What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally-invasive treatment in which an FDA-approved, electric-powered device is used to create thousands of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the skin using sterile needles. By causing micro-injuries to the skin, the skin’s wound-healing process is stimulated, causing the release of growth factors to repair itself. The growth factors then cause the growth of new collagen and elastin. New collagen growth peaks at 14 days.

How does this differ from resurfacing laser treatments?

With microneedling you are injuring the skin mechanically without heat. So the healing time is faster compared to laser treatments.

for what skin conditions is microneedling used?

As our skin ages, it loses collagen and elastin and the layers of the skin (the epidermis and dermis) become thinner. Because microneedling induces new collagen and elastin growth, it improves fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars, and stretch marks. It also used for overall skin rejuvenation to improve skin thickness and overall skin quality.

Is there any downtime?

Following treatment, the treated skin will look pink, similar to a mild sunburn for up to 24 hours, followed by the skin feeling dry for a day or two as it heals. Less aggressive treatment setting result in quicker recovery times. If the doctor performs a deeper treatment causing pinpoint bleeding, healing can take an extra 1-2 days and less commonly patients can experience mild bruising.

How often should microneedling be performed?

Initially, microneedling should be done monthly until results are achieved. Patients often complete 6 monthly treatments, following which they might decide to continue having the treatments done monthly or decrease the frequency to every 3 months to not only maintain results but to continue inducing new collagen growth in the long run.

Where on my body can microneedling be performed?

Microneedling is most often performed on the face and neck for rejuvenation. It can also be performed on any body part where there are scars or stretch marks.

How do I prepare for my treatment?

We will provide you with numbing cream that should applied to the treatment area 30 minutes before your appointment. Please let our office know if you are prone to cold sores, as this procedure runs the risk of triggering a new cold sore. The doctor will prescribe you an anti-viral medication to prevent this.

What does microneedling feel like?

The application of numbing cream makes the treatment very tolerable. The procedure feels like scratching or scraping of the skin.

How should I take care of my skin after my treatment?

Since your skin will have micro-channels that need to close up and heal, it is not recommended to apply any of your own products to your skin until the next day. We will apply a skin product after your treatment that will speed up healing time but will not penetrate through the micro-channels to cause any unwanted inflammation.