What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as dermarolling, skin needling, or Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is painless and safe. It relies on an electrically powered derma roller with tiny sterilized needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. This damage does not create scars but, instead, encourages the skin to heal by producing more collagen and elastin, which help counteract the loose, thin, and wrinkled skin of age by producing more collagen and elastin to keep the skin youthful, tight, and smooth for men & women.
What Does This Process Treat And Should I Look Into Microneedling?
Microneedling can treat many cosmetic and medical issues, such as:
- Wrinkles, fine lines, and enlarged pores.
- Loose and wrinkled skin that lacks elasticity.
- Sun damage.
- Stretch marks.
- Mild scars from acne or burns.
- Skin discoloration, such as uneven skin tones, Hyper Pigmentation (dark spots), or Melasma (dark patches).
In addition, microneedling can help topical treatments penetrate the skin more effectively. For example, before Minoxidil is applied to the scalp to deal with hair loss, microneedling is used on the scalp to enable the liquid to penetrate more deeply. In general, microneedling is a process of healing.
What Areas of the Body Does Microneedling Target?
The procedure is used mostly on the face but can be used anywhere on the body, such as to treat stretch marks on the thighs, the abdominal area when combined with fillers and scarring anywhere else.
How are Microneedling, Microdermabrasion, Botox, and Laser Treatment Different?
Microneedling, microdermabrasion, Botox, and laser treatment improve the look and feel of your skin.
- Botox is injected into a muscle to prevent it from moving for a short time so that wrinkles on the face are smoothed out.
- Microdermabrasion uses a device with a rough edge to exfoliate the uppermost skin layer and only works well for surface issues. Because microneedling goes deeper, it is more effective for problems under the skin.
- Laser treatment, also known as laser resurfacing, uses the heat of a laser to improve the appearance of the skin.
Microneedling is less expensive than laser treatment and Botox injections but more expensive than microdermabrasion. Treatments are typically not covered by insurance because they are for cosmetic purposes rather than medical necessity.
Who Shouldn’t Do Microneedling?
The procedure can be effective for anyone in good health. However, patients with the following conditions should consult with their doctor before beginning with microneedling.
- Active acne or active oral herpes, can increase the risk of injury and infection.
- Blood disorders or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Anticoagulant prescriptions can prevent quick healing.
- Open wounds.
- Cancer or treatments involving chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Moles or skin growths that bleed or change size or shape.
- Blood clots are being prevented by taking anticoagulants.
- Frequent cold sores or skin rashes.
- Tendency to develop keloids, which is a thick raised scar.
- Eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
- Pregnancy, unless approved by the patient’s obstetrician or gynecologist.
What is the Procedure for Microneedling?
Before the procedure, patients may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen, which can thin the blood, or Accutane for acne treatment. They must also avoid topical retinoids and exfoliants that can increase skin sensitivity. About 15 minutes to an hour before the procedure is to take place, and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the patient’s skin.
The derma roller is then moved evenly around the treatment area to make small pricks on the skin. These pricks are so small that they remain unnoticeable even after the procedure. Depending on the size of the area, the microneedling procedure can take from 15 minutes to a few hours, although the average is about 20-30 minutes. At the end of the session, the patient may receive a calming treatment or growth serum to help with healing.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Because microneedling is an outpatient procedure, patients can leave and return to work or school immediately without experiencing any downtime in most cases. Recovery time is minimal. However, the patient’s skin may appear red, irritated, or swollen or have minor peeling or flaking.
Patients should wait at least a week before exposing the treatment area to the sun. Sunscreen is helpful to protect the skin from sunburn. Patients should also avoid sweating, makeup, and skincare products with retinol and alpha-hydroxyl.
Most patients should notice results within a couple of weeks. Drinking plenty of water and using an antioxidant serum, cooling mask, or collagen-stimulating peptides can speed up healing.
Aren’t Home Microneedling Devices Effective?
At-home microneedling devices are available over the counter at many pharmacies or online. While these devices are easy enough for individuals to use, they do not come with the expertise of a professional who can create a treatment plan that works before, during, and after microneedling.
Because at-home derma rollers can only go as deep as 0.25 mm, they only reach the outer layers of the skin. Professional versions can go as deep as 3mm, although they are often adjusted to match the area being treated. For example, shorter depths work better for the eyes, forehead, and nose, while longer depths can treat abdominal stretch marks.
Over-the-counter devices demand manual rolling, which can puncture the skin unevenly. Professional versions are electrically powered and can prick the skin at a consistent depth.
Note that some home microneedling products are for use with creams, ointments, or other drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not cleared any such device for use with another product.
Why Depend on Ruth Swissa for Microneedling?
Ruth Swissa, C.M.M. (Clinical Medical Micropigmentation) is a medical artist dedicated to improving her patients’ natural look. She supported her desire with extensive study abroad in the fine arts of painting, sculpture, drawing, calligraphy, and photography.
Her skincare expertise comes from a family who has been in esthetics for three generations. She can combine her knowledge of microneedling with experience in permanent makeup, microblading, scar camouflage, medical tattooing, and other skin services for more effective treatment.
Her dedication and hard work eventually led to certification by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and membership to the American Academy of Micro Pigmentation. She has also received many accolades, including Allergan’s Patient Care and Medical Aesthetics award and a Grossman Burn Center Primary Medical Tattooing endowment. Her television appearances include E! Entertainment’s series Botched, Good Day LA, Dr. 90210, and The Oscars: Countdown to the Red Carpet.
Do you want to discover how Ruth Swissa can improve how you see yourself and enhance your appearance for life around Los Angeles? Then contact her today for more information or to book a consultation at her Beverly Hills and Calabasas offices.
