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Microneedling

Microneedling with Dr. Nina Naidu

Automated Micro-Needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for treating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance. During this procedure, controlled micro-injuries are created in the skin in order to naturally produce collagen and elastin. The result is softer wrinkles and fine lines. With deeper treatments, scar tissue and stretch marks can be reduced in appearance. Skin needling procedures are performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of the sterile Micropen® needle head. The procedure is normally completed within 30 minutes depending on the required treatment and anatomical site.

After the procedure, the skin will be red and flushed. You may also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch on the area being treated. This will diminish greatly after a few hours following treatments and within the next 24 hours the skin will be completely healed.

Relative contraindications to the procedure include a history of keloids, actinic (solar) keratosis, herpes simplex, diabetes, and the presence of raised moles or warts in the area of treatment. Absolute contraindications include scleroderma, collagen vascular diseases, cardiac disease, blood clotting disorders, active bacterial or fungal infection, immuno-suppression, pregnancy, and nursing.

Depending upon your goals, you may wish to undergo a second treatment in 4-6 weeks. Patients who wish to address fine lines, uneven texture, large pores, uneven skin tone, and minor blemishes may require one treatment every 6 months. Patients with moderate to deep wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and deeper scars may require 3-6 treatments at 6-8 week intervals. Microneedling is very effective at improving the appearance of the skin with even just a single treatment, but it will not stop the aging process. You are advised to use an antioxidant, growth factor serum, and sunscreen as part of your daily skincare regimen to help slow the effects of the environment and aging on your skin.

Introduction (what is Microneedling)

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Insuction Therapy (CIT), is a treatment in which controlled micro-injuries are created in the skin to stimulation the natural production of collagen and elastin.

What Issues Can Microneedling Address?

Microneedling can address fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, uneven scars, stretch marks, and large pores.

Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Good candidates for microneedling include patients in good health who have realistic expectations about results from this procedure.

Is There Anyone Who is Not Considered a Good Candidate for a Microneedling Procedure?

Contraindications to microneedling include keloids, actinic keratosis, and warts or moles in the area of treatment. Absolute contraindications include scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, active infections, immune-deficiency, pregnancy, and active breastfeeding.

How to Prepare for Your Microneedling Procedure

Prior to microneedling, stop all retinol medications and aspirin for 10 days. If you take Accutane, you should not have a treatment for one year. If you have a history of cold sores, advise your physician who will prescribe an anti-viral medication to use prior to and after your procedure.

Your Microneedling Procedure: What to Expect

Prior to the procedure, your skin is cleansed and a topical anesthetic is placed for 20 minutes.

The Microneedling Treatment:

After the anesthetic has been removed, a sterile set of micro needles is used with a mechanical device to create tiny micropunctures in the skin. The depth of puncture is determined by your skin type, and the area of concern. For example, acne scars will generally require deeper treatments. A calming ointment is placed on the skin after treatment.

What to Expect as You Recover

Your skin will be red for up to 24 hours. Expect to have mild tingling and tightness of the skin for the first 1-2 days after the procedure. You will be given a home case kit to use for 4-5 days, after which you may return to your regular routine.

Results

Your skin will appear to have a healthy glow 1-2 days after the procedure secondary to the increased blow flow. Microneedling is believed to increase collagen production in the skin, and in general 4-6 treatments are required for sustained results.

Microneedling Risks and Complications

Risks of microneedling include pain, bruising, sustained redness, and infection.

Microneedling FAQs

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a procedure in which controlled micro-injuries are created in the skin in order to naturally produce collagen and elastin.

When does the redness following a microneedling procedure subside?

Redness after microneedling often subsides within 2-24 hours, depending upon the depth of needling and your skin’s natural response to inflammation.

Am I able to wash my face after I have a microneedling procedure?

After microneedling, it’s best to use a very gentle cleanser without alcohol or acids for 4-5 days as your skin heals.

Can I do my own microneedling procedure at home?

Dermarollers, which are rollers with sharp tips, are available for use at home, but they tend to give unpredictable results as the pressure and depth of injury cannot be set with these devices.

Which serum is suitable for use with the microneedling pen to address facial scars?

During the microneedling procedure, hyaluronic serum is usually used to allow the needles to glide across the skin smoothly while allowing the product to penetrate into the skin. Afterwards, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer without alcohol or acids for 4-5 days.

Will microneedling work for diminishing acne scars?

Microneedling has been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars, but you may require up to six treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

How long does it take to see the results after a microneedling procedure?

Results after microneedling may be noted as soon as the day following the procedure; the skin usually appears to be brighter and more refreshed. Scars and fine wrinkles my improve in appearance over the course of 4-6 weeks.

The pores on my nose are overly large; would microneedling help?

Microneedling does seem to help diminish the appearance of large pores on the face and particularly the nose.

Do microneedling treatments hurt?

A topical anesthetic is applied to the face prior to microneedling treatments, which should limit the pain to only minimal discomfort.

What does collagen induction therapy mean?

Collagen induction therapy (CIT) is the stimulation of collagen and elastin production in the skin following controlled micro-injuries, as occurs with microneedling.

Can microneedling cause skin to become hyperpigmented if it is used to treat skin texture and fine lines?

Microneedling actually seems to help with hyperpigmentation, especially in patients with darker skin, although there are no scientific studies yet to support this.