Microneedling is a powerful, yet gentle treatment used to improve the tone and texture of your skin. Additionally, microneedling is a fantastic non-surgical treatment option to treat common signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
So, what is microneedling? What can you expect from the treatment, and how do you care for your skin post-appointment? Take a look at this comprehensive guide to microneedling and caring for your skin after treatment. And when you’re ready to discover how microneedling can benefit your appearance, contact Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL, today to schedule a consultation.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to improve the look and feel of skin. During microneedling treatment, tiny, sterilized needles make small punctures beneath the surface of the skin. This skin damage triggers the body’s natural healing process, and skin healing produces new collagen.
Collagen is an important protein the body naturally produces. It is responsible for many functions throughout the body, including skin elasticity and strength. As you age, collagen production begins to decline. Microneedling can help induce more collagen production, providing smoother, more youthful skin.
Clients with several different skin concerns benefit from microneedling, especially those with aging skin, scars, and dark spots. Microneedling for acne scars is a popular treatment for clients who struggle with the dark marks and texture acne commonly leaves behind. In any case, microneedling treatment can reveal bright, radiant skin with improved texture.
Microneedling With Radio Frequency
Microneedling benefits are taken one step further with radio frequency microneedling. RF microneedling is similar to traditional microneedling. Small needles puncture the skin, creating micro-wounds under the surface of the skin. However, instead of stopping there, radio frequency energy is delivered into the depths of the skin to initiate the natural healing process along with tissue remodeling.
Microneedling with radio frequency increases collagen production as well as elastin. Elastin is another crucial protein the body naturally produces that is affected by age. The protein resembles a rubber band, stretching and snapping back. Elastin helps keep skin healthy and “bouncy.” With an increase in collagen and elastin, skin is tighter, firmer, and healthier.
What to Expect During RF Microneedling Treatment
Prior to beginning your treatment, we will cleanse and prep the face and neck. We can apply topical numbing to help make the procedure much more comfortable. Once you’re ready to begin, we carefully pass the microneedling machine throughout the treatment area. Treatment times vary but typically last about one hour. Clients treat microneedling as a time to relax and unplug — you can sit back and rest while we do all the work.
After your treatment is complete, you can resume your daily routine. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote quick healing and favorable results.
Microneedling Recovery Care
Downtime for microneedling is minimal. You will, however, want to take extra care of your skin afterward for the best results.
Avoid Harsh Skin Care Products
After treatment, you’ll want to reconsider the skin care products you use for about a week. You should refrain from using certain products, especially those with exfoliating ingredients or retinol, as these could irritate your skin.
Products with vitamin C, glycolic acid, or AHAs can also be too harsh for your post-treatment skin. Opting for more gentle products is best while the skin heals.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Skin is extra sensitive after RF microneedling, especially when it comes to the sun. Therefore, you should stay away from direct sunlight for several days after treatment. Applying sunscreen frequently can also help protect the skin.
Take Precautions to Avoid Infection
If we prescribe you an antibiotic cream after treatment, make sure to apply it as directed to prevent infection. It’s also best to avoid any activities that can cause you to sweat heavily, so you may need to modify your exercise routine. Pools and saunas are also best avoided.
Don’t Use Makeup
Try not to apply makeup for at least three days following treatment, especially with a brush you’ve used previously. Generally, you should aim to take special care of your skin for at least one week after your microneedling treatment. We’re happy to provide more specific instructions after your treatment and answer any microneedling recovery and care questions you may have throughout the process.
Results from RF Microneedling
Microneedling benefits appear gradually as your skin goes through its natural healing process. After every microneedling session, your skin will begin to heal, which takes several days. In the weeks after each treatment, your skin will continue working to produce collagen and elastin, revealing tighter, brighter skin.
Final results are typically seen a few weeks after your last session. To maintain your results, we may recommend follow-up treatments in the future, along with other beneficial skin treatments.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling can provide a range of skin benefits. Among the many things microneedling can accomplish, the following are some of the most significant:
- Tighter, firmer skin on the face and neck
- Improved tone and texture
- Minimized appearance of pores
- A decrease in dark spots, especially those created by acne and sun damage
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved appearance of scars and other marks
Microneedling treatments are also quick and comfortable. Clients also enjoy the minimal downtime. After the recommended RF microneedling treatments, you’ll be able to enjoy a glowing complexion and a more youthful appearance.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Do I Need?
Every client’s skin is different. During your consultation, we’ll look at your skin and review your desired outcomes to create a treatment plan for you. While you may see results after one session, we often recommend three treatments to achieve maximum results.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Dundee Dermatology, we offer microneedling and a range of safe and effective skin treatments and services. From creating a treatment plan during your consultation to providing post-microneedling skin care instructions, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Whether you’re interested in microneedling for acne scars or anti-aging solutions, contact our West Dundee, IL, practice today to schedule your consultation.