Is Microneedling Permanent?
Collagen is a vital component necessary for maintaining skin elasticity and a youthful complexion.
However, collagen production naturally decreases with age, and it can be challenging to increase collagen levels at home.
Microneedling is an in-office service that can help alleviate textural skin concerns, such as acne scarring or stretch marks.
It uses tiny needles to puncture the skin, encouraging your cells to heal and renew themselves.
This promotes collagen production, creating a more toned appearance for the skin and muscles.
While a lot of tiny needles going into your skin may sound scary, it is considered a minimally invasive procedure that has little downtime.
But is microneedling permanent?
Unfortunately, microneedling results don’t last forever, and patients will need to undergo these appointments periodically to maintain their results. It can last for a couple of months with proper skin care.
While you may be tempted to use an at-home microneedling device, it is wiser to consult a dermatologist instead.
At-home microneedling devices can increase the risk of harm or skin damage.
However, professional microneedling can offer a whole host of benefits for your skin.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling can treat various skin concerns and increase collagen production.
For example, it can treat acne scarring, signs of ageing, and even stretch marks with tiny needles.
Additionally, microneedling is used to achieve a smooth, even, bright, firm, and toned complexion.
According to an article from Healthline, “The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.
This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture.”
If you’d like to see the process of microneedling in action and hear about the benefits from dermatologists, here’s a great video from U.S. Dermatology Partners on YouTube.
The Benefits Of Microneedling
Surprisingly, microneedling can benefit a wide range of people.
For example, it can help reduce the appearance of discolouration, regardless of age spots or acne scarring.
It will also create a youthful appearance by boosting collagen.
Eliminate Scarring
Scarring can persist on your skin long after your wound or acne has healed.
It can feel as if your blemishes never left. However, microneedling has the potential to reduce the appearance of various types of scarring.
Yale Medicine States that “microneedling does not deliver heat to the skin like lasers do.
People who have melasma and hyperpigmentation can undergo microneedling without the risk of worsening pigmentation problems.”
Boost Collagen Production
One of the benefits of microneedling is its ability to promote collagen production.
Unfortunately, collagen can quickly deplete as we age, and there aren’t many at-home treatments that can be as effective as microneedling.
Healthline claims, “The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, and more toned skin.”
Overall, microneedling is ideal for treating signs of ageing and tightening skin for a youthful outcome.
Even Skin Tone
Microneedling can improve textural concerns, such as scarring, discolouration, wrinkles, and more.
Once all these prominent imperfections slowly start to fade away, you may notice that microneedling produces a brighter and more even skin tone.
Achieving a smooth and even complexion can be challenging.
However, microneedling, followed by proper aftercare, will enable you to enjoy your brighter results for a longer period.
Additionally, microneedling can potentially achieve a lifted effect.
Anti-Aging
Ultimately, microneedling can be an ideal solution for those seeking to reverse the signs of ageing.
We’ve mentioned that collagen is essential to maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness.
If you’re concerned about fine lines or wrinkles, microneedling may be a helpful option.
According to Healthline, “It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury by encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.”
Cons Of Microneedling
Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive treatment, especially compared to going under the knife.
However, like all beauty treatments, microneedling has its downsides and risks that should be understood.
Microneedling will create minor injuries on the skin with multiple tiny needles.
These minor injuries can still take a few days to heal. In addition, some skin types may be more sensitive to the procedure than others.
Some common side effects of microneedling include swelling, redness, and others.
Swelling
Tiny needle pricks may not sound very comfortable.
Although you may not feel discomfort during the procedure, you may experience increased sensitivity afterwards.
For example, the skin may appear puffy and slightly swollen.
Swelling is a common side effect of microneedling, but it typically lasts for only a few days.
Additionally, during this time, it may be challenging to notice any changes from your microneedling treatment.
Keep in close contact with your provider to ensure you’re on the road to recovery.
Redness
Another sign of irritation caused by microneedling is redness.
Redness is relatively common, so it poses a relatively low risk.
However, there is still a chance it may stick around longer than usual. Regardless, it can be expected when you leave your appointment.
Microneedling will improve collagen production and cell turnover, but the tiny incisions made by the needles can appear red.
However, redness can quickly fade with the proper implementation of an aftercare regimen.
Peeling
The skin’s surface layer will undergo minor injury during microneedling.
Its primary purpose is to bring tighter, brighter, and more youthful skin to light, but to see your newly brightened skin tone, a few skin cells may be shed.
Peeling skin is also a common con or side effect.
If this occurs after your microneedling appointment, it’s crucial to avoid picking, as it may hinder your results.
Instead, let your skin run its course when it peels.
Infection
Microneedling is generally considered a safe service, especially if you maintain good overall health.
However, you may still be at risk for infection.
Infection can occur if your provider doesn’t properly sterilise tools or keep your skin safe.
Additionally, an infection can occur if you have a more challenging time recovering or neglect your aftercare regimen.
Infections can also exacerbate other symptoms or side effects, such as swelling, redness, and peeling.
So, it’s crucial to seek out a professional, licensed, and experienced doctor who specialises in microneedling.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
Unfortunately, microneedling doesn’t provide results that last a lifetime.
However, microneedling results may last longer than other beauty treatments.
In addition, several factors can determine how long microneedling lasts, including a proper skincare regimen.
Microneedling can last anywhere between 4-6 weeks or 3-5 months.
Your medical provider, skin characteristics, and aftercare regimen can impact how your results stay or look after leaving your in-office treatment.
Additionally, you may need to maintain consistency and complete multiple microneedling sessions.
How Often Should You Get Microneedling Done?
