What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment in which tiny punctures are made in your skin using micro-fine needles. The punctures trigger wound healing processes in your body to treat the wounds. This response increases collagen production and elastin production, which fosters healthy skin and more skin elasticity!
On top of your body’s response to the punctures, anything that is applied over the wounds will be able to be absorbed better by your skin. This means that if you apply a layer of hyaluronic acid over the punctures, the hyaluronic acid will be able to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
This beauty treatment has been used for years by people who are looking to promote the health of their skin or to treat flaws in their skin, such as stretch marks, acne scarring, wrinkles, and more! Many people who have had microneedling done equate results to be similar to having new skin.
What should I know before microneedling?
Microneedling is not always right for everyone.
In the case of some people, their skin type may not be the right type to achieve the results that they are looking for or their skin may be too sensitive for the process. Though the procedure is right for a large variety of skin types, it is recommended that you consult with a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or an aesthetician to get medical advice regarding your skin and to see if you are good candidate prior to scheduling an appointment for the microneedling procedure.
You may experience discomfort during the process.
Microneedling isn’t exactly painful, but it’s not comfortable either. Remember, your skin is being rapidly punctured by multiple needles over and over. Microneedling may cause you to feel a slight discomfort and make you want to pull away, but it should not be painful. Unlike a tattoo, which microneedling is often compared to, the needles are only going over an area once. The sensation is similar to multiple tiny pin-pricks where you expect it to hurt, but it doesn’t quite hurt.
There are products, such as numbing cream, that can help with the discomfort. However, much like getting a tattoo, this is not always a good idea. While you are experiencing this discomfort, the technician performing the service can pick up on how uncomfortable you are and adjust if they notice that you are in pain. Staying away from things such as numbing cream may help you achieve better results in the end, as well as fewer negative side effects.
Microneedling is not the same as dermarolling.
Dermarolling is a treatment that is typically done at home, in which you can have a derma roller, similar to a crystal face roller, with tiny needles on it to roll over your skin. While this is similar to microneedling and they are both minimally invasive treatments, it is not the same. The main difference between microneedling and dermarolling is the size of the needles. Dermarollers have needles that are typically 0.3mm or smaller, while microneedling typically uses needles that are between 0.5mm and 2mm in size. Both processes pierce the skin with the needles and promote healthy skin and a better absorption for your skin, but microneedling goes a bit deeper than dermarolling, which causes your body to create more collagen and elastin for your skin. A dermatologist may also recommend that their clients use home rollers in between microneedling appointments in order to maintain some level of the results that they receive from their treatment.
The treatment can be expensive.
Microneedling can cost over $300/treatment (our facial sessions are only $100 each) and, if you go to an aesthetician or dermatologist who bundles the procedure in with other treatments, such as collagen induction therapy, in order to achieve maximum results, it can cost over twice that. Make sure you’ve reviewed the rates and are aware of what the aesthetician charges. If you’re one of the many people who has tried almost every cream and serum products that you can get your hands on and you’re still not seeing results, the cost may be worth it.
There are home microneedling options, but this option is not recommended. Because microneedling uses larger needles than tools such as the derma roller, home microneedling can cause you to unintentionally damage your skin. Because it’s not in a controlled environment, it can also have more negative side effects as you may not be able to properly clean the microneedling devices and your skin. Professional microneedling, when accessible, is always a better choice.
What will happen after microneedling?
You will likely see flaws in your skin begin to clear up in the days following the treatment.
Microneedling is used to treat any number of flaws in people’s skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks, and other skin concerns. It is also routinely used for its anti-aging and skin rejuvenation effects. Whether your skin has large pores, fine lines, or acne scars, you will likely begin to see this clear up and become less prominent on your skin.
You should instantly notice a difference.
The process of skin microneedling may cause your skin to be red for a bit following the treatment, but as soon as it subsides you will be able to notice the results. The complexion of your face/skin should have a dewy, glowy effect. You may also experience an effect in which your skin seems more plump and healthy.
You must hydrate your skin following the treatment.
Keeping your skin hydrated after a microneedling appointment is super important! Much like getting a sunburn, your skin is trying to heal itself but it needs moisture in order for your skin to be soothed and not look red. You should also skip using exfoliating products in the week following the appointment so that you’re not putting your skin through too many harsh treatments.
Don’t even think about working out.
Working up a sweat by working out or visiting the sauna is a big no-no in the 24-48 hours following the microneedling treatment. Remember, your skin is healing, so excessive sweating can cause inflammation and, in extreme cases, can cause your skin to become infected. It’s also a great idea to stay out of the sun during this time as heat can trigger inflammation as well!
We’re here for you!
Here at Total Body Wellness, we love helping our clients find out if microneedling is the right type of skin-care for them to promote the health of their skin. This is a well-loved beauty treatment and we love helping our clients achieve the results they’re looking for, whether it’s on their face or other areas of their body! If you have any questions, you can call us at (317) 286-3147 or contact us here!
We’re looking forward to the positive experiences we have with you while we help you to discover the benefit of taking care of your body in the best way possible and to find your new skin.
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