Microneedling

• Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small, sterilized needles to prick the skin.
• The purpose of this treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue to smooth, firm, and tone skin.
• Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may reduceTrusted Source the appearance of acne, scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and large pores.

• Microneedling is minimally invasive, requiring little to no downtime.
• It’s considered safe for most people who are in overall good health.
• The procedure may not be safeTrusted Source for people who use certain acne medications, for those with active acne, or for those with moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema.
• You can experience minor redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure.

• Each session may last about 30 minutes.
• It’s best to see a board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic surgeon for this procedure. In some states, an aesthetician may also be able to perform the procedure if supervised by a physician.
• You may need multiple treatments for the best results.

• It’s considered effective in treating minor scarring related to acneTrusted Source, scars, stretch marksTrusted Source, and maturing skinTrusted Source. You may notice brighter, firmer skin, too.
• Ideal results are achieved after multiple sessions but may require a long-term maintenance plan.
• Microneedling is far more effective than at-home rollers.

Micro-needling, also known as ‘dermal acupuncture’ or ‘percutaneous collagen induction therapy,’ is a gentle treatment that is used to refine and smooth the skin. It works using a hand held device containing sterilized micro needles which, when applied to the skin, create ‘micro lesions’ or small tunnels which are able to help skincare ingredients reach deeper skin layers, whilst also stimulating collagen regeneration in the skin. The process was first introduced in 1996, when world renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Des Fernandes created a small needle ‘stamp,’ to help induce collagen production and used it as a regular treatment in his surgical practice.

Your aesthetician will select the exact depth for your skin type and concerns (as deep as 3.5 millimetres depending on which tool the clinic uses) and the treatment then involves a combination of vertical, horizontal and oblique paths over the skin. It can be performed in the same area up to three times or until fine pinpoint bleeding can be seen.

The tiny injuries produced by the small needles stimulate certain receptors in deeper skin layers that encourage an increased release of growth factors and stimulate the natural regeneration processes of the skin – when the skin feels the pinpricks, it naturally rushes to heal them. It also helps promote the circulation of the treated tissue, stimulating the formation of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen to help significantly improve the elasticity of the skin for a more youthful and luminous appearance. And in the long-term, studies have shown that skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment. This makes the treatment particularly popular for those who wish to improve the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

Since skincare products (e.g. Hyaluronic Acid) are more easily absorbed by the skin after microneedling, (the treatment allows greater penetration and up to 300 per cent greater skincare absorption) their desired effect can be maximized  – which is why many facial treatments are often combined with microneedling. However, it’s important to ensure any skincare that you apply during or post treatment is gentle and restorative rather than aggressive or overly stimulating. Hyaluronic Acid is a wonderful ingredient to apply on top of microneedling because it intensively replenishes the skin’s moisture reservoirs at various skin layers while boosting skin barrier function.

Any pain you might experience will be very minimal. Your aesthetician will apply a numbing cream to your skin before the treatment begins and afterwards, will usually apply a soothing serum or cream to help alleviate any discomfort. You may experience a little redness or swelling but really, there’s very little downtime needed.

This treatment is suitable for almost any skin type. However, like any procedure, microneedling can cause possible complications, including bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring, and pigment problems, although most should typically resolve within a few days.