Microneedling is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that has gained popularity among both men and women for its ability to rejuvenate the skin. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this innovative treatment has been around for over 30 years and can be used on the face or body to improve the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and more. If you’re interested in microneedling, keep reading to learn more about how it works and why it’s a favorite among clients at Phoenix MedSpa for achieving healthier-looking skin.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a process where very tiny needles (microneedles) produce a controlled skin injury on the top layers of the skin with either a sterilized device called a dermaroller or one that is electrically powered. It sounds painful, but it truly isn’t as the microneedles are so tiny. To ensure your comfort, a numbing agent can be applied prior to the treatment.
Microneedling is minimally invasive and involves little to no downtime. Some patients may see results after a single session, but multiple treatments are typically recommended for the best outcome. During your consultation at Phoenix MedSpa, Dr. Julie Morales and our team will assess your concerns and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.
The Science Behind Microneedling
Microneedling works by creating microscopic injuries in the skin, causing inflammation and triggering your body into overdrive to repair itself through a process called dermal remodeling. This stimulates new collagen production, which in turn improves skin elasticity, volume, and the ability to retain moisture. Studies have found that after six treatment sessions over the course of three months, patients who underwent microneedling noted a 51-60% improvement in scar appearance, a 40-50% improvement in skin texture, and an 80-85% overall satisfaction rate.
Benefits of Microneedling
- Collagen Boost: Natural collagen production starts to dwindle by our mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. Microneedling leads to new collagen development and remodels existing collagen fibers. Studies have shown increases in collagen type I (which builds skin), III (which helps create muscle and blood vessels), and VII (which strengthens and stabilizes the skin).
- Skin Rejuvenation: In addition to increased collagen production, microneedling produces new elastin, a protein that gives the skin elasticity and flexibility. This results in tighter and brighter skin.
- Scar Minimization: Reducing acne scars is a primary benefit of microneedling, as the increased collagen can “fill in” pitted or depressed scars, leading to a more even skin texture. Studies have shown that over 90% of clients saw a reduction in the severity of their scars in as little as four sessions.
- Minimally Invasive: Taking about 10-20 minutes per session, microneedling is a quick and minimally invasive treatment. You may experience slight discomfort during your session and shortly after, but downtime is minimal.
- Enhanced Product Absorption: The controlled skin injury in microneedling allows a deeper penetration of products or drugs across the skin barrier. In the medical world, microneedling has helped patients absorb a variety of pharmaceutical drugs intended for absorption through the skin, such as blood thinners and insulin.
Post-Treatment Care
Some side effects after microneedling are to be expected, but usually resolve within 24-48 hours. These include redness, burning, swelling, and flaking. Immediately after your session, your skin may be flushed and feel tight, as if you had received a sunburn. Other possible side effects like bumps, breakouts, and dry skin can also happen after your treatment. As microneedling produces microscopic injuries, avoiding infection is one of the main goals for post-treatment care, as well as moisturizing and sun protection. Aftercare tips include:
- Washing your hands before you touch your face
- Avoiding makeup, especially with a used makeup brush, for 24 hours after
- Avoid swimming (both in pools and in natural bodies of water), saunas, and intense workouts for a few days so the open injuries can heal
- Use any topical antibiotic cream that Dr. Morales prescribes to avoid infection
- Avoid prolonged time in the sun for a week after and use sunscreen consistently for two weeks after treatment
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
While microneedling is generally safe and tolerable for most people, you should not have microneedling if you:
- Have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication
- Are being treated for skin cancer in the area you want microneedling
- Are receiving radiation treatments
- Heal slowly or poorly
- Have a current skin infection
- Active acne with pimples that contain pus, feel painful or go deep into the skin
- Have (or had) a keloid in that area
- Recently had sun damage
- Are taking isotretinoin (also known as Accutane, a medication for acne)
Microneedling at Phoenix MedSpa
At Phoenix MedSpa, Dr. Morales offers a personalized approach to microneedling, ensuring results that are tailored to your unique needs and goals. Dr. Morales strives to create a warm and welcoming environment where clients are comfortable discussing their skin concerns and how they can keep their skin healthy and radiant. With Dr. Morales’ background in emergency medicine and family medicine, you can be sure that your skin is in good hands.
If you suffer from acne scars, pigmentation disorders, wrinkles, or dull skin, microneedling is a powerful tool to enhance, brighten, and rejuvenate your appearance by using the body’s natural healing process. At Phoenix MedSpa, Dr. Julie Morales and her team are committed to delivering exceptional care to help you achieve a brighter, healthier complexion.
Ready to Rejuvenate Your Appearance With Microneedling?
If you’d like to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin with microneedling, contact Phoenix MedSpa to learn more about this innovative treatment option and if it’s right for you. Get started by calling us at 813-776-1779 or completing our online contact form. We are located in Lutz, Florida, just north of Tampa, and proudly serve patients from these communities and the surrounding areas of Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, and Zephyrhills!
