What You Need to Know About Microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure done to treat skin conditions or concerns. It uses collagen induction therapy to promote skin healing for acne scars or stretch marks. Collagen is a protein our skin makes to give it a youthful look with a firm, smooth and stretchy texture. When we age, our skin produces less collagen, which is what causes wrinkles and other signs of aging. Skin also loses collagen due to injuries, such as acne scars, stretch marks or other scars. According to The Skin Shop Medspa Scottsdale, a med spa in Scottsdale, one way to promote collagen production is to get dermaroller treatments. Collagen is created after trauma, which the dermaroller delivers with minimal pain. There are many aspects to microneedling to assess before signing yourself up for a treatment.
Minimally Invasive
Healthline reported that the microneedling procedure is minimally invasive. It is also deemed a safe and effective procedure to rejuvenate skin and treat scars and wrinkles. A certified physician, cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist uses a dermaroller with small needles to prick the skin. This generates new collagen in the skin to heal scar tissue or stretch marks. The dermaroller is mainly used on the skin for acne scars, wrinkles and large pores. But it can also be used elsewhere on the body to get rid of stretch marks.
The procedure requires no downtime, and can take around two hours to complete. The doctor will run the dermaroller along the area of skin, which will puncture the skin. The doctor will be sure to level the skin, so that the new skin will be on the same layer as the old skin around it. It is also considered safe, so long as the patient is in good health. The symptoms post-surgery may be mild redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure.
Given that the procedure is minimally invasive, it may take four or more procedures to see any change. Progress will depend on what skin condition is being treated, and how deep the scars are on your skin. You need to take a few weeks in between treatments to allow the skin to fully heal and create a new layer of skin. It is viewed as effective for minor scarring, with noticeably brighter, firmer skin.
Cost
One of the biggest considerations you’ll need to make is the cost of the procedure. One treatment can cost around $700. Given that you would need four or more treatments to see progress, these costs can add up. You should make sure you can afford the treatments beforehand.
Also, you may need to take time off of work to complete these treatments, as well as extra days to recover if needed. These added expenses can also impact the cost of getting these treatments done.
Sometimes, the operating doctor may also recommend complementary procedures along with the dermaroller. These treatments, depending on what they are, can cost more or less than the dermaroller procedure. Make sure to talk with your doctor before agreeing to any procedures to make sure you know all the costs beforehand.
Healthline reported that the dermaroller procedure is better than home roller treatments. While home rollers can be cheaper, it does pay to use the more expensive procedure to see results. Home rollers don’t puncture the skin, unlike the dermaroller.
Risks and Side Effects
There are some side effects you should be aware or wary of when you get microneedling done. Before you get the procedure done, you may be asked to stop taking ibuprofen, acne medications and topical skin treatments. Your doctor may recommend you stop using these weeks in advance of your first dermaroller treatment.
The most common side effect is mild irritation; however, you can experience more severe side effects. Some examples of serious side effects are: bleeding, bruising, infection, and peeling. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. You should also not get microneedling treatments if you are pregnant, have skin diseases, have open wounds, had radiation treatment recently, or have a history of skin scars.
Most clients experience mild skin irritation, and can return to work or school the next day after the procedure. You can put makeup on the skin to cover the redness. You should also put on sunscreen to protect your skin if you are going to spend long amounts of time in the sun after the procedure.
Microneedling is not a short-term fix. It takes weeks and multiple treatments to see results. Make sure to consider all aspects of microneedling before signing yourself up for some. Once you have figured all the logistics out, you can set up your first treatment.