Question 1

What is Microneedling?

Accepted Answer

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a device called a microneedling pen to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. These micro-punctures stimulate the body's natural healing response, leading to the production of collagen and elastin, two essential components of healthy skin.
The microneedling process typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: Before the procedure, the skin is cleansed and numbing cream may be applied to minimize any discomfort.
2. Microneedling pen is pressed against the skin, creating small channels or holes in the skin. The depth of the needles can be adjusted based on the specific skin concerns being addressed.
3. Healing Response: The micro-injuries trigger the body's wound healing process, which includes the release of growth factors and the production of new collagen and elastin.
4. Post-treatment care: After the procedure, the skin may appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. Proper aftercare, such as avoiding direct sunlight and using recommended skincare products, is crucial to support the healing process.

Microneedling is primarily used to address various skin concerns, including:
1. Fine lines and wrinkles: By stimulating collagen production, microneedling can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Acne scars: The procedure can help to break down scar tissue and promote the growth of new, smoother skin.
3. Uneven skin tone and pigmentation: Microneedling can assist in improving the overall complexion and reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
4. Enlarged pores: By encouraging collagen growth, microneedling can tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of large pores.
5. Stretch marks: Microneedling can be used to fade the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen production in the affected areas.

Question 2

How does Microneedling work?

Accepted Answer

Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using a specialized device like a dermaroller or a dermapen. The process triggers the body's natural healing response, leading to several beneficial effects on the skin.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how microneedling works:

1. Micro-injuries: During the microneedling procedure, the device's fine needles are rolled or pressed against the skin's surface. The needles penetrate the outermost layer of the skin, creating small and controlled punctures or micro-injuries. These micro-injuries are superficial and do not cause significant damage to the skin.
2. Stimulation of Healing Response: The micro-injuries activate the body's natural healing mechanism. The skin recognizes these tiny wounds and initiates the healing process to repair the damaged tissue.
3. Release of Growth Factors: As part of the healing process, the body releases various growth factors and cytokines, which are signaling molecules that help regulate cellular activities. These growth factors play a crucial role in promoting tissue repair and collagen production.
4. Collagen Production: Collagen is the protein responsible for maintaining the skin's structural integrity and elasticity. As part of the healing response, the fibroblast cells in the skin are stimulated to produce new collagen fibers. This increase in collagen helps to improve skin texture, firmness, and resilience.
5. Elastin Production: Elastin is another essential protein that gives the skin its ability to snap back into place after stretching or contracting. Microneedling also stimulates the production of elastin, which contributes to the skin's suppleness and youthful appearance.
6. Enhanced Product Absorption: The micro-injuries created during microneedling temporarily create channels in the skin. This allows topical skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing their effectiveness.
7. Skin Renewal: As the skin heals from the micro-injuries, it undergoes a renewal process. Old, damaged skin cells are shed, and new, healthier skin cells take their place, leading to a fresher and more rejuvenated appearance.

Overall, the controlled nature of the microneedling procedure ensures that the healing response is targeted and localized to the treated areas, minimizing any potential risks or adverse effects.

Question 3

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

The level of discomfort experienced during a microneedling procedure can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including individual pain tolerance, the depth of the needles used, and the use of numbing agents. The sensation can be described as a slight stinging, pricking, or scratching feeling.

We strive to make our patients’ experiences as pleasant as possible. In order to achieve this, numbing cream or topical anesthesia is often applied to the treatment area before the procedure to minimize discomfort. The numbing cream needs some time to take effect, usually around 20 to 30 minutes, to ensure that the skin is adequately desensitized.
It's essential to have the procedure performed by a trained and experienced professional who can adjust the depth of the needles and the intensity of the treatment based on individual sensitivity levels and skin conditions.

After the procedure, some mild redness and sensitivity are common, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually subsides within a day or two.

