Standard Microneedling & PRP
A minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that's used to treat skin concerns by stimulating collagen production.
Many dream of having smooth, clear and glowing skin. However, our skin quality is inevitably affected by such things as exposure to sun, acne breakouts and aging. As a result, we are left with skin imperfections, like actinic damage, sun spots, acne scars, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately enough, technological and scientific advancements in dermatological medicine have discovered ways to reverse and prevent these damages. Microneedling repairs the skin without laser treatments and injections. Microneedling works through micro-injuries created on the skin through which the skin gets enriched with supportive anti-aging serums.
Microneedling uses very small and sharp needles to make tiny microscopic holes in the epidermis and dermis. The skin responds to the therapy by trying to repair itself. As a result, new collagen and elastin growth is triggered. The small fine needles are made for both body and face, the penetration depth being adjustable. This function allows you to target any skin thickness.
What Are the Functions of Microneedling?
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Addresses sun spots, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma and discoloration
- Results in skin firmness
- Treats acne scars and acne marks
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks
- Makes pores less obvious
- Can be combined with PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy)
The good news about microneedling is that it works for all skin types. Regardless of your skin type and texture, the likelihood that you are a good candidate for microneedling is very high. It works well even for patients with sensitive skin. Microneedling is not recommended if you have an active skin infection, acne breakouts or herpetic lesions. The same is true about patients with medical history of eczema, psoriasis or keloids. If you are dealing with any of the mentioned issues, you will need to first have those treatment barriers properly assessed before deciding to go for microneedling treatment.
What Are The Benefits Of Microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates new collagen and elastin production on any skin area, be it face, neck, stomach, chest, back, legs or hands. Not only does it lead the skin to refine itself through micro-wounds created by tiny needles, but also offers the benefit of infusing the skin with serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins, peptides and growth factors. The serum infusion maximizes the effectiveness of the procedure. As you can see, this is a safe and effective way to diminish skin imperfections. Microneedling works for stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Even when it comes to cellulite, it can provide a temporary solution to it, too. Another important function of the procedure is reducing pore size and improving skin tone and texture. That is why microneedling effectively treats acne scars and marks with no down time. As microneedling penetration depth is adjustable, it is a safe and efficient way to treat different areas of the face and body. Besides, it can be combined with such treatments as Juvederm and Botox.
Does Microneedling Work for Acne?
How Many Microneedling Sessions Are Necessary to Treat Acne Scars?
The number of microneedling sessions necessary to treat acne scars depends on the severity and the size of scarring. Microneedling diminishes the skin’s “memory” of scarring and rejuvenates the skin without damaging the tissues. This is the technique it utilizes to treat acne scars. Microneedling is also effective with age spots, mild hyperpigmentation and melasma. To enjoy the full effect of microneedling treatment, you will need more than one session. Eluma Laser and Aesthetics suggests taking 4 to 6 microneedling sessions 4 weeks apart to improve the structure of the skin and make acne scarring less visible. However, please note that the number of sessions mainly depends on the individual skin condition.
Microneedling devices work through fine surgical needles that pin-prick the skin. The micro-injuries on the skin provoke it to start self-repairing process which basically happens via collagen and elastin production. As a result, the skin is rejuvenated with new skin cells and looks healthier.
A topical numbing cream is applied to the area of treatment aimed at minimizing the possible discomfort the procedure might impose.
Microneedling is commonly enhanced by rejuvenating or restorative serums that get absorbed in the skin through the micro-channels opened up by the needle pin-pricks. Different sera are used for different purposes, e.g. Vitamin C serum helps with hyperpigmentation, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be applied for skin rejuvenation.
Which Skin Types Does Microneedling Work Best on When Treating Acne Scars?
Microneedling treatment is beneficial for all skin types and tones when it comes to treating acne scars.It is more about the body’s capacity of generating new collagen that has an impact on the treatment results. New collagen is absolutely necessary for the healing process of the existing scars. When determining whether microneedling will work for you or not it is important to consider the type of acne scarring and the depth of inflammation. With active breakouts, rosacea or eczema, as well as in case of pregnancy, microneedling is probably not the best option for you. Make sure you consult with your doctor and only after that make a decision on whether you’re going to give the procedure a chance.
Do Acne Scars Come Back After Microneedling?
Microneedling provokes a natural healing process in the skin through controlled trauma application. Due to it, new collagen fibers are formed which brings forth skin firmness, tightness, smoothness and overall health. This means that there will be no setback with reduced scarring. Take into consideration, though, that microneedling will not serve you at its best if you have active acne, continuing to cause breakouts and pimples. Before you start your acne scar treatment, first opt to resolve the issue of acne itself.
This is a question that many patients raise after coming to know that the skin gets micro-injured during the treatment. The answer is “no”: if administered correctly, microneedling will not affect acne scars negatively, worsening their condition. The golden feature of microneedling is boosting the natural healing process of the human body. This is done through the controlled trauma created by the fine needles. This technique is wonderful when it comes to restoring skin with atrophic acne scars. We inform and warn our patients that they should not move forward with microneedling if the skin is inflamed or when other types of acne scars, apart from actinic, are concerned. If the measures of precaution are in place and there is no active inflammation in the skin, then you can be sure that microneedling will do nothing but good to your skin. It is of high importance to have your microneedling treatment administered by an expert in the field if you want to have satisfying and long-term results. Also make sure to take good care of your skin after the procedure to allow the skin to maintain its healthy look. Note that the skin is very sensitive throughout the treatment process – in between the sessions. That is why Eluma Laser and Aesthetics highly recommends integrating high SPF sunscreen in your daily skin care routine all throughout the treatment process. This is a good way to prevent irritation or sun damage.
