Microneedling
Transform your skin with the power of Microneedling, the minimally invasive treatment for rejuvenation.
Microneedling
The aging process takes no prisoners. With every passing day, the skin becomes visible and chronically older. With time comes a breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, signs of sun damage, increased levels of inflammation, and older-looking and acting skin that cannot repair itself as efficiently and effectively as it once did.
Enter: Microneedling, a time-tested popular cosmetic procedure gaining traction over the last few years, is one of the best noninvasive ways to stimulate collagen production and encourage natural healing. If there’s one treatment that does it all, it’s microneedling relying on tiny needles to puncture and wound the skin to stimulate new collagen. This of-the-moment skin-perfecting procedure can improve acne scars, enlarged pores, and even hair loss. But that’s just the beginning of what this multi-prong treatment is capable of doing.
That’s because fewer regenerative cells in the body mean less repair for the constant barrage of damage. But professional microneedling, which is far more effective and superior to at-home dermal rollers, can significantly improve the skin’s surface and overall appearance, restoring its natural youthful appearance.
Microneedling
What is Microneedling?
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 Ecobel Med Spa, 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.
Microneedling Service Options
Microneedling can be combined with skin-rejuvenating therapies to make for even healthier and more youthful skin. Some of the popular treatment options we offer with microneedling include:
The addition of stem cells to a microneedling treatment floods the skin with growth factors and cytokines (naturally found within stem cells) to heal the skin. Data shows that using stem cells in conjunction with microneedling results in improved remodeling of both collagen and elastin within the skin.
Microneedling treatments that incorporate hyaluronic acid into them help to soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and folds. The moisturizing ingredient can also help diminish the appearance of scars and thicken the dermal layer of the skin. Plus, microneedling treatments that infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid help aid hydration so that dry skin is no longer an issue.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) also enhances the effectiveness of microneedling. Sometimes referred to as the Vampire Facial, PRP with microneedling can give a natural glowiness to the skin, help improve skin tone, and soften the look of enlarged pores, wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. This combination approach can also be used to mitigate the effects of thinning hair and hair loss.
How it works
Although it may sound somewhat scary, microneedling is a safe and effective treatment that patients love. The skin is first numbed with a topical numbing cream to alleviate potential discomfort. Then, the handpiece is held up to the skin, and the needles quickly penetrate the skin to make pinpoint injuries within the skin. These tiny, sterile needles are inserted rapidly into the skin, which feels akin to a pinprick. However, the epidermal layer of the skin is not damaged or destroyed during a microneedling treatment.
Once the treatment is complete, the micro-injuries left behind will (they can result in pinpoint bleeding from where the needles were inserted) stimulate a cascade of skin-repairing functions over the coming days and weeks. The skin will begin to release natural growth facts and trigger the natural wound healing process, which leads to new blood cells, collagen, and elastin. As a result of the healing process, the skin’s texture will begin to improve, and its natural plumpness and elasticity will return. Its tone will also improve, causing dark spots and discoloration to lighten.
The results are further enhanced when PRP is layered on a microneedling treatment. The combination of PRP, which uses platelets from your blood, isolates these platelets and growth factors to jumpstart the skin’s natural healing process. Some patients feel an initial tightening after a PRP microneedling treatment, which signals the skin is beginning to rebuild itself.
It’s important to know that the results of microneedling are cumulative. While some patients may notice improvement after the first treatment, most require a series of microneedling sessions to see a dramatic change in the skin. The treatment doesn’t come with any significant social downtime, and it can leave the skin slightly red, dry, and flaky, so make sure to plan your appointments accordingly. Some patients may see tiny, temporary marks on the skin after the procedure, which will resolve quickly.
Most patients choose to have microneedling treatments on their faces, but the procedure works well on the body. For example, if stretch marks on the thighs, stomach, or butt are a concern, the treatment can be performed on these areas to improve the skin’s texture and the coloration of the marks. In addition, other body parts that bear signs of scarring, be it from trauma or acne, tend to respond well to microneedling.
Microneedling
Who is Microneedling Good For?
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:
Acne scars and other minor scars
Fine lines
Uneven skin texture and tone
Mild wrinkling
Skin laxity
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Discoloration
Building Collagen
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.
Microneedling
The Results
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.
The Benefits of Microneedling
The ultimate goal of a series of microneedling treatments is to refine the skin’s texture and appearance by creating microscopic wounds within the skin that entice the natural production of collagen and elastin. When the body recognizes these injuries, it begins a cascade of healing events that release essential growth factors to help improve the skin. This healthy healing process creates youthful-looking skin that’s firmer and rejuvenated. And adding PRP into the mix only makes the results that much better.
Microneedling continues to grow in popularity because of its numerous benefits, making it a skin-savvy treatment for various skin tones, textures, and concerns. Plus, it’s a quick procedure with minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime, making it compatible with those with busy schedules.
Additional benefits of routine microneedling treatments include:
- Improved skin resiliency, elasticity, and tone
- Enhances skin texture that’s smoother and more even
- The generation of new collagen
- Firmer skin
- Improved hair growth
- Less visible scars, including acne scars
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Smaller-looking pores
- Improvement of dark spots and discoloration
A few days after the procedure, the skin will start to appear smoother and have more of a natural glow to it. These results will improve with each treatment, which should be done monthly. On average, three to six treatments are recommended depending on your skin goal and the current state of your skin.
How Much Does Microneedling Cost?
Every patient is different, so we recommend a consultation to determine the cost of your microneedling treatment. Our experienced team of skin experts and medical providers can further discuss the treatment with you and determine if microneedling, alone or with PRP, is best for you.
The treatment is tailored to your needs, which is why the cost ranges, although microneedling treatments start at $250. Our team can customize a skin package to help you obtain the desired results. A consultation with our staff will ensure more accurate pricing.
Microneedling
Common FAQs
Since microneedling creates microscopic wounds in the skin, it’s best to keep it as hydrated as possible before your appointment. Also, avoid using harsh products, acids, or exfoliating products, including retinol and benzoyl peroxide, that can dry the skin. It’s also essential that the skin is not inflamed or compromised before the treatment, which can compromise your results, so avoid sun exposure.
It’s normal—and expected—for the skin to appear red, similar to a sunburn post-microneedling, which should resolve within 24 hours. As the skin heals, it may seem somewhat flush or pink, lasting a few days. Keep in mind that more aggressive treatments may produce more redness for longer. Keeping the skin well-hydrated with a bland, calming moisturizer will help keep the redness down.
Some skincare products are okay to use, while others should be avoided for a short period. It’s always advised to take a break from supercharged active ingredients such as retinoids and retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin-derived active ingredients, and anything else that’s harsh or abrasive on the skin. A basic moisturizer and sunscreen are best to use for one week post-treatment.
If the skin feels tight or extremely dry, an emollient-rich moisturizer or ointment may need to be used.
Most patients find the treatment tolerable, primarily when topical numbing cream is used. However, some areas, like the upper lip or forehead, may experience more sensitivity than others.
Unlock Your Skin's Potential at Ecobel Med Spa
If you’re ready to achieve plump, defined, and youthful skin, look no further than Ecobel Med Spa. Our team of internationally trained, skilled estheticians and skin care specialists has 40 years of experience in the beauty industry. They will work with you to determine the best microneedling treatment plan for your skin’s needs. Don’t wait to get the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Book your consultation for microneedling treatment today!