The development of fine lines and wrinkles is one of the hallmarks of skin aging. Although these unwelcome skin changes are inevitable with advancing age, you can do something about them if they are caused by prematurely aging skin. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment involving the use of a device containing very fine needles. It has attained increasing popularity due to its ability to minimize the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles that can make you appear older than your actual age.
How Does it Work?
During your microneedling treatment, tiny needles push under the surface of your skin and cause micro-injuries. When these tiny injuries are formed, your body’s natural defenses respond with the production of new skin cells, collagen, and capillaries to repair this damage. The process eventually results in younger looking skin that is plumper and firmer. This is due to the presence of newly formed collagen fibers that are laid down in response to the treatment.
This treatment is based upon the knowledge that certain growth factors are secreted after the kneeling device punctures the outermost skin layer. These growth factors stimulate the proliferation of new skin cells like fibroblasts, which are transported to the injury sites and become collagen fibers that promote increased skin thickness and the minimization of fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling enhances the thickness and appearance of your skin through the production of new collagen that facilitates natural growth and repair, making your skin stronger, thicker, and more resilient. New collagen fills in fine lines and wrinkles from the bottom up, so that the skin is now level with surrounding skin tissue.
Candidates for Microneedling Treatment
If your skin is in good overall health, you would probably make a good candidate for microneedling. This treatment is not recommended for those who are currently experiencing acne breakouts, bleeding disorders, or skin infections.
What is a Microneedling Treatment Like?
We begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin and applying a topical anesthetic cream. We then wash off the numbing cream. The depth of skin penetration, degree of overlap, and number of device passes is based upon the size of your treatment area, the depth of your wrinkles, and the length of the needles.
Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after their microneedling treatment. You should avoid vigorously rubbing your skin in the treatment area for a day or two, as your skin may be somewhat sensitive at this time. In the hours after your treatment, your skin may appear to have a minor sunburn. This should rapidly resolve itself within a day or two at the most.
Contact Dermatology & Skin Care Associates today to schedule your consultation! Our office is located in West Chester, OH.