All About Microneedling
Microneedling is a process that involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles to promote collagen production. And there’s that skincare buzzword again: collagen! It seems everywhere you turn, and someone’s trying to sell you something that will help increase your collagen production. So, what exactly is collagen, and what does microneedling have to do with it?
Are you interested in speaking with a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon about what a boost in collagen production can do for your skin? Patients in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, and the surrounding areas are in luck! Dr. Daniel Brown, MD, FACS, offers microneedling treatments among the vast array of medical spa services and surgical procedures. Call (619) 461-1500 or click here to request a consultation, and follow our blog to keep up with Dr. Brown’s cutting-edge techniques and innovative procedures that will leave you glowing!
Wound Healing and Skincare
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, providing structure and strength, two ingredients necessary for youthful, lifted skin. Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production starts to decline, which is why you may have noticed your skin isn’t as firm and plump as it once was. This decrease in collagen can also lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. Furthermore, the scarring from acne can also be attributed to a lack of collagen.
So, how does microneedling help with all of this? The needles used in the process cause micro-injuries to the skin, which jumpstarts the body’s natural healing process. As the skin heals, new collagen produces a firmer, plumper, and refreshed look. Additionally, because the needles create tiny channels in the skin, microneedling can also help improve the absorption of topical treatments.
Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of collagen in wound healing. After an injury, the body produces more collagen to repair the damaged tissue. [1] The same principle applies to microneedling.
Microneedling vs. Surgery
So, now that we know about collagen and how microneedling can help improve the skin let’s compare it to plastic surgery.
There are a few key differences between the two.
- Plastic surgery is invasive, while microneedling is not.
- Plastic surgery is much more expensive than microneedling.
- Plastic surgery requires a significant amount of downtime, while microneedling does not.
- Plastic surgery is a one-time treatment, while microneedling may require a series of treatments for optimal results.
Microneedling is non-surgical that involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles. The needles used in microneedling range in size from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Dr. Brown will determine the appropriate needle size used in your treatment to address your skin concerns and treatment goals.
As the needles puncture the skin, they create tiny “wounds” that stimulate scarless healing, which produces incredible results.
What are Growth Factors?
But what are growth factors, and how do they help the skin? Growth factors are proteins that are essential for wound healing. The body produces them in response to an injury, and they help to repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
There are a variety of growth factors that are involved in the wound-healing process, and they all play different roles. For example, some growth factors help to stimulate the production of collagen, while others help to reduce inflammation. Growth factors also promote cell proliferation, which is essential for wound healing.
Growth factors are essential not just for wound healing but for maintaining the health of the skin.
How Can Microneedling Help My Skin?
Microneedling offers many benefits for patients interested in improving their skin’s appearance without surgery or downtime. Microneedling can be used to address a variety of skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
- Varicella scars
- Burn scars
- Keloids
- Acne
That’s right, increased collagen production for facial rejuvenation isn’t the only benefit of microneedling. This treatment can also help improve the appearance of scars by breaking up scar tissue and smoothing the skin’s surface.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
You may be a good candidate for microneedling if you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin and would like to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or other common skin concerns without surgery. Furthermore, patients with stretch marks from pregnancy or weight gain and scars from surgery or injury may also be good candidates for this treatment.
Microneedling can be used on all skin types and colors without downtime. To find out if you are a good candidate for microneedling, contact Dr. Brown’s office today to schedule a consultation.
Personal Consultation for Microneedling
During your consultation, Dr. Brown will assess your skin concerns and treatment goals to determine if microneedling is the proper treatment for you. If you are interested in microneedling, Dr. Brown will create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
If microneedling is unsuitable for you, Dr. Brown will develop an alternative treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
There is minimal prep patients need to do before their microneedling treatment. Dr. Brown may recommend avoiding sun exposure for a few days before your appointment. In addition, you should cleanse your skin and remove all makeup before your treatment. Patients should stop taking blood thinners, like aspirin or ibuprofen, a few days before their treatment.
What Happens During Microneedling?
This minimally-invasive treatment can be performed in-office and only takes a short time to complete. The steps are simple!
- Cleanse
- Numb
- Microneedle
A numbing cream will be applied to the skin to minimize any discomfort. Once the area is numb, the microneedling device will be passed over the skin’s surface. After the treatment is complete, hyaluronic acid, PRF, or other serum will be applied to the skin. The treated area may be slightly red and swollen, but this will subside within a few hours.
How Does Microneedling Feel?
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive treatment, so patients only experience minimal discomfort. Most patients report that the treatment feels like a mild sunburn. The numbing cream helps minimize any discomfort during the treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is redness and swelling, which usually subsides within a few hours. Other possible side effects include bruising, itching, and dry skin. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
How Long Do the Results of Microneedling Last?
The results of microneedling are long-lasting, but patients may need occasional touch-up treatments to maintain their results. To help prolong the results of treatment, patients should protect their skin from sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. In addition, patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.
How Will I Look Immediately After Microneedling?
Microneedling results are not immediate, in fact, your skin may look worse before it starts to look better. It can take up to six weeks for your skin to produce new collagen and for the results to become visible. But when your skin begins to produce new collagen, you will notice a youthful glow Hollywood starlets will envy.
So, while there is no downtime, meaning you can go about your day-to-day activities immediately after your treatment, don’t be alarmed if you have a little redness and swelling. Take a day off from work if you feel the need, but know that it will subside and you will be on your way to looking red-carpet-ready in no time. That said, this is not a treatment you want to book the day before a big event. Give your skin time to heal and you’ll look stunning for a long time!
How Can I Boost The Microneedling Effects Even More?
There are a variety of procedures that can be performed in conjunction with microneedling to enhance your results.
These procedures include:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the skin. It helps to keep the face hydrated and plump, and when added to microneedling, hyaluronic acid can boost that youthful plump we’re all after.
What is the Cost of Microneedling Treatment in La Jolla?
The cost of microneedling treatment will vary depending on the number of treatments you need and the size of the area being treated. During your consultation, Dr. Brown will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific goals and needs. To learn more about microneedling and boost the look and feel of your skin, contact us today by calling (619) 461-1500 or via our contact form.
We look forward to meeting you!
