Micro-Needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic dermatological procedure that boosts collagen and revitalizes the skin. It’s formally known as ‘Collagen Induction Therapy' (CIT) because each treatment restores up to a year’s worth of lost collagen while also improving the overall appearance of your skin.
A Micro-Needling procedure takes on average 30-60 minutes and is generally considered painless. It is popular with patients and physicians because it is safe, effective and the results are lasting.
The Micro-Needling Procedure
Microneedling involves introducing thousands of microchannels into the skin with small, sterilized needles. This stimulates your body to activate its own natural wound healing mechanism stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.
There are three phases in the wound healing process:
Inflammation: Introducing microchannels into the skin using a medical-grade micro-needling device stimulates your immune system to increase blood flow which removes debris and cleans up the deep layers of the skin. This is the first step in creating new tissue.
Proliferation: As the ‘wound’ is repaired, granulation cells contribute to the growth of the extracellular matrix and new vascular structures. This is the structural base for new tissue growth.
Remodeling: the final step in the rejuvenation process is the creation of new dermal tissue and vascular supply leading to skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin which helps to fill fine lines, improve acne scars, smooth out large pores, and brighten the skin. The result is a fresher-looking you with plumper, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
Your treatment provider will apply numbing cream on the treated area so you may not feel the procedure. Then your provider will use a medical-grade Micro-Needling device to apply the micro-needles to the treatment area. Your provider may offer you post-procedure products to optimize your healing. Micro-needling is safe on all skin types. This makes it an excellent option for patients with darker skin tones for whom laser and other treatments may not be safe.
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Often, the results of micro-needling can be further improved when used in combination with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Studies have shown that PRP can expedite the healing process of tissues and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and acne scarring when used with micro-needling. PRP treatment involves using the patient’s own blood as a resource to isolate the platelets with a centrifuge. Because the blood is directly from the patient, the risks of the body rejecting the plasma or having an allergic reaction are minimal. The blood is separated into 3 layers which leave the PRP available for use during the micro-needling process. PRP contains proteins and several growth factors that regulate and activate cell migration and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
By using micro-needling as the supplemental delivery method for the PRP, the two treatments work synergistically which leads to more rapid collagen production. Results can vary based on a number of factors including needle penetration, overall skin health, number of passes and treatments received as well as needle size. Patients will be able to note a youthful radiance and tightening of their skin directly following micro-needling with PRP but it is recommended to receive 4-6 treatments 4 weeks apart to maintain collagen production and to optimize their skin rejuvenation.
Risks Of Micro-Needling
Micro-needling is safe for healthy adults. Keep in mind, the procedure requires your skin to be broken in order to initiate the regeneration process. It may up to several days for your skin to fully heal making the procedure better suited for people who do not have trouble healing. If you have a chronic skin or health condition, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Not everyone is a good candidate. Microneedling isn’t recommended for folks with a history of keloid scars, scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, fungal infections, or a history of eczema and psoriasis. It’s also not recommended if you’re immunosuppressed, pregnant, or nursing.
Rare side effects may include scarring and infection can occur. The risk of infection is low, but you want to make sure you keep the treatment area clean after your procedure. Your doctor will provide you with written instructions to make this as simple as possible.
Expect some post-procedure redness. This usually subsides within 24 hours. It’s also normal to have minor tenderness to the touch after each treatment. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the first day or two after your treatment. Other side effects may include bruising and scabbing post-procedure due to possible pinpoint bleeding during your procedure. Your skin should feel and look normal within 24 hours and largely be healed after three days.
