Our skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it has amazing healing capabilities. Undergoing microneedling triggers your body's healing properties to aid in improving the skin from the inside out.
The concept isn’t new — it was originally proposed in the 1950s, and then reappeared in the 90s using tattoo guns without ink to treat post-surgical scars. But improvements in the microneedling technique and equipment have made this one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments we offer at Miami Plastic Surgery®.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling uses a hand-held device to create minuscule punctures through the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, down into the dermis, the second layer. This triggers your skin's natural healing response, sending healing agents such as collagen directly to the desired treatment area to repair any existing damage and revitalize the skin.
Microneedling causes minimal discomfort compared to other, more invasive treatments that may be less effective. Since microneedling takes advantage of a natural process your body already performs, it creates subtle, more lasting improvements so you can continue enjoying the positive effects for a more extended period.
You can also combine microneedling with other skin care treatments for greater effectiveness. After you complete the microneedling process, our Miami Plastic Surgery® Medical Aesthetician can apply various topical gels, serums or creams (depending on what’s best for your skin type), which will efficiently penetrate through the epidermis. This further improves the outer layer and health of the skin.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling can help your skin by stimulating the production of collagen and new skin tissue. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins your body produces and is responsible for keeping your skin looking and feeling youthful, firm and smooth. You’ll produce less of it as you age, and you also lose collagen because of scarring, stretch marks, or other injuries.
Microneedling also enables topical skin preparations, such as vitamin C, to be better absorbed into your skin and helps your skin look smoother and firmer.
The treatment can also improve the appearance of the following:
- Scars, including those from acne, trauma, and burns
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- Large pores
- Skin pigmentation issues
- Rosacea
- Stretch marks
- Hair loss
How to Prepare for Microneedling
As with any procedure, it's beneficial to speak with your doctor before starting microneedling at our Miami location. Certain medications, such as ibuprofen and acne treatments like Accutane®, can cause an adverse reaction. Your doctor will advise you how far in advance of your microneedling appointment you should stop taking these medications.
It's also important to discuss whether you're using agents that increase your skin's sensitivity. For example, your doctor may have you stop taking retinoids and exfoliants a few days or weeks before your appointment.
What Is the Microneedling Procedure Like?
Our Miami microneedling process is not as invasive as plastic surgery, and patients can return home after completing the procedure. About an hour before we begin the process, we will apply a topical anesthetic to the area of skin you would like us to treat. This anesthetic numbs the skin to make microneedling painless.
During your appointment, one of our doctors will use a tool resembling a pen to make small pricks under your skin with tiny sterilized needles. These incisions are so small that you will not see them after the procedure.
As one of our certified facial plastic surgeons works on your face, they will move the tool evenly across the surface of your skin to help create a renewed, rejuvenated appearance. Most appointments take about 30 minutes, and we will finish by applying a serum or calming treatment to help restore your skin even further.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?
A better question is, “Who isn’t a great candidate for microneedling?” Microneedling's numerous skin health benefits make it a great treatment for just about anyone. So, if you want to improve your skin, microneedling is a great way to do it.
Our patients from all over South Florida love what microneedling does for their skin without any downtime. You should avoid this treatment if any of the following apply to you:
- Pregnancy
- Use of certain acne medications
- Active skin infection
- Active acne
- Keloid scarring (a type of raised scar)
What Skin Issues Can Be Improved with Microneedling?
Unlike some laser procedures and chemical peels, microneedling doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation. It can be used anywhere on the body, but the face, neck, and décolletage are the typical targets.
Here are skin conditions we treat with microneedling at Miami Plastic Surgery®:
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Areas of hyperpigmentation
- Dull skin
- Sun damaged skin
- Uneven texture
- Stretch marks
When Will I See Microneedling Results, and Long Do They Last?
There is an immediate “glow” after your treatment session, but the true results from microneedling at Miami Plastic Surgery® build over time as your collagen and elastin production ramps up and continues. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.
How long your results will last is variable between patients. Your body will have produced new collagen and elastin and that isn’t going anywhere. Still, your collagen production does continue to decline with age. That’s why we recommend from 4 to 6 microneedling sessions over the course of the year. This keeps your skin constantly renewing itself. Sessions need to be spaced at least six weeks apart.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Will I Need?
How often you come in for microneedling at Miami Plastic Surgery® is a personal choice, not a set number of sessions. Some patients come in just once or twice a year. But most patients like to keep the boost in collagen production because of how it makes their skin look younger and more vibrant. They have from 4-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, 6-8 sessions aren’t a bad idea, spaced at six-week intervals.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
When you come to our Kendall, South Miami, or Coral Gables offices, we apply topical anesthetic prior to your session. That ensures you’re completely comfortable during your microneedling session. Most patients equate the feeling to that of a piece of light sandpaper being lightly dragged across the treatment areas.
If you are considering microneedling treatment in Miami, FL, fill out the form on this page to book a consultation.
