To treat skin concerns via collagen production, a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is used that is known as Microneedling. This treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks and it is also known as induction therapy.
Certain anti-aging procedures like sunspots and eyelid surgery can be benefitted from this procedure. For hair loss, Microneedling isn’t effective despite the possible role of collagen in hair growth.
If you’re in good health and have certain skin concerns then you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure that hasn’t responded to home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures, such as peels.
Before considering cosmetic surgery for anti-aging and other concerns this may also be a final step. Talk to your dermatologist to learn more about microneedling and to see if this is the right option for your skin.
What is the procedure of microneedling?
Your doctor makes small pricks under the skin with a micro needling pen tool during this procedure. You likely won’t notice them after the procedure because pin pricks are so small.
To reduce the chances of pain, your doctor will use a topical anesthetic before starting the procedure. This procedure can be done about an hour before your treatment. The actual microneedling takes approximately 30 minutes says Emory University. A serum or calming treatment is then applied to you by your doctor. You can expect to be at the office for a couple of hours at least.
What are the risks and side effects of micro-needling?
Microneedling isn’t without risk like all cosmetic procedures. Immediately following the procedure the most common side effects are minor skin irritation. For a few days, you may also see redness. If you notice more severe side effects call your doctor in cases like:
- Peeling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
These are certain conditions for an ideal candidate. If you:
- Have certain skin diseases like psoriases or eczema then you are not a candidate.
- Are pregnant then also you are not a candidate for microneedling.
- Have open wounds then you are not an ideal candidate
- Have had radiation therapy recently then you are not a candidate.
- Have a history of skin scars then you are not a candidate too.
How to recover after the microneedling procedure?
The time of Microneedling recovery is minimal because it isn’t invasive like plastic surgery. Most people require very little downtime according to Emory University. Within the first few days following the procedure, you may notice skin irritation and redness. In your skin, this is a natural reaction to the small injuries made by the needles.
What is the cost of microneedling?
Microneedling costs from $100 to $700 per session according to estimates by Dermapen. Microneedling price of most face treatments runs around $300 for each session. It is not covered by insurance since microneedling is considered a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure. By structuring a payment plan for you, your doctor may be able to help you afford your treatments better.
