Microneedling (Facial Skin Needling)

What is facial microneedling and how does it work?

Microneedling (AKA Collagen Induction Therapy) is a facial rejuvenation treatment that involves the use of a device that has a series of tiny needles that gently penetrate the top layers of the skin. However, microneedling is not painful because the needles are very short.

The sensation on your skin is only a very mild “prickling” sensation as it slightly punctures the skin’s epidermis, these are called ‘micro injuries’ that work to stimulate the skin’s healing response.

The benefits of facial microneedling:

Reduce lumps and bumps and smooth skin texture
Stimulate healing of scarring caused by acne or injury
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles due to aging or smoking
Reduce broken capillaries or spider veins
Reduce sunspots, burn scars, or large pores
Even out skin tone irregularities due to hyperpigmentation

IMPORTANT: If you have rosacea microneedling is NOT recommended for you. Please ask about alternative treatments.

The “micro-injuries” rejuvenate the skin by stimulating the skin’s own natural healing response.

The tiny micro-needles create “micro-injuries” that rebuild the skin by encouraging the production of new collagen and skin elastin to stimulate and heal the skin — resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and overall smoother appearance.

Microneedling may also be used in conjunction with serums because it creates “micro-channels” for faster and deeper absorption of topical skincare products, such as Vitamin C skin serum.

Is microneedling painful?

Not necessarily. However, to avoid any mild pain or discomfort a topical anesthetic is applied before the treatment to numb the skin. Depending on your individual sensitivity levels, numbing cream as well as ice can be used on more sensitive areas of your face, such as around the mouth.

How is microneedling treatment performed?

We start by diagnosing your skin’s condition to ensure the best result for your microneedling treatment. You will then receive a personalized treatment plan along with detailed information and product recommendations for post-procedure skin care.

What is the post-treatment care of microneedling?

After your microneedling treatment you may feel a very mild “sunburn” sensation. This will subside in about half a day. You’ll be advised to go makeup-free for a day or so after your treatment. Everyone is different so the duration of recovery depends on the type and extensiveness of the treatment and your own tolerance. Most patients experience mild redness and low-grade swelling for 24-48 hours after the treatment, followed by mild peeling.

Depending on your desired outcomes, your skin’s condition, and your innate ability to heal, microneedling can be performed several times. Typically, you will notice some improvement after the first or second treatment, while more significant results will occur after 2-4 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.

Repeat treatments of up to 3-5 treatments may be necessary for skin conditions such as acne scarring, enlarged pores, or hyperpigmentation.

Your skin will continue to improve over the next 6 to 12 months with proper skincare. Results, of course, will vary depending on your skin’s condition. We may recommend combining topical retinoid therapy and serums with microneedling to enhance results.

What is the skin care science behind microneedling?

Microneedling is a type of Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) that creates a controlled and very small injury just underneath the skin’s surface, thereby stimulating the skin’s healing response through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin- and collagen fibers (neo-collagenesis). This also includes new capillaries for an improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) in the treated area.

The microneedling stimulus plumps and thickens the skin’s surface, ultimately healing and reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and smoothing out uneven skin texture.

Can I combine microneedling treatments with other cosmetic injections?

The microneedling stimulus plumps and thickens the skin’s surface, ultimately healing and reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and smoothing out uneven skin texture.
We do NOT recommend combining too many skin treatments at once because it may overwhelm your skin’s healing system. It is important to let your skin heal in between treatments, that’s why we advise scheduling filler or other injections, such as Botox® one week before or after your microneedling treatment.

Microneedling Pre-Treatment Tips:

Waxing and/or use of chemical depilatories avoid these for at least one week prior to and after microneedling treatment. Shaving is allowed immediately before treatment, and 48-72 hours after treatment as long as there is no irritation.
Sun exposure: avoid the sun and/or use of a tanning bed, including self-tanning products for a minimum of 24 hours before microneedling. Failure to avoid the sun may result in hypopigmentation (white spots), or hyperpigmentation (dark spots) which may not clear for several months or may even be permanent. Microneedling treatment will not be administered on sunburned skin.
Facial chemical peels are not recommended for at least 2 weeks.
Topical retinoids (Retin-A, Renova, and Tazorac): stop using for 1 week prior to–and after–microneedling or as recommended by your provider.
Pregnant or nursing? Please avoid microneedling during this time.
Tattoos: We cannot treat over tattoos, including cosmetic tattoos such as eyebrow or eyeliner tattoos.
Medical history: Please notify us of any changes to your medical history, health status, or personal activities that may be relevant to your treatment.

Microneedling Post-Treatment Tips:

Redness is normal for 1-3 days after microneedling treatment. The severity of redness will depend on the level of treatment and your skin’s individual tolerance. The treated area may temporarily appear darker but the darkened skin may flake off within 1 week. Avoid picking or exfoliating and allow old skin to flake off naturally.
Aftercare skin care regimen and products: Cleanse gently twice daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water (not hot).
Sun exposure must be avoided for 4 weeks after your treatment. Wear a sunblock that contains a physical block such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide daily. Plan to wear a hat and avoid sun exposure.
Avoid excessive exercise that causes sweating like hot yoga or aerobic exercise such as running. Stay away from hot tubs or steam baths for at least a week.
Exfoliation: Avoid exfoliating the skin for at least a week after treatment.
Pain relief: While any pain will be minimal, Advil or Tylenol may be taken as necessary for discomfort. Ice packs may also be used to minimize swelling.

Microneedling and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

At this time we don’t do Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with our microneedling but watch this space! However, if you want to learn more about how microneedling works with PRP read on:

PRP involves extracting platelets from your own blood and using them as a dermal filler.
The platelets are first enriched and injected under your facial skin to fill out wrinkles and smooth fine lines to rejuvenate your appearance.

Along with the use of microneedling, the PRP gives your skin an added stimulus to boost collagen production along with the use of the nutrient-rich platelets — making for a powerful combination.

Want to know more about acupuncture facelift or microneedling treatments in Kauai?

To make an appointment with Dr. Brooke Foreman contact us on (808) 378 4888 or send an email to: drbrookeforeman@gmail.com