can help break down scar tissue and encourage its rebuilding. Everyone saw improvement after two months, regardless of how severe their scarring was.
A small study concluded that microneedling can reduce stretch marks. In fact, almost 44 percent of participants experienced significant improvement after three months of treatment.
What to Expect From Microneedling
Shah states that you will likely see results with microneedling within a matter of hours. Shah says that microneedling can be effective as soon as the microwounds within the skin are created. The body's wound healing processes will then respond to heal them. Peterson Pierre MD is a board-certified dermatologist located in Thousand Oaks. He says that your skin will look plump and radiant up to two weeks after the treatment. However, the best results can take up to six to eight weeks for to show. Dr. Pierre says that this is when collagen effects are most evident.
Shah states that you will need multiple sessions most of the times. However, because everyone is different, it's important to talk to your doctor about the best plan for you. Your skin condition is important. Shah states that while fine lines and wrinkles may need two sessions per year, stretch marks and burns may require five. Acne scars, on the other hand, can be done in between.
Microneedling vs. other cosmetic surgeries
Pierre states that chemical peels can be used to improve the texture, skin condition, and scarring. He explains that laser treatments can provide similar benefits, but they can be more effective than microneedling. "Depending on which laser you choose, there may be more downtime and fewer treatments.
According a March 2018 study in Dermatologic Surgery , microneedling offers a great alternative to deep chemical peeling and laser skin resurfacing. It is quick and easy to recover.
Pierre also suggests that radiofrequency may be combined with microneedling. He says that this is a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency. It can produce dramatic results in treating scars or wrinkles. He adds that it is uncomfortable. "However, it is possible to get to the finish line with fewer treatments."
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
According to the March 2017 Dermatologic surgery study, mild redness and irritation may occur within the first few days. This is normal skin healing. Within three days, the redness should disappear. Shah states that you might notice a tightening, swelling, dryness, or sensitive skin in the first few days after treatment. This could last up to a week.
According to Emory Aesthetic Center, microneedling can be safe and effective. However, it is not recommended for those who have received radiation in the last year, are pregnant or have a history if scarring or poor wound healing. Shah advises people with open wounds or active infections to wait until their skin heals before they try microneedling.
Where and From Whom Microneedling Can Be Done
Pierre says that microneedling is a medical procedure, and should only be done in the office of a board-certified dermatologist. This is your face. You want the best possible results and the least side effects.
This means that you should avoid medical spas. While doctors might work in these places, they are not necessarily board-certified dermatologists. They must complete 12 years of education and practical training to sharpen their skills, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Verify the credentials of the doctor. They should be American Board of Dermatology certified. Pierre says that the doctor performing the procedure doesn't necessarily have to be certified by the American Board of Dermatology. He says that any staff member of the dermatologist's office who is properly trained and supervised, such as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or registered nurse, can be qualified to do these treatments. Microneedling can also be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons.
What Does Microneedling Cost?
Shah estimates that an in-office treatment can cost between $100 and $700 depending on how large the area needs to be treated. Although microneedling is most popularly performed on the face it can also be used on the arms, legs, neck, and decolletage.
How to Prepare and Recover from the Treatment
Although there is no need to prepare, there are some precautions you should take. Pierre advises that you talk to your doctor if using blood thinners. They can increase bleeding and cause an infection.
Although recovery is quick, people with sensitive skin need to be cautious when using moisturizers or serums. Shah warns that the treatment will cause your skin to become more sensitive and inflamed than normal.
DIY Microneedling: Should you Try It?
Are you not willing to spend $100+ for in-office treatment? A variety of products are available that allow you to do microneedling at home. These DIY dermarollers can be purchased for between $30 and $200. However, you won't get the same results in the office setting as with these DIY dermarollers. Pierre says that the needles used in these devices are shorter and have less ability to stimulate collagen growth. According to the July-August 2016 Indian Dermatology Online Journal, at-home needles are usually less than 0.15 millimeters long (mm), compared to medical tools that can be 0.5 to 2mm long.
Pierre believes these at-home tools have some advantages. They are more affordable, improve exfoliation and allow products (such as hyaluronic and vitaminC) to penetrate deeper into your skin. Pierre states that you may get brighter skin, but not much skin rejuvenation.
Pierre recommends that you apply even pressure to the device while moving it in different directions around your face. Pierre warns that not cleaning the tool properly can lead to infection. Follow the instructions for cleaning your device. Usually, this involves washing the roller with soap and water and then soaking it in isopropyl Alcohol.
Pierre says that DIY microneedling does not have to be a waste. However, Pierre believes microneedling will provide more dramatic and long-lasting results than a roller device from a retailer.