The frequency of microneedling sessions required will also vary from person to person.
Again, your medical provider, skin characteristics/concerns, and aftercare can all determine the best timeline for another microneedling appointment.
According to Yale Medicine, “Three to five monthly or biweekly treatments are recommended to achieve desired results. Through a series of sessions, microneedling can increase elastic skin fibers.”
Additionally, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to create a personalised timeline for your skin’s specific needs.
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
How do you know if you’re an ideal candidate for microneedling?
One of the most helpful things to help prepare for microneedling is scheduling a consultation with your desired clinic or dermatologist.
This will ensure your safety and that of your skin.
However, not everyone may be a good candidate for microneedling.
For example, if you’re pregnant, have a specific skin condition, or have active acne, microneedling may pose a risk.
Acne Medications
While microneedling is designed to treat acne scarring, it may adversely affect those who are consuming acne medications.
Additionally, individuals with active acne may want to avoid microneedling.
Active acne can pose a risk because it can worsen your skin’s current condition.
Specific Skin Conditions
Your dermatologist may also advise against microneedling if you have a specific skin condition.
For example, individuals with psoriasis or eczema may not be suitable candidates for microneedling.
Similar to how microneedling can worsen active acne symptoms, the same can occur for eczema and psoriasis.
It affects the outermost layer of the skin, which can also increase irritation if any of these skin conditions are present.
Scarring
Microneedling can help treat or reduce the appearance of scarring.
However, it can vary from person to person and skin type.
For example, individuals with keloid scarring or skin that is more prone to scarring may want to consider avoiding microneedling treatments.
The micro-injuries that microneedling performs on the skin may worsen the appearance of scarring or trigger new ones to arise.
This is especially true if aftercare is neglected.
How To Prepare For Microneedling
Consultations are a crucial step for any beauty service.
If you plan to undergo microneedling, it’s advisable to discuss the procedure in depth with your healthcare provider.
Then, your doctor can provide you with step-by-step instructions to prepare for your treatment.
However, a general guideline is to avoid exfoliating or cell turnover products.
For example, BHAs, AHAs, vitamin C, or retinoids may increase your skin’s sensitivity if you use them before your appointment.
Instead, it will be wise to avoid these products a week or two before microneedling.
Microneedling Procedure
What can you expect during a microneedling procedure?
First, microneedling may be virtually painless because most providers apply a numbing cream to the skin to help minimise discomfort.
According to Healthline, “During the procedure, your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.”
Additionally, microneedling can be a lengthy procedure so that you can expect your appointment to last several hours.
However, double-check with your provider.
Microneedling Aftercare
Following your procedure, your doctor will provide a list of aftercare instructions.
These instructions are crucial to follow to ensure a safe, healthy, and proper recovery.
Additionally, each patient may have a unique process.
Regardless, there are two crucial factors to consider after completing microneedling.
For example, sunscreen is a vital step in any routine, especially in a service that affects the outermost layer of the skin.
Sunscreen
It’s no secret that microneedling will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
You’ll need to preserve and protect your skin with sunscreen (we love Elta MD’s dermatologist-recommended zinc oxide face sunscreen) regardless of whether you’ve completed this service or not.
Applying sunscreen alone can reduce scarring and discolouration.
Additionally, you may not notice any results or a difference in your skin after microneedling if you don’t use SPF regularly.
Avoid Exfoliants
Another helpful tip is to avoid exfoliants altogether, including retinoids.
Exfoliants can also affect the skin’s surface and may cause an adverse reaction when used after microneedling.
This will cause discomfort and sensitivity.
Applying these products may hinder your results, and you won’t be able to reap the benefits of microneedling.
When Will You See Results?
Again, everyone may notice results at a different point during their recovery.
On average, you can expect to notice results four to six weeks after your initial appointment.
However, it may take several skin cycles to see accurate results.
Of course, several factors can impact your results, like your provider, follow-up appointments, or aftercare regimen.
However, you can also discuss with your doctor what expectations to have before, during, and after microneedling.
Related Questions
You may be wondering, can’t I purchase a home roller and gain the same effects as an in-office treatment?
While multiple brands sell microneedling rollers, it may not be wise to buy one because you can harm yourself or your skin.
What’s the difference between microneedling and home rollers?
Professional microneedling can penetrate the skin more deeply and is powered by an electronic device, whereas home rollers are manually powered.
According to Yale Medicine, “These are very unlikely to have any benefit for dermal remodeling, but they may have benefits such as exfoliating the skin, which would allow topical medications to penetrate better, says Dr. Suozzi.”
Home devices may sound entertaining, but they won’t provide the same outcome as professional treatments.
Consult A Dermatologist
If you plan to undergo microneedling or are interested in it, consulting a dermatologist is advisable.
A derm can analyse your skin and tailor a service to meet your needs.
In addition, they may recommend a more beneficial treatment for the skin.
Takeaway
While microneedling may not last forever, you can preserve its results for at least a few months.
However, you may need multiple sessions to achieve your desired outcome.
Consult your dermatologist to determine if microneedling is suitable for you.
Microneedling offers numerous benefits for the skin.
However, a primary reason why many people gravitate towards microneedling is that it can boost collagen production.
Collagen is essential for maintaining youthful and elastic skin.
In addition, microneedling can reduce the appearance of scars, ageing, and stretch marks.
However, each beauty service also has its risks.
Overall, microneedling is a generally safe beauty treatment.
However, it’s crucial to conduct an in-depth consultation with a dermatologist to prepare for microneedling and what’s to come following your appointment.
What are your thoughts on microneedling? Are you willing to try this beauty treatment?
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