Microneedling also known as (Collagen Induction Therapy) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive, skin rejuvenation treatment that dramatically improves the skin’s appearance. Microneedling uses very delicate trauma to stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin. The boost of collagen from microneedling improves the skin’s appearance, reduces enlarged pores, age spots, lip/face wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, surgical /trauma scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone, and discoloration. Microneedling requires very little downtime and is safe and effective.
Issues Treated with Microneedling
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Acne scarring
- Surgical scars
- Dull skin
- Sun damage
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Pigmentation
- Melasma
What to Expect During Treatment
Before the treatment, we provide a thorough consultation to understand the patient’s concerns and expectations. A topical anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. The sterilized microneedling head is used to puncture the skin until the full area of treatment is covered. The treatment usually takes about 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. Although the majority of clients experience minimal discomfort, a nerve- block or PRO-NOX, is available for those who need an additional level of comfort.
There is very little downtime after microneedling. Clients may experience slight redness and bruising for a few days after treatment which can be covered up with make-up. Older patients or those with sensitive skin may have a longer recovery.
How does microneedling work?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses fine needles to puncture the epidermis causing controlled injury to the skin. The skin responds to the injury by triggering the wound-repair process, which results in the generation of new collagen and elastin-rich tissue. This new skin tissue is, tighter, firmer, and toned with fewer noticeable lines, wrinkles, and scars.
There are four phases to the wound repair process:
Phase I: Coagulation phase - this happens in seconds to about 15 minutes after an injury. In this phase, a blood clot is formed and platelets begin the signaling process.
Phase II: Inflammatory phase - The immune system is triggered. Neutrophils remove debris and foreign objects from the new tissues. This phase may take between 15 minutes to 4 days.
Phase III: Proliferative phase – this can take days to weeks to complete. Fibroblast lays down the extracellular matrix and new networks of blood vessels and granulation tissue. This results in the generation of new collagen and elastin giving the skin a tighter, firmer, and rejuvenated look.
Phase 1V: Remodeling phase – this phase may take weeks to years. This can be seen when scar tissue is constantly being removed replaced.
Results
Most clients will notice some improvement in pigment issues, scars, skin texture, spots, and wrinkles, after the first treatment. Improvements will be more noticeable after 2 or 3 treatments. Some areas may require more than 3 treatments. Results may last up to 6 months.
Microneedling can act as a channel for enhanced delivery of topical skincare treatments like hyaluronic acid. It can also be combined with other treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and Morpheus Radiofrequency to further stimulate the creation of growth factors and collagen in deeper layers of the skin to provide longer-lasting results.
At WHOW Aesthetics we often combine Microneedling with Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (PRF) treatments or Microneedling with Exosomes to further enhance the skin regenertion and rejuvention results.
Side Effects/ Complications
Although, risks are very low, and there is little to no downtime. Some may experience the following side effects:
1. Minor skin irritation immediately after treatment
2. Redness for a few days after
3. Minor bleeding, bruising, and peeling
4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
5. Allergic reaction
6. Clients that are pregnant, have certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema, open wounds, recent radiation therapy, have a history of skin scars should not have a microneedling treatment.