Microneedling is the process of utilizing multiple needles to puncture the skin in order to bring about resurfacing and rejuvenation. Rejuvenation of your skin as it pertains to needling would be to reduce scarring, improve pore size, increase collagen, and even tighten skin via resurfacing. However, it is also sometimes used to reduce pigment in darker skin type persons.
Microneedling can be used on the face or on any body part if needed and is used extensively for acne scarring but it’s also used for reasons of surgical scarring and stretchmarks. This treatment is typically done in a series of multiple (2-6) treatments and performed 3-5 weeks in between each treatment.
Microneedling is typically utilized in depths from .25mm to 2.5mm depending on the area of the skin we are treating. If we look at the face, we would likely be utilizing just .25mm-.50mm under the eyes and on eyelids while utilizing 1.5mm and up for spongier and thicker skin areas such as the cheeks.
Pigmentation and Microneedling
This treatment can be used on all skin types and because it drops so deeply, it is capable of coagulating pigment and thereby breaking it up (diminishment). And when you are referring to someone who is a darker pigment, say Asian, Spanish or even Black, this coagulation is helpful because these skin types are not good candidates for lasers and chemical peels. They additionally will be best served by being on a good lightening program prior to treatments to enhance the results of pigmentation reduction. There is a difference however in lasers which target pigment precisely and microneedling which does not target specifically when it comes to pigment reduction, but sometimes it is the best alternative for darker skin types who want assistance with pigmentation. Lighter skinned individuals would be better served via chemical peels or lasers for their pigment (browns/reds) concerns.
Because microneedling is always used to resurface the skin via the generation of collagen, the process itself will take 90 days or more to see the full effects. This is because collagen production takes 90+ days to generate. When you think about acne scarring, we are needling into the scar directly and dropping the needles to a depth where your collagen resides. The collagen regenerates itself and essentially cascades up the skin to the surface and fills the scarring in with new collagen, thus you see less scarring. The number of treatments you need will depend on the extent of the scarring we are looking to correct.
Microneedling has been used extensively for decades with great results and is a great facial option for just overall rejuvenation as well. And of course, there are many other newer devices on the market today that offer needling along with RF (radio frequency) for skin tightening in addition to the resurfacing effects of the needles as well as resurfacing options with lasers. Many of these newer devices are called Fractional Skin Treatments and offer even better results sometimes but it also
depends on what your desired goal is. A good consultation should show you which way is best for you.
If you are interested in a free consultation with our skilled team for microneedling, fractional skin treatments, or for any of your skin concerns, please reach out to us anytime. We would love to meet with you and show you the best options for your skin wants and needs.
Learn more about microneedling treatments:
- https://smokeypointskin.com/dermapen-micro-needling/
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what_is_microneedling#1
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