As we grow, collagen fibers in our skin become less firm and thinner. This reduces their ability to retain moisture and support the skin’s underlying structure. Consequently, wrinkles and fine lines appear as our skin loses elasticity. These physiological changes can also lead to dermatological issues, including weakened skin structure and sagging.
If you do not want to undergo surgery, you have several other options for maintaining a youthful appearance. Many aesthetic procedures, such as micro-needling, are becoming increasingly common as anti-aging therapies. Read on to learn more about micro-needling and how it works.
What is Micro-Needling?
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment designed to stimulate the natural collagen production in the skin. It rejuvenates the skin and helps restore a youthful appearance. During this process, very small, sterilized needles create microscopic injuries to the skin.
The micro-injuries stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin and enhance blood flow. The body then produces elastin and collagen to hold the skin together, which helps to replace those minor injuries.
Ideal Candidates for Micro-Needling Therapy
If you are in good overall health, you are more likely to be suitable for micro-needling therapy. Scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist can help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Before scheduling a micro-needling session, consult with a dermatologist if you have any of the following concerns:
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Acne or medication used to treat acne.
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Being prescribed anticoagulants (also known as blood thinners).
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Blood disorder.
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Cancer patients are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
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Frequent rashes on the skin or cold sores.
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As your skin heals, it leaves behind rough, raised scars.
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Freckles, skin growths, or moles that change size or shape and bleed.
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Psoriasis or eczema.
Like all cosmetic procedures, micro-needling involves risks. Side effects after the procedure may include redness and skin irritation. If you experience more severe side effects, like bruising, bleeding, or peeling, see a dermatologist.
Advantages of Micro-Needling
Several studies have shown the efficacy of micro-needling in addressing age-related symptoms. Here are the benefits of micro-needling:
Quick with Little Downtime
Micro-needling therapy takes about 30 minutes and requires minimal recovery time if you follow post-treatment instructions. Redness may last up to 24 hours after treatment but fades within two days as your body heals from the micro-perforations caused by the microneedles.
Enhances The Quality And Appearance Of The Skin
Micro-needling enhances collagen synthesis and improves skin structure by accelerating cell turnover. It enhances your complexion by diminishing scarring, evening out wrinkles and fine lines, and providing an overall healthier radiance. The treatment not only improves blood circulation to the affected region but also boosts the absorption of skincare products.
Reduces Wrinkles, Acne Scars, and Stretch Marks
Acne scars are caused by various factors, but they all form pigmented blemishes on the skin. These marks can be raised or depressed and are often difficult to treat effectively with chemical peels or topical lotions alone.
Micro-needling stimulates the growth of new collagen in the skin, helping acne scars to heal. Deep wrinkles or acne scars caused by aging respond particularly well to this treatment, as these problems often persist despite topical treatments like chemical peels or moisturizers.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
A common complaint among people is the difficulty of removing hyperpigmentation. Micro-needling effectively improves pigmentation issues like hyperpigmentation (sun spots) or chloasma (melasma), resulting in a brighter complexion. These results are possible because the procedure boosts collagen production, gradually fading blemishes and dark spots.
Works on Several Body Parts
Micro-needling is specifically recommended for anyone with scarring on the body or face from acne or any other cause. Treatment can be customized to target particular areas or cover large areas, including:
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Neck.
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Face.
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Thighs.
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Hips.
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Arms.
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Legs.
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Abdomen.
Enhances Hair Growth
Micro-needling enhances blood circulation to the scalp, promoting the development of fresh hair follicles in deficient regions. This treatment can be incorporated into a hair growth regimen that includes topical products. It also enhances nutrient delivery to follicles, fortifying and improving their overall health.
Improved Skincare Product Absorption
Micro-needling creates tiny channels in the skin, enabling products like creams and serums to penetrate deeper into the dermis layer. This allows their ingredients to work more efficiently.
Treatments with Micro-Needling
With home derma roller kits trending nowadays, everyone wants to improve their skin at an affordable price. However, several risks are associated with these kits. Small blood vessels can rupture if used improperly or excessively, creating an unnatural appearance. Infections caused by bacteria can also result from failing to sterilize the rollers properly.
To reduce these risks, you should undergo the procedure with a board-certified doctor in a clinic that maintains strict sterilization standards.
Preparation and Consultation
Consultation allows you to address your skin’s issues and goals. Your doctor will review your medical records and assess your current medications. This session enables them to determine the most suitable procedure for your skin and identify any medical issues that could affect specific therapies. Micro-needling is not recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions, including:
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Psoriasis or eczema.
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Diabetes.
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Patients undergoing chemotherapy or with compromised immune systems.
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Bleeding problems.
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Anticoagulant medications.
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Fresh/active acne.
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Warts or herpes labialis.
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Rosacea.
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Keloids.
Additionally, the doctor may advise taking these actions before the procedure:
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Refrain from smoking for two weeks before your treatment.
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Before your appointment, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to increased bruising and swelling.
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Avoid applying retinol, vitamin C serums, and glycolic acid products to the treated area, as they may cause irritation during the treatment.
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Stop using blood thinners.
The Micro-Needling Procedure
Before micro-needling is done, your physician will clean the skin with an antiseptic solution and apply a numbing gel. This helps to reduce pain during the procedure. Microneedles come in different sizes and are inserted at various depths, depending on the skin’s condition.
Each session lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treated area. The suitability of micro-needling treatment or collagen therapy for you may vary based on the specific type you choose. Your dermatologist can provide the following induction treatments.
