Microneedling 

Are you worried about the fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Do you wish to get rid of them in the easiest way possible? Cosmetology has evolved tremendously over the past decades, helping millions achieve the desired skin texture and tone. Advanced and innovative technology has been key in providing optimal results with minimal complications and quick recovery. This blog will explore one such revolutionary aesthetic treatment - "Microneedling." As you age, the collagen and elastin in your skin may deplete, giving way to wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sagging skin. Microneedling helps stimulate your body's natural repair process, promoting collagen and elastin production. 

So buckle up yourself as we take you through the indications, contraindications, benefits, and the complete procedure involved in microneedling. 

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure (does not involve any cuts, bleeding, or hospitalization) that helps rejuvenate your damaged skin. Your dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) uses ultra-thin needles to make tiny holes in the superficial layer (epidermis) of your skin. This creates micro-injuries in your skin to stimulate the skin's healing process to produce more collagen and elastin.

Collagen and elastic proteins are essential proteins in your body responsible for the structural integrity of your skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They help keep your skin firm and toned. Aging can hamper these structural proteins, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and skin sagging. Microneedling helps revitalize the architecture and integrity of your skin. 

When is Microneedling Indicated?

Microneedling offers both cosmetic and medical uses and is often indicated in the following conditions:

• Enlarged pores 
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Loose, sagging skin
• Mild scars that appear due to acne or burns
• Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone
• Hyperpigmentation
• Stretch marks 
• Alopecia areata (a type of hair loss due to an autoimmune disease)
• Hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) 

When is Microneedling Contraindicated?

Your dermatologist may not recommend microneedling in the following conditions where it is usually contraindicated:

• Active acne 
• Blood disorders 
• While using anticoagulants (blood thinning medications)
• Cancer
• While receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Frequent skin rashes, as seen during dermatitis 
• With an increased risk of keloid (hard, raised scars) formation 
• Presence of moles, freckles, and skin tags that may change in size, shape, or bleed
• Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema

What Are The Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling is a popular aesthetic treatment owing to its multiple benefits. These include:

• The procedure is versatile since it is used for multiple skin issues like wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. 
• Does not involve any anesthetic solution
• Does not involve any cuts or incisions
• Is an outpatient procedure (no hospitalization required)
• It is a painless procedure.
• It is a quick procedure. 
• Offers long-lasting results
• Effective results offered in just a few sessions
• There are no noticeable side effects after the procedure.
• Recovery is quick 
• There are no major restrictions on your routine activities.
• Little to no downtime 
• Cost-effective procedure 

What Happens Before Microneedling?

You are expected to follow specific guidelines before undergoing microneedling. Your dermatologist will examine your skin, review your health history, and discuss your goals for the procedure. 

Your dermatologist will advise you to:

• Stop certain medications like ibuprofen and those used in acne treatment
• Avoid active agents like retinoids and exfoliants at least two weeks before the procedure to reduce skin sensitivity
• Apply vitamin A or C cream at least a month before beginning the process of collagen production 

What Happens During Microneedling?

On the scheduled day of your treatment, your dermatologist will:

• Numb the area of your skin to be treated with an anesthetic ointment. This is usually done at least 30 minutes before the procedure begins. 
• Use a hand-held roller or an electric tool consisting of ultra-thin needles to create tiny punctures on the skin.
• The length of the needles can be altered. Your doctor may use shorter needles for superficial scars and longer needles for deep scars. 
• The device will be slowly and gently rolled across your skin. 
• You may experience mild warmth or a burning sensation, usually temporary and bearable.
• The procedure can take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated. 
• Your dermatologist may finish the treatment by applying a growth serum or a calming lotion.

What To Expect After Microneedling?

Microneedling is an outpatient procedure so that you can go home after the treatment. 

• You will likely experience mild skin irritation and redness that usually resolves after a few days.
• Your treated skin may be swollen and easily managed using ice packs.
• You can resume your work and routine activities right away without any problem.
• It is advised to give your skin some time to heal before applying makeup (maybe a day to soothe the skin).
• Remember to use sunscreen since your skin will be more sensitive after microneedling.
• You may experience dry and flaky skin, so use a good moisturizer. 
• You must wait at least one week before exposing your skin to the sun and other skin products (like retinoids and harmful hair).
• You may notice results as early as one week after the treatment.
• You will likely need multiple sessions or complementary treatments to maintain the results. 
• You will likely notice results for 3 to 6 months post-micro needling with effective collagen production.

You can help your skin heal after microneedling by following the below tips:

• Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet with fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.
• Hydrate yourself by drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
• Use an antioxidant serum
• Apply a cooling mask regularly
• Use collagen-stimulating peptides 

Takeaway 

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that helps rejuvenate your skin and improve its appearance. Consult your dermatologist if you suffer from fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Your doctor can perform microneedling as an outpatient procedure with minimal side effects and quick recovery. However, you may need multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.