Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-invasive, effective procedure that relies on tiny sterilized needles to make safe yet controlled microscopic wounds within the skin. By creating minor injuries in the upper layers of the skin, the body’s natural healing process is stimulated, which leads to the production of collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin with improved texture. The treatment can address various skin concerns, including acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, and a loss of firmness, and works well on multiple body parts.
Several different machines and devices can be used during a microneedling treatment. Some use handheld pens to make microscopic wounds in the skin, while others use small wand-like tools. There are also larger format handpieces and others that roll across the skin. The depth of how far the needle punctures the skin dictates what layer of skin the procedure can reach. Therefore, the deeper the needle goes, the lower within the skin it gets for maximum results. At Kyur Aesthetics, we use the Procell Microneedling machine to help stimulate new collagen and improve the skin.
Some patients opt to pair microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which uses platelets from the patient’s blood. First, the blood is drawn, the platelets are separated, and after the microneedling portion of the treatment is complete, the PRP serum is applied directly to the face. PRP facials, also known as the vampire facial, help make the treatment more productive and the results more dramatic while speeding up the healing process.
Whether you do microneedling on its own or pair it with PRP, the treatment is easy and convenient and takes about 30 minutes to perform. Most patients require multiple treatments to reach their skincare goals, but a consultation can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Best of all, there’s minimal downtime and no recovery with the treatment. So while the skin may be slightly red or dry post-treatment, you’ll still be able to go about your routine.
Plenty of skin types and tones benefit from the results of microneedling. If you want to improve the look and health of your skin while improving collagen levels, then microneedling may be right for you. The procedure is also favored by those who want to improve:
Microneedling is also ideal for all skin tones—even those with darker skin—because, like a laser, there is no heat or energy delivered deep within the skin, which can potentially cause pigmentation.
Immediately after microneedling, the skin will appear somewhat plumper and with a natural glow to it, but there may also be some redness and pinpoint bleeding, which quickly goes away. The short-term benefits of microneedling, like an instant radiance to the skin and some minor swelling, get patients excited about the long-term gains of the treatment, which include increased collagen for a natural firmness and increased elasticity, which gives the skin more resiliency. Other results, like improved skin tone and texture and a smoothing effect on the skin, are also noticeable.
It’s important to understand that only some see immediate results with one treatment, which is why a series is often recommended. During your consultation with our team, we will discuss your skin goals to determine how many microneedling sessions are best. The more severe the skin issue, the more treatments are needed.
On average, the results of microneedling can be seen about four to six weeks after each treatment, which is about how long it takes for new collagen to be created within the skin. The results last three to six months, but annual maintenance treatments will help maintain the results.