Microneedle Resurfacing
For those who want smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin, Microneedle Resurfacing may be a wonderful option. Microneedling stimulates the skin's natural ability to produce new collagen and elastin while it repairs itself.
What is Microneedle Resurfacing effective for?
It is a great treatment option for acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage,
stretch marks, large pores, uneven tone or texture, and thin skin. Patients
with large pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone will typically need a
series of 3 microneedling sessions, spaced every 4 weeks. Those with
moderate to deep wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars or other scars will
likely need a series of 6 (or more) treatments, spaced every 4 weeks.
Sessions can alternatively be spaced at every 6-8 weeks, if needed.
What areas of the body can be treated?
The face is the most popular area, for obvious reasons. However,
microneedling can be performed on all parts of the body, including the neck,
decolletage, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.
What is the down time?
We recommend that all patients go directly home immediately after
their treatment and completely avoid the sun. The skin will be red and
slightly swollen right after the treatment, similar to a sunburn. The
redness and swelling typically improve on the second day. On the third
day, most redness and swelling have resolved, and any residual redness is
easily covered with makeup. Dry skin and mild flaking may be present
for several days.Patients who have this procedure on Friday
should be ready to return to work with makeup on Monday.
What is the procedure like?
When you first arrive, we will remove all makeup and lotions and
clean the face well. Then, a potent, prescription topical numbing
ointment is applied to the area for about 40 minutes to improve the comfort
of the procedure. After a second cleansing, the procedure takes 20-30
minutes with the electric microneedle device (SkinPen®). This process
sounds like a small electric razor gently buzzing back and forth across the
face.We will repeatedly ask you for feedback to optimize the depth of
the needle and expected results while making the procedure as comfortable as
possible. We have found this procedure to be much better tolerated
than our traditional chemical peels.
I have heard that I can't do peels and laser if I have darker skin.
What about this?
Another great benefit of this procedure is that it can be used on
patients with any skin color, since it does not use strong chemicals or
laser energy. Of course, strict sunscreen is always important during
the healing process to prevent discoloration in all patients.
How does it work?
During the procedure, the microneedling device (SkinPen®) produces
thousands of microscopic channels (up to 2.5 mm deep) in the skin from the
needles. These microscopic “injuries” encourage the skin’s natural
ability to rebuild collagen and elastic fibers and promotes a host of
natural growth factors in the skin. This produces tissue remodeling
and skin tightening as the newer, thicker collagen is formed. The
result is smoother, younger-looking skin with less-visible wrinkles and
scars.
How does Microneedle Resurfacing compare with Fraxel
® laser?
Fraxel® laser produces thousands of microscopic columns of
destruction (0.3 to 1.6 mm deep) in the skin. This also promotes
collagen formation and smoother, younger skin. If performed properly,
it can produce good results. However, many patients are unable to
accept the longer downtime and higher cost of this procedure. For acne
scarring and more aggressive wrinkle treatment, multiple treatments are
required for both procedures. We have found that our patients prefer a
shorter, weekend recovery period rather than a week-long healing process.
What are the possible side effects?
Since Microneedle Resurfacing uses no chemicals or laser energy, side
effects are rare with this process. However, possible rare side
effects include persistent redness or itching, allergic reaction to your
serums, or reactivation of herpes virus or cold sores. Fortunately,
Dr. Brown is always available and prepared to address any rare issues since
this procedure is performed in a medical office and not a
medspa.If you have a history of cold sores / fever blisters near
the treated area, you will need to start an antiviral medication the day
prior to your treatment.
When will I see results?
Most patients feel healthier, tighter skin immediately, but the
natural repair process of the skin continues to progress over several weeks
to months. Collagen formation is a slow process with any type of
treatment, and your skin typically continues to improve for up to 6 months
after your final Microneedling treatment.
How can I find out more?
We would love to discuss your skin issues with a cosmetic evaluation
with our cosmetic consultants. If you decide that Microneedle Resurfacing is
the best option for you, Dr. Brown has a specific regimen of products that
she recommends before and immediately after the procedure for optimal
results.