What Microneedling Can Do for Your Skin This Spring
Imagine having fresh and rejuvenated skin during a time when nature resets and begins its own rejuvenation. One of the easiest and most minimally invasive ways to do that is with microneedling. Microneedling is a relatively painless procedure that just happens to be one of the best skin treatment options in the world of cosmetic dermatology.
What to Know About Microneedling
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a procedure in which a derma roller (a handheld tool covered with tiny pin-like needles) is gently rolled across a patient’s face. The face is punctured repeatedly with those thin needles, causing micro-injury. Yes, that may sound awful, but trust us, it’s not as bad as it sounds.
Micro-injury actually refers to any damage made to the skin cells. Much like micro-injuries you make to your muscles while lifting weights, these micro-injuries also make the skin stronger. When the skin gets stronger, it creates more collagen in the treated areas, resulting in firmer younger-looking skin. But unlike lifting heavy weights, the great thing about this type of micro-injury is that it rarely affects the nerves and therefore is relatively painless.
Since collagen is the main building block for the protein in our bodies, it’s essential to stimulate its production as we age. With the skin, in particular, collagen creates and regenerates healthy skin cells reducing wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and even certain types of sun damage. We typically have a large amount of collagen in our bodies when we are young, but as we age, our collagen disappears—that loss of collagen results in sagging skin, wrinkles, discoloration, and other signs of aging.
As the dermal roller creates many tiny perforations, the damaged cells call out to collagen, which floods the area and begins to create new, unscarred skin with a healthier glow.
What Can I Expect?
Before the microneedling procedure begins, your dermatologist will first apply a numbing agent to your treatment area to minimize the chances of you feeling any discomfort. After about an hour, they will then begin to gently, yet strategically, move the derma roller over your face. Most people only feel a small pricking sensation, but it is typically painless.
Once the procedure is done, your doctor may apply a calming agent to further reduce the possibility of experiencing any discomfort. Common side effects may include general irritation, skin redness, slight bleeding, skin peeling, and possible bruising. Most individuals require little to no downtime but will need to wear sunscreen even more regularly as the skin will be much more sensitive to sunlight.
As collagen goes to work to rebuild the skin (and your side effects begin to disappear), you will notice a more even skin tone, a reduction in wrinkles, and fading acne scars. The results typically appear within a few weeks of treatment. To keep your new glowing skin, you may need multiple treatment sessions over a period of time.
Call Us Today!
If you happen to be in Cincinnati, Ohio, our experts at The Dermatology Group are here to offer advice, resources, and continuous treatment as necessary. Give us a call today!