When we consult with patients over 40, we hear a number of different concerns. For some, it is age spots or old scarring. For others, it is the looseness of their skin that bothers them most. Across the board, what our patients are seeking is younger looking skin. There are several ways to achieve this, and many do not involve facial plastic surgery. When we’re dealing with aging skin, the name of the game is collagen induction. To promote healthy new collagen, we may recommend microneedling.
What is Microneedling?
You may have heard the term microneedling since this technique has been around for a few years now. Essentially, microneedling is a procedure through which hundreds of tiny channels are created in the skin. We call these micro-wounds. As soon as these subtle injuries are made in the skin, the body begins the repair process. This involves dissolving tissue now perceived as damaged and replacing it with healthy new collagen and extracellular matrix.
Dermal rolling is a form of microneedling. This technique can be performed at home several times a week. This method, however, may be more uncomfortable and less efficient. Dermal rolling is done by rolling a needle-clad drum over the skin. No numbing medication, just good old-fashioned gumption to tolerate the pain. Dermal rollers also have only one needle depth, which diminishes the overall effect of the treatment.
Professional microneedling conducted in the med spa in our Denver practice involves numbing cream, which is applied to the skin about 30 minutes before treatment begins. The micro-channels that are created with our SkinPen ® are not only automated to penetrate in a vertical fashion but also adjustable. Needle depth can vary from 0.5 to 3.0 mm beneath the skin, maximizing both comfort and outcome.
What Microneedling does for Your Skin
Because the direct effect of microneedling is an influx of collagen and elastin, this one method of skin care can do an awful lot. Results of microneedling include:
- Scars fade away over time
- Stretch marks become less visible
- Skin feels softer and looks smoother
- A radiant glow stems from increased circulation to the skin
- Collagen remodeling reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin regains firmness and resilience
Microneedling is not a one-time treatment. Patients who want to obtain the most dramatic results from microneedling begin with a series of 3 to 5 treatments scheduled weeks apart. After this time, touch-ups can be repeated once or twice a year to maintain healthy collagen.
Do you want to glow this holiday season? Schedule your microneedling treatment in our Denver office now. Contact us at (303) 839-1616.
