Micro Needling
What is Micro Needling?
Micro needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment creates micro-punctures in the skin using miniature, sterilized needles. The pinpricks from micro needling cause slight injury to the skin, and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.
This new skin tissue is more even in tone and texture. It’s common for the skin to lose collagen with age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, additional collagen may help make the skin firmer.
We also offer micro needling with platelet-rich plasma known as the Vampire Facial. The procedure uses micro needling to infuse the skin with your own PRP. See our section on Vampire Facials.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the skin’s healing process after micro needling can help reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots and improve skin elasticity.
What to expect at your Micro Needling appointment:
Benefits of Micro Needling
Micro needling can rejuvenate and plump the skin with minimal discomfort and downtime and can be adjusted to fit each person’s needs. People with darker skin tones may prefer micro needling to laser therapy because of safety concerns associated with certain types of laser treatments on skin of color.
Micro needling can improve:
- The appearance of scars, including acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Enlarged pores.
- The appearance of hyperpigmentation, or dark spots.
- Uneven skin tone.
- Skin elasticity.
- The appearance of stretch marks.
- Hair growth in people with alopecia.
Risks and Side Effects
Like all cosmetic procedures, micro needling carries some risks. A common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days.
Some people may have severe side effects that need medical treatment. Please contact us if you experience:
- Bleeding.
- Bruising.
- Infection.
- Severe peeling.
Some people may have severe side effects that need medical treatment. Please contact us if you experience:
- Have certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema.
- Have open wounds, herpes outbreak or severe active acne – please check with us if this is a concern for you. .
- Have had radiation therapy recently.
- Have a history of skin scars.
Pregnant people may need to be cleared by an obstetrician or gynecologist before treatment. Please inform us prior to your appointment if you are pregnant.
How to Prepare for your Micro Needling Session
Before the procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment, like retinol including OTC or prescriptions such as Ret n A or Accutane. Please let us know when scheduling your appointment if you are on these medications and discontinue them at least a week prior to your treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Approximately 30- 45 minutes before the procedure, we will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. This will numb the skin during the micro needling process, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
During the procedure, your provider makes small pricks under the skin using a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.
We move the pen-like tool evenly across your skin using a product that both supports with the gliding of the tool while also supporting the outcomes of the procedure.
We end the session by applying a growth serum or calming treatment. In total, the average micro needling session lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
What to Expect After Micro Needling
Most people require minimal downtime, if any at all.
You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first of the procedure. This is a natural response to the minor “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.
If you’re comfortable, you can return to work or school after the procedure. It’s best to let your skin heal before applying makeup.
Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so we recommend waiting one week before exposing your skin to sunlight or harsh chemicals. You may start using a mineral based sunscreen after 24 hours if leaving your house. You may begin using your retinol products again after a week and once skin has heeled and is no longer peeling.
After micro needling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. You may see results within a couple of weeks.
You’ll likely need multiple sessions or complementary treatments as you begin this process. Three sessions of micro needling spaced at about a month apart or the combination of micro needling and VI Peels may be recommended to start with and then only 1-2 treatments a year after that to maintain results. We will work with you to develop a plan of action based on your individual goals.
What Do I Do After My Treatment?
Since your skin channels are open and sensitive after your procedure, it’s best to avoid the following during your first week of recovery:
- Sun exposure.
- Skin care products with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol.
- Makeup.
- Sweating.
You can help your skin heal after micro needling by:
- Staying hydrated.
- Using a cooling mask.
- Using collagen-stimulating peptides- a travel size will be provided to you at your treatment to get you through your first few days.
- Using a mineral based sunscreen- a travel size will be provided to you at your treatment to get you through your first few days.
Post Treatment Suncare
Post treatment sun protection and skin care is always a must. After your appointment or any time you may interested, the Trü Life Medspa & Wellness team can apply either our tinted or non-tinted, mineral based sunscreen to the treated area and explain the benefits of only using a mineral based sunscreen. Colorescience is our medical grade skincare line that offers both post treatment and home based skin care. You can click here or their logo from our skin care page to be taken to the Trü Life Medspa & Wellness Colorescience website. Colorescience also has an incredible rewards program. Please just make sure you are on the Trü Life Medspa & Wellness Colorescience link when you register so I can assist you directly with anything you may need or have questions about.
Reserve Your Consultation Today or Contact Us For Questions
Reserve a virtual or in person consultation with Trü Life Medspa & Wellness today. Our Physician Assistant and Medspa team will take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you - utilizing the latest in minimally invasive injectable treatments. You may also email or text us for a quick response!
