Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) is proving to be one of the best solutions for people suffering from facial skin issues such as large pores, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dull skin and so much more.
Microneedling uses an automated pen-like device with disposable needle tips that create tiny micro injuries in the skin. These micro injuries trigger the body to create healthy, new, collagen-rich tissue on its own as part of the body’s natural healing process.
At Dr Bryan McIntosh’s clinic in Bellevue, WA, we use the first FDA-approved product of its kind called the SkinPen to administer a microneedling treatment. Many of our patients have questions about the procedure that they haven’t found answers to in the past. To answer some of the most common ones, we have created a list below to give you a fair idea about what to expect before you come in for your first appointment:
• The idea of needles being pricked into the skin to create deliberate wounds sounds painful, doesn’t it? But the needles are so fine that you’re going to feel little to no pain at all. And a numbing cream will be applied prior, so don’t be too scared.
• You have the option of adding platelet-rich plasma to the procedure. This adds an extra boost of healing to the Microneedling process and helps lighten any hyperpigmentation you may have on the skin. Be aware though that your administrator may suggest you keep the plasma on your face for up to 24 hours.
• Microneedling has a cumulative effect with multiple treatments as more and more collagen is naturally produced by the body. Moderate acne scars may need 3-4 treatments, while thermal burns and stretch marks may need as many as five.
• Microneedling can be safely repeated every 4-6 weeks as needed.
• Unlike, Botox injections, Microneedling involves 24-48 hours of downtime. You will see redness and perhaps even a little swelling, so make sure you don’t have any public engagements during this short, window of time.
• Your doctor may advise you to stay off your normal exercise routine and stay away from direct sunlight for this period as well.
• Make sure you have no active breakouts on your face before undergoing the procedure.
• Microneedling can be done at home, using a wand called dermarollers. But, at a cosmetic surgery clinic, the needles that are professionally used are slightly longer and therefore, can penetrate to deeper layers of skin to treat more complex conditions such as scarring or stretch marks. Also, the dermarollers commonly available for home use, are of different needle sizes, and not understanding the procedure very well when doing it yourself can lead to infections and unsavory results.
• Post-Microneedling, infections are extremely unlikely given that the tiny wounds close quickly and the treatment is done under clinical conditions.
• Finally, skin rejuvenation may begin to be visible as soon as two weeks after the procedure and results continue to improve as much as six to eight months after.
Interested in trying Microneedling to correct facial skin imperfections? CONTACT US at Dr Bryan McIntosh’s clinic in Bellevue, WA, and let us assist you!