When atrophic acne scars are concerned microneedling is known for its efficacy at their permanent reduction or elimination. The so-called “magic formula” of this method is boosting collagen production in the skin. Due to the stimulation of the natural healing process the skin restores its elasticity and volume. Many patients testify about the radical changes they experience in the appearance of their acne scars, as well as the general feeling and look on their skin after microneedling.
The duration of a microneedling session is usually from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of microneedling as well as the patient’s pain tolerance. Before the procedure itself, you will have a one-on-one consultation. We will examine your skin condition, the depth of your fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and additional concerns, and ask questions about your home skincare routine. After forming a clearer picture of your case, we will determine if microneedling is the right treatment option for you. If yes, then the growth factors, e.g. PRP, will be chosen for your skin. The average duration of a microneedling session is less than an hour. The device uses multiple sterile fine needles that penetrate the skin creating micro-wounds. The skin responds to the procedure by activating its own healing process.
The benefits of microneedling can be expanded by infusion of hyaluronic acid, growth factors, or PRP. Not to disturb the effectiveness of the serum at work in your skin, you will be asked to keep the treatment area away from water for 24 hours. Apart from the healing process enhanced by collagen and elastin production, the skin will use this time to soak in the serum, which will boost additional collagen and elastin. You may experience some dryness on your skin for the first 24 hours, so you will be recommended to use moisturizers and serum, a gentle cleanser and sun protection (at least SPF 30).
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the microneedling procedure, while others might not feel any pain at all. Prior to the treatment, a strong topical numbing cream is applied to the area of treatment that minimizes pain and discomfort levels. This is followed by sanitization of the area with Hibiclens and only after the aforementioned two steps does the actual process of microneedling start.
Does Microneedling Work?
The end result of microneedling is healthy, glowing, and youthful skin. Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin through which the body’s own collagen and elastin production is boosted. Although even one session is enough to see notable changes, Eluma Laser and Aesthetics recommends taking three to five sessions for the best results. At the beginning the sessions need to be one month apart, then the frequency will be biannual to enhance the cosmetic results. To give the skin an overall touch of rejuvenation microneedling can be paired with dermal fillers and Botox. For more challenging cases with deeper wrinkles or acne scars Eluma Laser and Aesthetics might also suggest other resurfacing treatments.
Should I Do At Home Microneedling?
Many cosmetic companies promote the “at-home” microneedling kits, however it is not recommend going for DIY microneedling treatments. Firstly, the conditions for the treatment are to be completely sterile in order to prevent skin irritation and infections. Besides, the results won’t be close to what is achieved in a professional environment by a qualified professional.
Microneedling Aftercare –
What To Put On Skin After Microneedling
It is essential to use the right skincare products and follow a proper skincare routine after microneedling to achieve your desired results. Sunscreen must be incorporated in the skincare of the patient before and after microneedling. Eluma Laser and Aesthetics highly recommends using hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C serum as these two are rich in antioxidants that your skin needs every day. After the completion of the treatment your skin will start renewing itself and regenerating new skin cells. Because of that it is not advisable to use skincare products that contain retinol and alpha hydroxy acids, as well as any type of exfoliants during the first week after the microneedling procedure. After a week you can freely go back to your regular skin care products.
The side effects associated with microneedling are minimal, if the procedure is carried out by an experienced and skilled specialist in a professional environment with all the hygiene measures in place. Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is safe for all skin types and poses little to no risk of hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration. Mild redness is common for 1-3 days.
Microneedling creates micro-wounds, provoking the skin to produce collagen and elastin and repair itself. As a result, the patient is left with a smoother and healthier skin. However, follow-up appointments are really beneficial for maintaining and enhancing the results of microneedling. Microneedling should be perceived more as a routine treatment to improve and maintain the skin, rather than something that has a set result duration.
Also known as our PRP Facial. When it comes to notable skin rejuvenation and visible minimization of aging signs, the combination of microneedling and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has proven to be impressive. Many patients tend to choose enhancing microneedling treatment with PRP infusion. The growth factors derived from the patient’s plasma that are used during PRP facilitate and speed up the process of healing and cellular regeneration, resulting in a younger-looking skin. Microneedling with PRP addresses discoloration and acne scarring, making the skin firmer and more radiant. PRP is also known for its orthopedic application, like joint treatment. Another effective application of PRP is treating female and male hair loss and other types of alopecia.
Microneedling can be carried out by both Dermaroller and devices which are used to boost collagen production and regenerate the skin. Being the upgraded version of Dermaroller, microneedling has an electronic component. The latter is considered to be safer and more effective in application when compared to traditional microneedling rollers; this is the reason it is so much favored by dermatologists. Dermarollers actually create large tears in the dermis which are not favorable for dermal healing. Microneedling creates smaller more precise puncture wounds that heal uniformly.
How many Microneedling Sessions Are Necessary?
If you want to witness and enjoy the best effect of the procedure, then three to five microneedling treatments will be necessary 4 weeks apart. When deep acne scars are concerned, the number of the required treatments may be more than that. And after the completion of the the main sessions, Eluma Laser and Aesthetics encourages continuing with biannual follow-up treatments for the most optimal results.
Contact Us Today To Schedule Your Microneedling Appointment!