Microneedling is a real work horse when it comes to skin treatments for age-management, without having to go into the deep end to a more invasive (and costly) approach. It is well proven and acknowledged as a result-driven option to rejuvenate the skin and reduce age-related volume loss.
What I really like about it is its holistic approach to working with ageing skin. It treats the face as a whole, and with proper maintenance can significantly slow the effects of skin ageing over time. After treatment, you will see some immediate refreshing of the skin, but it takes 120 days for the full impact to manifest, which continues to show for months after treatment is complete. What is important to note however, is that micro-needling takes some initial commitment to show its full benefits but trust me, it is well worth it.
How Micro-needling Works
The treatment itself is relatively painless, as the skin is numbed beforehand. It is also quick – allot about one and a half hours for the treatment. Using a hand held machine pen with tiny surgical needles, small perforations or channels are created in the skin. These tiny punctures close shortly through the activation of the skin’s natural healing process and in doing so trigger a healing cascade increasing collagen production. Tissue repair then ensues, leaving behind a tighter, younger and more thickened skin. It is considered one of the most reliable treatments available for signs of ageing such as wrinkles and creepy, thin skin. Moreover, it has been clinically proven to reduce the signs of scars and stretch marks.
What is really impressive about micro-needling is that it is minimally invasive and yet has such profound therapeutic effects. And it is safe. Working with the world class eDermaStamp® pen, treatment is accurately and safely delivered without damaging skin tissue as it glides on the skin without scratching or tearing.
A Corrective Course of Treatments
Micro-needling is not a one-off, do not think of it as a facial. Initial commitment is a must to witness its incredible results. To see a meaningful, corrective outcome, a minimum course of three treatments is required. For greater skin concerns, up to six initial treatments may be needed to produce the desired results. Each one is to be done five to six weeks apart.
The good news is that once you finish with your initial course of treatments, maintenance becomes far less frequent and costly than other anti-aging solutions. Unlike peels or laser, you do not have to start over each time, you simply maintain your results with one or two annual sessions. So my advice is this – life happens, but stay the course. Once you take the plunge, continue with your appointments. It is worth it in the long run!
Post Treatment Expectations and Care
What is so great about micro-needling is that it offers incredible results with very little downtime. Once treatment is complete, your skin is likely to be quite red and have small red dots or blotches. Unlike a peel, micro-needling has a deeper effect, with minimal peeling, if any.
Simple steps are to be taken post treatment overnight to speed healing and prevent infection. Keep the skin very clean – use a clean pillowcase and ensure that nothing touches the face to avoid any bacteria coming in contact with the skin until the channels are fully closed. Beyond the first night, use the post treatment care kit provided for the week, complete with instructions.
Ideally, the day after the treatment should be a work-from-home day. There will most likely still be some pink or red patches of dots on the face. Some bruising may also occur. You want to see these pin pricks – it means we have done the right level of work! Most dots and patches will be resolved within one to three days. Within a week, you will be through the full healing process and looking fabulous!
Setting Up for Success
Micro-needling is an effective age-management solution, yet no treatment can take its full effect without an effective skincare program. I would say it is pointless to look at it as a response to skin ageing, unless you are on a good home care program and continue with one. Pre-treating with active medical home care will increase the efficacy of the treatment, maximise the outcome, and help maintain ongoing results. Using correctives in your program (such as vitamin C&E and retinol) continue the action long term and is highly recommended. It supports your investment.
I also recommend kicking off a series of micro-needling treatments with a peel to prime the skin and to do peels along with your annual micro-needling sessions. All to maximise the impact and keep your skin looking its absolute best.
Micro-needling is straightforward and can do wonders for your skin over time, but it requires a certain degree of commitment and an effective home care program. Remember, age management is a long-term strategy. It is important to find what works best for you and to continue with its maintenance for years to come in order to reap the benefits. If you need help creating an age management plan for your unique skin or would like to see if micro-needling is right for you, book a complimentary consultation with me.