These days, New Yorkers can get all sorts of treatments for problem skin conditions. There are the proven classics–like Botox, lasers, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion–and there are also some innovative and new strategies. One of these more recent trends is microneedling. If you read a lot of beauty blogs or have industry-obsessed friends, you’ve probably already heard about this approach. It’s really changing the game when it comes to treating facial imperfections and improving the general state of skin, so there’s a lot of buzz about it–and a lot of questions about how it actually works.
I always want my patients to be in the know about the treatments and procedures they are considering having done. With that in mind, here are some basics about microneedling, as well as some things to keep in mind if you are considering having it done.
Yes, we really use needles
But don’t worry, they aren’t the big needles you might think of when you picture injections, piercings, or tattoos. Instead, we use a series of small pinheads that open up the outermost layer of skin in small micro-channels. Believe it or not, there’s not much pain that comes with it, either. This is partially based on the size of the tiny needles, partially based on the need distribution on your skin, and partially based on numbing agents that can be applied before microneedling takes place. If you’re still worried about it hurting, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to your treatment and in the hours that follow. You might also be surprised by the small amount of downtime that’s required after microneedling. Although you might not want to go directly back to the office or out on the town after an appointment, you shouldn’t need more than a day to recover.
It can tackle several problem spots
One of the reasons microneedling is so popular is that it can combat a wide range of skin issues. This includes uneven skin tone, large pores, wrinkles, and scarring from acne and other injuries. Results are evident within a couple of days of treatment, and regular appointments only increase success rates. When the micro-channels are created, it becomes easier for your skin care products to seep in deeper and have a more significant effect on your skin. While you’re in our office, we can also discuss the products that you use to evaluate if they are truly the best for your situation and, as needed, create a customized regimen to better suit your needs.
There are differences between at-home and in-office microneedling
Another reason that microneedling has gained attention is that it can be done both in a office and on your own time at home with a derma roller. Although at-home options are convenient and useful for many, there are advantages to having a professional work on your skin, particularly if you are new to the microneedling concept. Our in-office procedures can often penetrate deeper into the skin’s surface, which yields better results. Additionally, we offer platelet rich plasma microneedling. With this technique, concentrated platelets rich in bioactive proteins and growth factors help accelerate the body’s healing process and stimulate cellular regeneration. This can provide a full face rejuvenation that simply can’t be matched in the average household.
Microneedling might be trendy, but, thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness, it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. If you are interested in the treatment or have questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out.