All About Microneedling: What It Is, Benefits, Use Cases, and More

If you’ve ever looked into getting a microneedling treatment, you may be flooded with alarming photos. Don’t fret! The treatment involves tiny needles that puncture the skin to stimulate your body’s natural healing responses producing collagen and elastin-rich new skin. But does microneedling work? Although it may sound drastic, the results from microneedling are quite impressive.

The Metropolitan Skin Clinic is proud to offer microneedling to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other areas near the Twin Cities at our Edina location. Here’s what you should know about the treatment.

What Is Microneedling?

So, what does microneedling do? It is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that targets concerns surrounding collagen production. It may also be referred to as collagen induction therapy and is ideal for those who want to reduce acne scars and stretch marks.

Microneedling is used in conjunction with many anti-aging procedures, including lessening sunspots and scarring. It is frequently done with a chemical peel to maximize new skin stimulation.

If you’re in good overall health and you have skin concerns that you want to address, consider giving microneedling a try. A consultation with one of our Advanced Practice Estheticians can let you know whether or not microneedling is a good fit for your skin and your concerns.

What Is Microneedling Good For?

The use cases for microneedling are expansive. From microneedling for acne to microneedling for stretch marks, patients seek this procedure for a multitude of reasons.

It can target:

• Acne and acne scars
• Age spots, also known as sunspots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Large pores
• Other types of scarring
• Uneven skin tone
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Hyperpigmentation

This treatment doesn’t only target the face. It can be used to treat stretch marks that develop in other body areas. One study found it to be effective in treating stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal areas when it was combined with filler injections. Our clients often see the advantage of having microneedling on their neck and décolleté for a plumper, more even skin tone.

How Does Microneedling Work?

You may be wondering how microneedling works or is microneedling safe? It is absolutely a safe procedure when performed by the right medical professional. The pinpricks from the procedure encourage your skin to produce more collagen. Your skin processes the treatment as a slight injury, resulting in the formation of new, collagen-rich tissue.

This new tissue is more even in both tone and texture. As the skin produces more tissue, it may result in the skin becoming firmer as well. This also helps to fight the thinning that happens with skin as we age because healing the body forces more collagen and elastin into the new skin.

Benefits of Microneedling

Is microneedling worth it? The microneedling benefits are worth any discomfort that you may experience throughout the treatment.

Encourages Your Body to Produce Collagen and Elastin

One of the main upsides to this procedure is the fact that it will help your body to produce more elastin. With age, our bodies naturally produce less elastin and hyaluronic acid, reducing collagen by up to 50 percent. This results in saggy, wrinkled skin that can be unappealing.

As the microneedles are inserted into the skin, it responds by producing more collagen and elasticity as an automatic protection mechanism. According to a 2008 study, four microneedling sessions one month apart may help produce 400% more collagen and elastic in the skin in just a 6-month period.

On top of that, the collagen growth that results from microneedling can help reverse the effects of sun damage and discoloration. Many people report that it can also help reduce the appearance of pores and give the skin a plumper appearance.

Opens Up The Skin to Allow Better Penetration of Products

In addition to helping the body to produce more collagen and elastin, microneedling also helps the skin absorb products that much better. Products such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid have better access to the skin, penetrating deeper and working more effectively to produce their intended results.

It is through these products that collagen production and skin pigmentation can improve, showing how microneedling can help with acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. The better your skincare products can work, the better your skin will look.

What Does Microneedling Procedure Include?

The microneedling procedure is nothing to be afraid of. Here’s what you can expect if you’re keen on this treatment.

Microneedling Preparations and Precautions

Prior to the procedure, your medical expert will discuss the best ways to prepare to increase the chances of a successful outcome. In some cases, you may need to stop taking certain medications. For example, if you’re taking ibuprofen for acne treatment, you may need to stop taking it ahead of the procedure. You may also need to stop taking topical retinoids before the procedure to reduce the risk of certain side effects.

During The Procedure

During the procedure itself, your doctor will make small pricks with a pen-like tool into the surface of the skin. These pricks are so small that you will barely notice them as pricks after the procedure. The esthetician will move the tool evenly across the surface of your skin to reach all areas.

Your doctor will use a topical anesthetic to numb your skin before the procedure starts. This will limit any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The entire process for the face takes approximately 30 minutes. After the procedure, your esthetician may apply a calming moisturizer or serum to minimize irritation.

Microneedling Aftercare

Since microneedling isn’t an invasive procedure, the time to recover is minimal. Most patients require very little downtime. Within the first few days, you may notice that your skin is slightly plump or red and irritated; this is completely normal.

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen to help protect your skin once the procedure is over. The majority of patients see results from microneedling in a couple of weeks. In order to maintain the results of the treatment, you may need multiple sessions. Make sure to discuss your specific treatment plan with your doctor to yield the best results for your skin.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Microneedling?

Although microneedling is generally safe, it doesn’t come without its risks. The most common side effect of microneedling is minor skin irritation right after the procedure. Redness for a few days is completely normal as well.

If you notice the following side effects, make sure to contact your provider at the clinic:

• Bleeding
• Peeling
• Bruising
• Infection

If you are pregnant, have certain skin diseases, have open wounds, have recently had radiation therapy, or have a history of skin scars, you may not be an ideal candidate for microneedling.

Try Microneedling at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic

If you’re interested in trying microneedling for yourself, contact us at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic. We proudly serve those in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, and the Twin Cities area. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and help you determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the procedure.