Question 4

What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

Microneedling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained professional, but it may have some side effects. 
1. Temporary redness and mild swelling immediately after the procedure
2. Slight discomfort or tingling sensation during the treatment
3. Minor bruising or pinpoint bleeding in some cases
4. Temporary changes in skin color
5. Possible allergic reactions or skin irritation to products used during or after the treatment
6. Risk of infection if post-treatment care instructions are not followed properly
7. Pre-existing skin conditions may be aggravated in some individuals
8. Rare instances of scarring, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly
9. Sun sensitivity, so it's essential to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen after the treatment
Keep in mind that these side effects are typically mild and temporary, and most people experience little to no complications when microneedling is done by a trained and experienced professional.

Question 5

What is the down time?

Accepted Answer

The downtime for microneedling can vary depending on the depth of the treatment and individual healing capabilities. In general, microneedling is considered to have minimal downtime compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures. Most people can resume their normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.

Here's a general timeline of what you might expect after a microneedling session:
1. Immediately after the procedure: You may experience some redness and mild swelling in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn. This can last for a few hours to a day or two.
2. Day 1-2: The redness and swelling usually start to subside during this time. You may still notice some sensitivity in the treated area, and your skin might feel tight or dry.
3. Day 2-3: The majority of the visible side effects should have resolved by this time. Any minor skin flaking or peeling might occur, which is a normal part of the skin's healing process.
4. Day 3-5: Your skin should start to look more refreshed and rejuvenated as the healing process continues. Some individuals might notice improvements in their skin texture and tone during this time.
5. After Day 5: By this point, most people can resume using makeup and return to their regular skincare routine. Your skin will continue to improve over the following weeks as collagen production increases.

During your consultation, we will discuss whether this procedure is right for you based on your skin concerns. This is a highly personalized process based on your individual needs, and since safety is our number one goal, we will discuss your medical history and any conditions or medications you take. We may reserve the right to deny this procedure or any other procedure if we feel as though it may be harmful based upon your personal medical history.

Question 6

When will i see results?

Accepted Answer

The timing of results from microneedling can vary from person to person and depends on individual skin characteristics and the specific skin concern being treated. In general, you may start noticing initial improvements in your skin within a few days to a week after the first session. However, significant and more noticeable results usually become apparent over the course of several weeks to months.

Here's a rough timeline of what you might expect after microneedling:
1. Immediate post-treatment: After the procedure, you may experience some redness and mild swelling, which should subside within a day or two.
2. First week: During this time, your skin may appear more radiant and plump due to the initial collagen stimulation. Any fine lines and wrinkles may also start to appear smoother.
3. First month: As the collagen production continues, you may notice further improvements in skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines, and a more even skin tone.
4. Three to six months: The full benefits of microneedling are often seen around three to six months after completing a series of treatments. At this point, collagen remodeling has significantly enhanced the skin's overall appearance, making it firmer, smoother, and healthier.
Keep in mind that individual results can vary, and some individuals may require multiple sessions to achieve their desired outcomes, especially for more significant skin concerns like acne scars or deep wrinkles. Your skincare specialist can help you determine the appropriate number of sessions and the ideal treatment schedule based on your specific skin needs.
To maintain the results achieved through microneedling, it's essential to follow a proper skincare routine, protect your skin from sun exposure, and consider periodic maintenance treatments as recommended.

Question 7

How long will results last?

Accepted Answer

The duration of microneedling results can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's skin type, age, lifestyle, and the specific skin concern being addressed. In general, the results of microneedling can last for several months to years, but maintenance treatments may be necessary to prolong and optimize the outcomes.

