Back in the day, makeup was only a way of making your facial features presentable and fresh with a simple touch of colors here and there. Today, it has taken a whole new meaning. It is no longer meant to enhance your features with a temporary touch of colors. Now, makeup involves the use of injections, surgeries, and procedures that can change the way you look permanently.
One such procedure is micro-needling. It is a cosmetic procedure that is minimally invasive and treats your skin problems all thanks to its ability to induce collagen production. With the increase in skincare culture, it is no wonder that micro-needling is gaining popularity. And if you are also hopping on the bandwagon and thinking about getting one, keep reading to find out more details about this procedure.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a treatment that involves pricking your skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks that micro-needling tools leave behind are so small that no one can notice them on your skin.
The purpose of this treatment is to generate collagen production in your skin to develop new tissues for firmer, smoother, and more toned skin. With time your skin stops producing enough collagen to ensure your skin elasticity, increased blood flow, and reduces wrinkles. Collagen keeps your skin youthful, plump and toned.
How Does Micro-needling Work?
Microneedling works by making more collagen in your skin. When the needles of the micro-needling tool prick the skin and cause injury, the skin responds to this trauma by making more collagen leading to toned and even-textured skin. That’s how micro-needling gives you your dream skin.
What are the targeted areas of Microneedling?
If you follow an extensive skincare routine every night to give your skin a fine spotless look, micro-needling might be just what you need. It targets your acne scars, age spots, large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and gives your skin an even tone with increased elasticity.
Even though micro-needling is primarily used for your face, you can get it for stretch marks present in other parts of your body, especially on your thighs and abdomen.
What are the Benefits of Micro-needling?
The level of collagen naturally declines with age, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and lines on your face. Microneedling can help you combat these issues by giving you a younger and youthful skin.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Micro-needling?
All such invasive treatments come with some side effects that can be easily managed. You might experience a bit of skin irritation after the procedure but you will be able to tolerate it. You will also observe some redness lingering for a few days, which is completely fine. But if you face bleeding, bruising, peeling, and infection, you must call your doctor immediately.
Who cannot get Micro-needling?
Although micro-needling is not a major surgical procedure that would require some prerequisite conditions, there are still some situations that might not allow you to go for it. These are:
- Pregnancy
- Psoriasis or eczema
- Open wounds
- Received radiation therapy
- History of skin scars
What happens after Micro-needling?
The downtime after micro-needling is almost next to nothing as there are no invasions or deep incisions involved. You may experience slight irritation and redness which is a normal reaction of your body after small injuries caused by needle pricking in your skin.
You will also experience some level of skin sensitivity which will require you to apply sunscreen on your face every time you go out. You can easily resume your normal routine and start going to your work or school right after the treatment, there is no harm. But if you don’t feel comfortable going out in the sun with sensitive skin, take a few days off.
What is the recovery time of Micro-needling?
The surface-level side effects mostly dissipate within 48 hours but the healing process under your skin keeps happening for two months. There are other side effects like breakouts, dry skin, and bumps, but not everyone experiences them.
What is the aftercare procedure for Micro-needling?
The aftercare tips vary according to your skin type but the common procedure goes like this:
- Apply sunscreen every time you go out to protect your skin against the sun.
- Avoid infection by applying topical antibiotic cream that has been prescribed to you.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, workout, and any other activities that might have you sweating heavily.
- Stop using exfoliants, retinol, and vitamin C-based skincare products for 48 hours.
- Be careful while choosing your cleanser or moisturizer and use them after 2 or 3 days of micro-needling.
Preparation before Micro-needling
You would need to get in touch with your doctor to inquire about how you can prepare yourself to get the best possible results after micro-needling. You would be asked to stop the medication well before the treatment to get the maximum outcomes of the treatment.
Final Words
If you are tired of keeping up with the long skincare routine every day, micro-needling is your solution. With the dramatic change in your skin and the long-term results you will get, you won’t regret your decision of going for this cosmetic treatment as it’s worth it.
Also read:
1. Microneedling before and after care
2. How soon microneedling results appear
3. Traditional Microneedling vs Radiofrequency Microneedling
4. Morpheus8 before and after
5. How long do morpheus8 results last
6. What Does Microneedling Do For Your Skin?
Written & Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Syra Hanif, M.D.
Board-Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif, M.D., is a board-certified physician specializing in aesthetic medicine, longevity, and preventative wellness. As Medical Director of Dr. Syra Aesthetics & Longevity Institute in NYC, she focuses on aesthetics, healthy aging, and overall wellness.
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