Our skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it has amazing healing capabilities. Microneedling takes advantages of those healing capabilities by creating hundreds of microscopic injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s healing reaction to improve the skin from within.
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 handpiece with microneedles to create punctures through the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, down into the dermis, the second layer. These punctures are microscopic and begin healing immediately. But the body senses the penetrations into the dermis and believes it has received a series of wounds. This triggers a wound-repair response.
This has two facets. First, the existing collagen in the treatment area is remodeled, immediately firming the area. Second, the body begins production of new collagen to “heal” the wounds, even though they are fully healed within just a few hours. Collagen is responsible for supplying the skin’s underlying structural support system. As we age, our collagen production continues to drop year after year, beginning after we turn 20. This decline is why our skin starts to sag. It’s why areas such as the cheeks lose volume. And it allows wrinkles and creases to form. When the body increases collagen in response to the microneedling, it firms and improves the skin.
A secondary benefit of microneedling is that it enables your Miami Plastic Surgery® Medical Aesthetician to apply various topical gels, serums, or creams (depending on what’s best for your skin type), and they can efficiently penetrate through the epidermis through the hundreds of tiny punctures. This further improves the outer layer and health of the skin.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?
A better question is “Who isn’t a great candidate for microneedling?” Everyone short of an 18-year-old can use more collagen, coupled with the skin’s healing mechanisms. That’s what microneedling provides. 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.
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. This is because 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, call 305.595.2969 or fill out the form on this page to book a consultation.
