Aging gracefully doesn’t have to mean accepting fine lines and sagging skin without a fight. If you’re interested in reducing the effects aging has on your skin, cosmetic treatments like microneedling can help, but microneedling isn’t reserved for mature skin. Anyone who wants to improve their skin tone, including minimizing scars or reversing sun damage, may be a good candidate for this procedure.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that doesn’t require the use of foreign substances. At Priority You, MD, we offer microneedling services to help our clients in Clearwater, FL, meet their aesthetic goals.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling harnesses your body’s natural healing powers to help restore the skin’s youthful glow. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) states that microneedling works with the skin’s healing process and can reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne scars, and stretch marks, and may also improve the elasticity of the skin.
The procedure uses sterilized microneedles to gently prick the surface of the skin to create minor injuries. Your body reacts to the treatment by producing more collagen to repair the pinpricks.
Collagen is a protein that gives your bones and skin tissues their structure. It is also responsible for the bounce and elasticity of young skin. Collagen production begins to slow as early as your mid-20s. With less protein to keep skin firm and plump, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear.
The extra boost of collagen provided by microneedling accelerates the growth of new skin and promotes firmer, younger-looking skin structure.
What Is Microneedling Used For?
Microneedling is used to minimize the appearance of:
- Acne scars
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rough skin texture
- Skin laxity
- Stretchmarks
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
Microneedling services are most commonly used to improve the look of facial skin, but microneedling treatment can be performed on other parts of the body as well. For example, the chest, neck, and hands are also popular locations for this procedure.
Microneedling Benefits
As a quick, anesthesia-free procedure typically requiring only about 30 minutes, microneedling can be ideal for all skin types and offers many benefits, including:
- Little to no downtime
- A minimally invasive procedure
- Versatility
- Cost-effectiveness
- No risk of skin discoloration for darker skin tones
- Increased safety
- Convenience
As with all cosmetic procedures, microneedling results can differ for each individual. Your skin tone and the depth of any damage will affect how well the procedure works.
Whether you are hoping to reduce dark spots, smooth wrinkles, or plump loose skin, or if you’re interested in microneedling for acne scars, it takes only a short series of treatments to see results.
Preparing for a Microneedling Treatment
During your consultation, we will provide all the information you need to prepare you for your microneedling services. Generally, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications, including acne treatments. Some topical treatments like exfoliants and retinoids should also be avoided before a microneedling session.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
In addition to understanding how microneedling works to improve the appearance of your skin, it’s also important to know what you can expect when you arrive for a microneedling treatment. We perform microneedling as an outpatient procedure in our comfortable Clearwater, FL, office.
We use a handheld device to create microchannels in target areas. You may feel warmth or tingling as the device is rolled across your skin. The procedure takes around 30 minutes. Because no anesthesia is used, you are free to drive yourself home after the treatment is over.
There is no downtime with microneedling, though your skin may appear red and feel tender immediately after the procedure. Aftercare includes avoiding harsh cleansers and direct sun until the treatment area has healed completely. Staying hydrated and using a recommended moisturizer will aid healing.
Most people need multiple treatments to achieve the results they desire. Depending on your needs, four to six treatment sessions may be recommended. You may see improvement after the first treatment. Appointments are set three to eight weeks apart. Yearly maintenance may be needed to keep a fresh, youthful glow.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Almost everyone can enjoy microneedling benefits. It is a safe and effective procedure for most skin tones and skin types. A consultation with one of our Clearwater, FL, team members will ensure microneedling is appropriate for you and will help you reach your goals.
Your microneedling results may be enhanced by combining microneedling with other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We can discuss whether adding PRP to your microneedling session is the right option for you during your consultation.
Microneedling and Acne
Acne is the most common skin problem in the U.S. Many people develop scars from acne that last even after the acne has cleared. The wounds created by acne encourage collagen production, but scars are often a result of uneven collagen distribution. Too much collagen creates a raised scar and too little results in a concave scar.
Microneedling for acne scars produces the amount of collagen that’s needed to correct acne damage. Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests some people see improvement in acne scars after just two sessions. Six sessions provided measurable improvement in skin texture and scar appearance.
Are You Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Microneedling rejuvenates your appearance naturally by supporting your body’s own healing process. It is a safe, non-invasive, and effective cosmetic treatment for both men and women.
Whether you’re considering microneedling for acne scars or to give your skin a more youthful glow, we can help. At Priority You MD in Clearwater, FL, we have over 100 years of combined experience improving the well-being of our patients. Contact us today to learn more about how microneedling can help you reach your goals.
