What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.
It’s also used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sun spots. Microneedling isn’t effective for hair loss, despite the possible role of collagen in hair growth.
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.
This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture. It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.
Procedure
During the procedure, your practitioner makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure. Your practitioner will move the tool evenly across your skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even, too.
Before getting started, your practitioner will use a topical anesthetic to reduce the chances of pain. This is done about an hour before your treatment. The actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Your practitioner will then apply a serum or calming treatment.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Although complications are very rare, sometimes they may occur and that prompt treatment is necessary. In case of any complications (signs of infection, scarring or pigment changes) Immediately contact a medical professional.
- Some degree of discomfort like burning, stinging sensation, hotness or tightness during and just after the treatment.
- You may or may not have visible redness and that each case is individual.
- Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin with scab formation in rare cases.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of certain areas of the skin) can occur very rarely and usually resolves after a month.
- If you have a history of cold sores, this procedure may cause flare ups.
- Temporary redness and mild-sunburn effects may last up to 4 days.
- Freckles may temporarily lighten or permanently disappear in treated areas.
- Other potential risks include: crusting, itching, discomfort, bruising, infection,
swelling, and failure to achieve the desired result. Permanent scarring (less than 1%) is extremely rare.