Microneedling

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production and softens textural imperfections in the skin, including fine lines, large pores and scarring. At Dignity Medical Aesthetics, we use a medical-grade microneedling device that causes focused and purposeful micro-trauma to the skin. These tiny wounds are so small you may not be able to see them, but they are enough to set your body’s natural healing processes into motion. New collagen and elastin form to regenerate the damaged tissue from the inside out.

The benefits of microneedling include reducing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing conspicuous pores and pigmentation, and softening the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Microneedling also gives a healthy, natural glow to the skin.

Who Benefits From Microneedling?

As a minimally-invasive procedure, microneedling is considered safe for most women and men regardless of their skin type and tone. Patients who are older and have lost significant amounts of collagen and elastin in their skin can benefit from microneedling’s ability to increase these critical structural proteins. Microneedling is also an excellent treatment for younger patients who have scarring from acne or an injury. Patients of any age can enjoy a smoother and more radiant complexion with this treatment.

Because microneedling involves creating small wounds in the skin, people who are prone to infection or who have chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, may not be good candidates for this procedure. Individuals seeking correction of advanced signs of aging or longer-lasting results may find that a surgical approach is more appropriate for their goals.

What to Expect During Treatment

We aim to make your microneedling treatment as comfortable as possible. You will get settled into one of our well-appointed treatment rooms when you arrive and a topical anesthetic will be applied to your skin. Once it has taken effect, one of our highly-trained aesthetic practitioners will move the automated microneedling device across your skin while it creates small, evenly-spaced punctures. Although the sensation of microneedling can be unusual, most patients tolerate the treatment well.

We typically recommend starting with an initial series of three microneedling treatments. Microneedling can be used in conjunction with non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing, as both modalities create similar responses in the skin using different methods. We cannot predict which approach your skin will respond better to. Therefore, some patients opt to have a combination of microneedling and laser resurfacing to complete their series of three treatments.

What to Expect After Treatment

Following a microneedling procedure, your skin may be pink or red, as though it has been mildly sunburned. This is your body’s natural response to the small injuries made by the needles. It resolves quickly for most patients and should not prevent you from resuming most aspects of your regular routine. It’s best to avoid using cosmetics and participating in strenuous physical activities for the first 24 hours after your treatment. Being diligent about sun protection while your skin heals is also important.

You may start to see positive results soon after your first microneedling session. With one treatment, your skin will feel smoother, look healthier and develop a beautiful glow. After several sessions, the most profound benefits of your treatment regimen will emerge. Deeply-rooted imperfections, like acne scars or stubborn wrinkles, will soften and fade as the boost in collagen and elastin takes effect. Treatment sessions are usually spaced about four to six weeks apart. Our aesthetics team can provide you with a personalized treatment schedule that will keep your skin looking its best indefinitely.

Microneedling and PRP

Microneedling can be performed with or without platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. PRP is a serum derived from your own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets and their associated growth factors. When activated, these growth factors stimulate collagen and elastin production to remodel and renew your skin. Adding PRP to your microneedling treatment can lessen social downtime and improve the outcome of your procedure.

If you are ready to discover your healthiest and most beautiful skin, contact Dignity Medical Aesthetics today at (916) 939-3889 to book your in-person consultation with our experts. We look forward to helping you bring your skin care goals to life.