What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin tightening procedure that rejuvenates skin through controlled micro injury, encouraging collagen production and cellular turnover and skin renewal. It involves a device with tiny little needles to puncture the skin, which in turn stimulates collagen production thus giving your skin a tighter and firmer appearance with minimal to no down-time.
How do you prepare for Microneedling?
Ahead of your microneedling procedure, you will be given microneedling pre-treatment instructions that include:
- Avoiding sun exposure unless you are wearing a very strong (50+) SPF, hair removal, and exfoliants before your treatment to prevent irritation.
- Keeping an eye out for an active skin infection or breakout, like a cold sore, hives, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, or active acne, as microneedling may worsen active breakouts. If you are experiencing these problems, consult your provider, as you may need to reschedule.
- Ceasing the use of retinoid and acid-based skincare products 7 days before your procedure to avoid any possible skin irritation or overdrying
- Temporarily ceasing the use of blood-thinning medication before your microneedling appointment.
- Arriving with a washed face (use only a gentle cleanser) on the day of the appointment and avoiding using any lotion, perfume, serum, or makeup.
Why is Microneedling performed?
Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin conditions that cause depressions in the skin such as acne scarring, surgical scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks. At Viva Eve, we offer custom skincare plans for PCOS, acne, prenatal, and postpartum patients, knowing that these conditions cause side effects that may require an integrated approach to fully treat.
What can you expect during a Microneedling procedure?
A topical anesthetic is usually applied 45 – 60 minutes before the procedure to help numb the area and reduce pain. During your microneedling treatment, a pen-like tool, tipped with tiny needles, will be used to create microscopic punctures underneath the skin’s surface. This prompts the body’s natural healing process, boosting collagen production and elasticity to reveal brighter, firmer, and smoother skin.
Microneedling also makes it easier for topical nutrients to be absorbed deeply into the skin. Results for this skin renewal procedure are not instant but appear as the body repairs the affected area. Most patients start seeing results within a week, and full results within 4-6 weeks.
What is the followup and recovery like for a Microneedling procedure?
Every person’s skin reacts differently, but most patients should expect for their skin to be flushed or bright red, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn after their microneedling skin tightening procedure is complete. Some people experience flaking or peeling skin, small red spots, light bruising, and mild swelling that lasts for several days during the healing process.
Patients who become flushed during physical activity or when the weather is cold may experience more redness than those who don’t have those reactions. The redness typically lasts less than 24 hours and applying a high-quality moisturizer will soothe and hydrate the skin.
What should I expect during Microneedling recovery?
Most people notice results in as little as 24 to 72 hours, but it is important to note that these results are temporary and tend to fade over the week following microneedling treatment. The true results become apparent after at least 2 to 4 weeks, as new collagen matures in the skin and provides the skin with additional support. This happens faster in younger patients, who often see final results in 3-4 weeks after treatment; while older patients may have to wait for more than 4 weeks to see desired results.
What are the potential costs for a Microneedling procedure?
Microneedling is an elective cosmetic treatment which is generally not covered by most insurance plans.There may be some specific exceptions that are considered medically necessary and may be partially/fully covered.
What are the potential risks for a Microneedling procedure?
There are a few temporary side effects to be aware of with the microneedling skin tightening procedure. These include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Redness
- Tightness
- Itching
- Peeling
Our Viva Eve skincare specialists provide our patients with detailed instructions that reduce the risk of skin damage. We usually advise our patients to:
- Avoid hot water, steam, excessive sweat, and heat
- Wash with tepid water and gentle soap
- Use good quality hypoallergenic moisturizers to minimize skin irritation
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Not scrub or exfoliate the skin
- Not use acids or active skincare products
Follow up with your provider if side effects persist.
Are there related procedures to a Microneedling procedure?
Many of our patients find that a combination of microneedling and chemical peels delivers the best results. Microneedling skin renewal reaches deep under the skin to promote healing of scarred areas and long-term wrinkle reduction, while a superficial or medium chemical peel that follows can rejuvenate the skin further, leaving patients with clearer, rejuvenated/restored skin.