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Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that involves the introduction of fine needles through the skin to create hundreds of tiny micro injuries. These injuries stimulate your skin's natural healing ability, resulting in cell turnover and increased production of collagen and elastin.
Microneedling has many benefits. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, shrinks pore size, retexturizes the skin, and improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.
Microneedling can also be paired with platelet-rich plasma therapy. During PRP therapy, the physician will draw your blood in the office, spin it rapidly in a centrifuge for 10 minutes, which will separate the red blood cells from the plasma. The plasma has a high concentration of platelets, which are very rich in growth factors. The plasma can be incorporated into your microneedling procedure to boost collagen production and enhance your results. For optimal results, dermatologists initially recommend a series of four treatments performed on a monthly basis.
Maintenance treatments are recommended every 3 to 6 months depending on the reason for treatment. 3 to 5 days prior to your procedure, you should avoid direct sun exposure and any skin irritants such as retinoids or acid containing products. If you have an active cold sore, you should postpone treatment. If you are prone to developing cold sores, ask your provider about the option of a prescription prophylactic treatment.
On the day of your treatment, you will be asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to your appointment time, so the provider may apply a numbing cream to the area, which will make the procedure very tolerable. The procedure itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Immediately following microneedling, the skin will be red and flushed in appearance very similar to a moderate sunburn. You may also have some bruising, which is most prominent on bony areas such as the forehead, nose, and along the cheekbones.
You can experience some tightness and mild sensitivity to touch, but really no pain. 50% of the redness will diminish within 24 hours. You can expect to have redness, some bruising, and mild peeling and flaking of the skin for roughly 3 to 7 days.
In the majority of patients, the skin is completely healed and back to normal within one week. You must avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of two weeks following your procedure to prevent the risk of hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.
After your initial treatment, you will receive a post procedure kit to use for 3 days. The kit should last you for up to 4 treatments. You must refrain from using any retinoids or acid based products until the skin has completely healed.
If you are treating your face, you may resume makeup application 48 hours post procedure, but dermatologists highly recommend mineral based makeup to prevent the risk of any side effects such as skin irritation.
SOURCE
Ileana Perez-Quintairos, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
DR. PEREZ-QUINTAIROS PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Academy of Dermatology
Florida Medical Association
Dade County Medical Association
American Board of Dermatology
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