Here are some key points to consider regarding the longevity of microneedling results:

1. Collagen Production and Remodeling: Microneedling stimulates collagen production and remodeling, leading to improvements in skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. While you may notice initial improvements shortly after the procedure, the full effects of collagen remodeling take time to develop. Collagen production is a gradual process, and its effects can last for several months after the treatment.
2. Skin Aging and Lifestyle Factors: The natural aging process and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and diet can influence how long microneedling results last. Over time, the skin will continue to age, and its appearance may be affected by external factors. To maintain the results, it's essential to adopt a healthy skincare routine and protect the skin from sun damage through consistent sunscreen use.
3. Skin Concerns and Treatment Schedule: The longevity of microneedling results can also depend on the specific skin concern being addressed. For example, improvements in fine lines and wrinkles may last longer than those for acne scars or stretch marks. Additionally, the number of microneedling sessions you undergo can influence the durability of the results. Multiple sessions, spaced appropriately, may be necessary to achieve optimal and long-lasting outcomes.
4. Maintenance Treatments: To extend the benefits of microneedling, many individuals opt for periodic maintenance treatments.

Remember that individual responses to microneedling can vary, so it's essential to have realistic expectations about the results and discuss your goals with us. We can provide personalized recommendations and help you design a customized treatment plan to achieve and maintain your desired outcomes.

Question 8

What is PRP?

Accepted Answer

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated component derived from a person's own blood. The platelets in PRP contain a high concentration of growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration while accelerating tissue growth and healing.

To create PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn from the individual and then processed using a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood cells. The resulting plasma is rich in platelets and growth factors, making it a potent substance for stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.

Additional uses for PRP include:

1. Exosomes: The exosomes of the skin contain lipids, proteins, amino acids, peptides and growth factors. The cells can trigger the skin to repair and regenerate. When used with microneedling, exosomes can promote the production of new collagen and elastin. These proteins give the skin its elasticity and firmness. Exosomes have 300 growth factors while PRP alone has only 12 so more significant and dramatic results are achieved with the combination of exosomes and PRP than with PRP alone.
2. Hair restoration: PRP can be used to effectively treat hair loss by injecting platelet rich plasma directly into the scalp, targeting the bottom of the hair follicles, to stimulate tissue generation and promote hair growth. 
3. PDO: PRP can also be used in conjunction with PDO (polydioxanone) where threads are inserted into the subdermal sections of the skin to lift the folds of skin, so the face looks younger and firmer. Over the next few months, the threads stimulate the tissues to release fibroblasts and growth factors that transform into collagen.  PRP therapy,(https://prpinjectionmd.com/prp-therapy/) when added to this procedure to stimulate the growth of collagen, the combined treatment provides patients more effective results.

Question 9

What are the benefits of microneedling with PRP?

Accepted Answer

Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a powerful combination treatment that offers several benefits for the skin:

1. Enhanced Collagen Production: Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, prompting the body to produce collagen and elastin fibers. When combined with PRP, which is rich in growth factors, this process is further accelerated, leading to improved skin texture and elasticity.
2. Improved Skin Tone and Texture: The combination of microneedling and PRP can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. It can also address issues like hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, resulting in a smoother and more even complexion.
3. Faster Healing and Recovery: PRP contains growth factors that facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. When applied in conjunction with microneedling, it can speed up the healing process, allowing for quicker recovery compared to microneedling alone.
4. Enhanced Product Absorption: The micro-channels created by microneedling allow for better absorption of topical skincare products. When PRP is applied during or after the microneedling procedure, it can penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing its benefits.
Natural and Safe: Since PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, there is a reduced risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. It is a natural and safe way to harness the body's own healing mechanisms.
5. Reduction in Pore Size: Microneedling with PRP can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined look.
6. Youthful and Radiant Glow: The combined effects of increased collagen production, improved texture, and enhanced skin health result in a youthful, radiant complexion.
7. Long-Lasting Results: With a series of treatments and proper skincare maintenance, the benefits of microneedling with PRP can be long-lasting, providing ongoing improvements to the skin's health and appearance.

Overall, microneedling with PRP is a highly effective treatment for rejuvenating and revitalizing the skin, addressing a wide range of concerns to promote a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Microneedling + PRP