Microdermal Needling Using an MD Pen
This cutting-edge device uses a pen-shaped applicator to insert micro-needles into your skin’s epidermal layer. The needles then move across the face in a specific pattern, promoting collagen production and facilitating healing.
This method offers exceptional outcomes for the entire face and body, including:
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Forehead.
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Mouth and eyes.
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Nose.
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Chin.
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Scarring caused by acne.
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Neck stretch marks.
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Abdominal scarring.
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Scars resulting from breast reduction surgery.
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Excess fat deposits around the waist and hips.
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Hair restoration.
RF Micro-Needling
This minimally invasive therapy uses a micro-needling device that emits controlled radio frequency (RF) waves. Microneedles and RF waves work together to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin, and new collagen—the primary elements responsible for a youthful appearance. As a result, it tightens tissues, strengthens the skin, and reduces the appearance of cellulite, creating a more rejuvenated look.
Micro-Needling Post-Treatment Care
Patients typically experience minimal or no postoperative downtime. After micro-needling, you may encounter skin irritation and redness for the first few days, but you can resume your regular activities. We advise avoiding sports or vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Furthermore, the skin will experience enhanced sensitivity, so avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds is advisable. Also, refrain from vigorously rubbing or scrubbing your face, which can cause redness and irritation in the treated areas. The physician will provide you with more detailed post-operative instructions after the procedure.
You may need to schedule additional treatments every four weeks to achieve optimal results, especially if your skin shows deep scarring or wrinkles.
Micro-Needling and Acupuncture
Micro-needling uses an electronic device with a multi-needle tip, combined with herbal and nourishing serums. On the other hand, cosmetic acupuncture uses acupuncture needles.
Micro-needling falls into two categories, that is:
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Medical micro-needling.
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Cosmetic micro-needling.
A certified professional performs medical micro-needling, while cosmetic micro-needling can be done at home. Micro-needling stimulates keratinocyte and stem cell proliferation, promoting elastin and collagen production in facial skin. The micro-needles can:
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Penetrate deeper dermal layers.
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Treat acne and other scars by disrupting scar tissue.
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Stimulate skin remodeling.
This method effectively addresses age spots, wrinkles, scars, acne, skin tone, and other imperfections.
Cosmetic acupuncture mainly focuses on skin firming, tightening, and lifting while also promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. Both methods are based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. They involve manipulating Qi and blood flow and stimulating facial meridians. These treatments enhance their effectiveness, giving a natural facelift and improving skin brightness and health.
Micro-needling and acupuncture treatments positively impact physical and mental well-being, resulting in an overall sense of improved happiness and health. You can combine these treatments to boost collagen production and achieve a younger look without surgery or invasive procedures.
Does a Micro-Needling Procedure Have Any Adverse Effects?
Micro-needling has temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, and peeling that last for a few days. You can use makeup 24 hours after the treatment, but you should protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen.
Individuals with active oral herpes or inflammatory acne should avoid micro-needling until their skin lesions have healed, as the procedure could worsen these conditions. Those with a history of oral herpes may receive a prescription for oral antiviral drugs to take for one week after treatment, as micro-needling can potentially trigger new cold sores.
Are Micro-Needling Devices Used At Home Effective?
Individuals can buy derma-needling rollers for personal use without a prescription. However, a skilled dermatologist should use special equipment for the best results in micro-needling. He or she can adjust the equipment to match different skin areas. Shallower needle depths can be used for areas around the nose, eyes, and forehead. Deeper depths can be used to treat acne scars on the cheeks or wrinkles on the abdomen.
At-home micro-needling devices reach a depth of 0.25 mm, penetrating only the outer layer of the skin. Specialized devices can reach deeper into the skin, penetrating 2 mm to 3 mm, affecting both the epidermis and the deeper dermis layer. Professional kits use electricity to insert the needles uniformly into the skin, whereas at-home versions require manual movement of the barrel across the skin to create small punctures.
These products are not likely to help with skin remodeling. However, they might improve skin exfoliation, which can help topical medications work better.
What Are the Differences Between Micro-Needling and Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion and micro-needling are cosmetic therapies that make your skin look better and smoother. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin’s outer layer with a rough-edged device, while micro-needling penetrates deeper into the skin and is better for treating acne scars.
How Long Do the Micro-Needling Outcomes Last?
The outcomes can vary depending on the severity of the skin condition, its location, and the treatment approach used. A physician may recommend a series of four to six sessions for treatment. The skin can show increased collagen production for 3 to 6 months after micro-needling therapy.
Is Micro-Needling a Safe Procedure?
Micro-needling has been scientifically proven as a safe procedure for individuals of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and skin tones. This treatment effectively addresses various skin concerns, including fine lines, pigmentation issues, dullness, enlarged pores, acne scars, dark spots, scars, and stretch marks. However, micro-needling should be avoided during active acne flare-ups or skin infections. The microneedle punctures can potentially transmit bacteria to different areas of your skin, spreading acne or skin infection.
Find a Professional Acupuncturist Near Me
Micro-needling and acupuncture are therapeutic procedures based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, involving the insertion of ultra-thin needles into the skin. The tiny punctures stimulate collagen synthesis and skin cell growth, which results in the production of new skin cells. This process also stimulates facial acupoints, reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and eliminating excess heat.
If you are looking for professional micro-needling therapy in Torrance, contact us at Trinity Acupuncture. Our team consists of skilled and knowledgeable professionals, guaranteeing you receive the best results from your treatment. Call us now at 310-371-1777 to talk to one of our acupuncturists.