Microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” It’s a minimally invasive service that can improve acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and even tighten lax skin. Research has shown that even melasma can be successfully lightened using microneedling treatments! Patients in clinical studies rated their skin as 60-80% improved after undergoing a series of microneedling treatments.
So, how does it work? Microneedling causes minuscule and controlled injury to the skin. This activates the wound healing response which stimulates the formation of new collagen.
After applying numbing cream, the practitioner uses a device that looks like a pen to create hundreds of tiny micro-channels in the skin. Basically, you are systematically pricked all over the treatment area by teeny, tiny needles. The treatment isn't painful and some even report that it tickles. Microneedling activates the body’s healing process which leads to the regeneration of fresh, healthy skin.
As each tiny hole in your face (or stomach or thighs, etc.) heals, there is an overall tightening effect that occurs, leaving you with smoother, firmer, more even looking skin.
Thanks to all the micro-channels created in the skin during a microneedling session, any product applied subsequently can penetrate deeper into the skin. Active ingredients reach layers of the skin they normally wouldn’t. A liquid treatment such as epidermal growth factors, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is applied during or immediately after needling just for this reason. PRP, for example, stimulates collagen production and accelerates the healing process. (Read more about PRP here) Microneedling with PRP is also referred to as The Vampire Facial.
At One Aesthetics in Winter Park, FL, they sometimes mix Botox with PRP to accomplish something similar to microbotox. Microbotox is a technique that is used to relax the sebaceous and sweat glands as well as the superficial layer of facial muscles. Unlike traditional Botox, microbotox uses multiple tiny intradermal to just subdermal (not very deep) injections of diluted Botox. The end result is a reduction in oil, acne, pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a diluted solution of botulinum toxin and PRP with microneedling produces a similar effect to Microbotox but with the additional benefits of PRP.
Microneedling can be used instead of lasers or chemical peels because it is safe for use on all skin tones, on all parts of the body. People with darker skin tones or melasma often can’t do certain lasers due to the risk of skin darkening or burning. Chemical peels can sometimes cause irritation or rosacea to flare up. Microneedling poses none of these risks.
There is very little downtime with microneedling—yet another advantage over lasers or chemical peels. You may be a bit pink or swollen after a microneedling session, but most people see their skin return to normal within 24 hours.
Microneedling and lasers can be used in tandem for optimal results, and the fact that microneedling is so minimally invasive makes it perfect to do between laser treatments if you wish.
For best results, most people do four to eight sessions with an occasional appointment after that to maintain their fabulous skin.
Make your microneedling appointment now and be one step closer to a smoother, tighter, and more radiant complexion!
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