Supercharge Your Skin Health: What is Microneedling?
Nash Injections by Hannah client who underwent a treatment plan that included microneedling prior to her wedding.
Microneedling has gained popularity as a go-to treatment for achieving youthful, glowing skin. This guide explains its benefits, effectiveness, and differences between DIY and professional treatments. Plus, we'll explain how microneedling combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can supercharge your skincare health.
What Does Microneedling Do?
Collagen induction therapy, or microneedling, involves using small needles to create tiny injuries on the skin. This process improves skin texture, reduces scars and acne, and corrects sun damage and signs of aging. Typical treatment areas include the face, neck, and chest.
As we age, fine lines and wrinkles appear because our collagen and elastin production decreases. Microneedling counteracts this by creating controlled micro-injuries that prompt the body to produce more collagen and elastin. This results in an improvement in skin elasticity and firmness, which reduces and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling is great for improving skin elasticity or sagging skin. The fine needles puncture the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production, which acts as a structural foundation for the skin. The increased collagen production leads to improved skin elasticity, which makes the skin more supple and resilient.
Microneedling is also an effective treatment to get rid of scar tissue. By breaking down the collagen fibers, it reduces the appearance of scars caused by surgery, injuries, or acne. This makes the scars softer and less noticeable over time. It can help improve both indented and raised scars, making the skin smoother and more even after multiple sessions.
Pro-tip: Microneedling Can Help with Tattoo-Removal Scarring
Microneedling can help improve scars left from tattoo removal. It creates tiny injuries in the skin, boosting collagen production and healing. This smooths out the skin, reduces scars, and evens skin tone. It also helps your skin absorb scar-healing creams better, leading to healthier-looking skin after tattoo removal.
Does Microneedling Work?
Studies have shown that microneedling is effective for improving skin texture, reducing scarring, and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
One study found that microneedling can increase collagen and elastin in the skin by 400% in just 6 months. The thickness of the stratum granulosum (outer layer of skin) can also increase for up to 1 year. This builds the skin's protective barrier that protects the body from external elements and prevents dehydration.
Scientific research has proven that microneedling is safe and beneficial for individuals with darker skin tones. Dermatologists classify these individuals as Fitzpatrick skin types 4-6. Unlike traditional methods like dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy, microneedling is a gentler option for melanated skin. It has shorter recovery times and lower risks of side effects like discoloration and scarring.
Microneedling Before and After
3-month wedding-ready treatment plan: Botox®, Microneedling with PRP + ZO® Skincare
Treatment plans often involve a series of microneedling sessions spaced a few weeks apart. This careful method slowly stimulates the skin and gives it time to heal and regenerate.
Depending on your specific skin needs, you can further enhance your treatment plan by including additional procedures and products:
Botox injections can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, giving a smoother and younger look.
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells and promote new, healthy skin growth. This results in a brighter and more even complexion.
Medical-grade skincare products can support and maintain the results of your treatments. These products have potent ingredients that target specific concerns such as hydration, pigmentation, and aging.
This comprehensive approach ensures that your skin receives a holistic and personalized treatment, addressing multiple concerns for optimal results.
Before and After Chemical Peels and Microneedling
The ZO 3-Steep Peel removes outer skin layers, tackling pigmentation and improving texture. Microneedling then stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and scars and enhance product absorption. Together, they tackle issues from the inside out, resulting in a radiant, flawless complexion.
After just two sessions of each treatment, this client saw:
Reduced pigmentation
Enhanced texture and tone
Softened fine lines
Clearer complexion
Minimized scarring appearance
This client's treatment plan at our Nashville medspa includes:
Medical-grade skincare to combat acne
Microneedling for scar reduction and skin tightening
Chemical peels to address pigmentation and sun damage
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Many people worry about pain during microneedling because it involves needles. However, the discomfort is usually minimal.
To make the procedure more comfortable, practitioners often use a topical numbing cream before starting. This helps ensure the experience is tolerable for most individuals. You might feel a slight pricking or tingling sensation, but most people find it easy to manage.
How Much is Microneedling?
Microneedling costs can vary depending on location of the medspa, practitioner's skill, and the treatment area. Professional med spa sessions typically range from $200 to $700 per session.
Microneedling at Home vs. at an Aesthetics Office
At-home microneedling devices are inexpensive and user-friendly. However, without professional guidance, the results may not be accurate or effective for specific skin concerns. Incorrect needle depth, which varies for different areas of the face, and the pattern in which the pen is moved across the skin can affect how well the treatment works.
Infection is a significant concern with at-home microneedling. The risk increases due to potential contamination of the device, improper sterilization techniques, and the lack of professional oversight. This can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infections and other complications.
Why Choose a Medspa for Microneedling?
Medical Expertise: Understanding skin structure and function helps professionals make informed decisions about needle depth, treatment areas, and potential complications.
Device Operation: Professionals are trained in the operation of microneedling devices. This includes understanding the settings, adjusting needle depths, and maintaining hygiene and safety protocols.
Infection Control: Ensuring a sterile environment is crucial. Professionals know how to clean and sterilize equipment properly to prevent infections and complications.
Client Consultation: Microneedling experts will conduct thorough consultations, assess skin types, identify specific concerns, and discuss realistic expectations and potential outcomes.
Treatment Planning: Based on client needs and skin condition, professionals develop personalized treatment plans. This involves selecting the appropriate needle depth, session frequency, and combining other skincare treatments if necessary.
Aftercare Guidance: Medspas will provide detailed aftercare instructions to optimize healing and results. This includes skincare product recommendations, sun protection advice, and activity restrictions post-treatment.
Complications: While microneedling is generally safe, professionals are trained to recognize and manage potential complications. This includes infections or adverse reactions.
Regulations: Practitioners stay informed about the latest regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Advanced Technology: Medspas have access to more potent and advanced devices that surpass at-home tools. This advanced technology provides a more comprehensive and customized microneedling experience, particularly for individuals with specific skin concerns or those seeking significant results.
Ultimately, deciding between at-home microneedling and professional treatments comes down to individual preferences, budget considerations, and the desired level of precision and expertise. While at-home options are convenient and affordable, med spas offer safety, efficacy, and personalized care.
Nash Injections client who received microneedling treatment.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative skincare treatment that significantly enhances skin health. PRP, made from your blood, has growth factors that boost collagen production and speed up healing, helping to make new, healthy skin cells.
Combining microneedling with PRP is an excellent treatment for addressing more significant skin issues. Microneedling induces tiny injuries in the skin, triggering a natural healing response. When you apply PRP, it amplifies this response, leading to faster and more effective skin renewal.
Together, microneedling and PRP improve skin texture, tone, and complexion, both on the surface and beneath the skin.
Microneedling in Nashville
Microneedling stands at the forefront of advanced skincare techniques, offering a non-invasive solution for healthier, more radiant skin. Adding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can boost skin health by improving the healing power of the procedure.
For a personalized assessment and to explore if microneedling with or without PRP is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation our Nashville Medspa.
We take pride in our specialization in the latest skincare and microneedling advancements. Our team looks forward to assisting you on a personalized skincare journey, ensuring that you make well-informed decisions aligned with your individual needs and goals.
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Author: Hannah Morse, RN, Founder, Nash Injections by Hannah
An Advanced Injector, Hannah has undergone extensive training under the guidance of top injectors in the aesthetic industry and is a certified ZO® Skin Health Specialist and Expert. Her commitment to staying informed about the latest products, techniques, studies, and protocols is a testament to her dedication to providing top-quality care.
Article originally published 12/10/2023, updated 7/25/2024.