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how long does it take for microneedling to work

How Long Does It Take for Microneedling to Work?

There are 28 different types of collagen in your body, each responsible for various functions. It’s the collagen in your skin that gives you a youthful appearance. As you age, your collagen breaks down, causing your skin to look older and wrinkled. One way to rejuvenate your skin is to undergo a microneedling treatment. This type of procedure uses tiny needles to pierce the skin. The healing process encourages new collagen to form, making your skin look smoother. If you’ve been curious about this treatment and are wondering how long does it take for microneedling to work, we’ve got you covered.

Learn everything you need to know about the topic in this microneedling guide.

History of Microneedling

This procedure first started about 100 years ago in the early 1900s. A German doctor discovered that using small needles on a moving wheel improved the skin.

By the late 1990s, this procedure had gained new traction. A Canadian doctor used tattoo needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. They found this helped lighten scar tissue.

Around this time, another doctor came up with the needling device used for this treatment. This device, called a dermaroller, is still used today.

Microneedling Tools

The dermaroller is a small rotating wheel with many small needles on it. The needles get put into the skin at an angle. All the needles go into the skin at the same depth level with this tool.

Dermarollers come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for your needs.

Mechanical microneedling is a motorized option. This device looks like a pen that has thin needles on the end. To use this device, your dermatologist will move this pen around the problem areas on your face.

For a deeper microneedling experience, you may try out fractional radio frequency. This type of microneedling uses bigger needles than dermarolling or mechanical microneedling. These needles use heat to stimulate collagen.

This type of microneedling is a less invasive option. You’ll notice fewer side effects with the fractional radio frequency procedure.

Microneedling Explained

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. It involves the use of very tiny needles to create micro-injuries on your skin.

These tiny injuries stimulate the body to produce new collagen and elastin. This can help improve the following skin conditions:

  • lighten acne scars
  • reduce age spots
  • shrink pores
  • lighten stretch marks
  • keeping skin bright
  • fade sun damage
  • promote hair growth on the scalp
  • tighten skin
  • reduce cellulite

Microneedling Considerations

Before undergoing a microneedling treatment, it is crucial to prepare your skin correctly. The better you prepare your skin, the greater your microneedling results will be.

Several medications can interfere with the microneedling process. If you take Accutane, you’ll need to stop taking it six months before your procedure. You’ll also need to end the use of any retinoids before your microneedling procedure.

These medications cause your skin to become very sensitive. Also, if you have active acne, microneedling can cause an infection. If the needles puncture active breakouts, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your face.

You should also avoid taking any medications, like Aspirin, that thin the blood. Nutritional supplements are another off-limits item three days before and after your treatment.

Any medication that can thin your blood can keep it from clotting. Because you’ll have some bleeding with microneedling, you’ll need your blood to clot to speed up the healing process.

Once the week of your procedure arrives, make sure to take extra care in the sun. Wear sunscreen to keep your skin protected from any UV rays in the weeks before your treatment.

Don’t use any exfoliants or acids the two days before your procedure. These products can make your skin too sensitive during the treatment.

Before the Procedure

Although the process of microneedling doesn’t seem complicated, it can be done incorrectly. Make sure to book your microneedling procedure with a board-certified dermatologist. Anyone not certified could do damage to your skin.

Before your procedure, you’ll have a consultation with your dermatologist. Here, you will talk about your past skin conditions and your medications. The dermatologist will look at your skin and talk about problem areas you hope to resolve.

There are a few people who won’t qualify for a microneedling treatment. This procedure won’t be for you if you have any of the following conditions:

  • open sores
  • active bacterial infections
  • viral infections
  • skin cancer
  • herpes infections
  • active Accutane treatments

The consultation will give your dermatologist a good idea of what areas to target. Here, you will want to ask any questions you have about microneedling.

During the Procedure

Most microneedling procedures will last less than an hour. Your treatment will start with a thorough cleaning of your skin.

Next, your dermatologist will apply a topical numbing cream to your skin. This cream will keep you from feeling much pain during the procedure. It will take a few minutes for the numbing cream to kick in.

Once your face is numb, it is time for the microneedling procedure. Your dermatologist will run the microneedling device over your face.

The depth of the needles will depend on which part of the face they are working on. For example, your eyes will get a shallower needle depth than areas like your cheeks.

This is where it is vital to have a dermatologist who knows what they are doing. They will be able to customize your microneedling experience to your specific skin. You may feel some tenderness during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel much pain.

A great benefit to microneedling is that it allows serums to penetrate deep into the skin. Once your dermatologist has finished the microneedling, they will apply a serum to soothe your skin. This will keep your skin smooth and glowing post your procedure.

After the Procedure

After your microneedling procedure, you’ll notice that your face looks red. This redness won’t last more than a few days. You may also find that your skin is a little tight and itchy.

In a few cases, you’ll notice a scab or two pop up from the treatment. These won’t last more than a day or two before fading away. Some people also find that their skin is slightly swollen post their treatment.

You may also notice old skin coming off after your treatment. This will reveal softer, smoother-looking skin.

Make sure to clean your skin with a mild face wash post your treatment. Keeping your skin moisturized will also help with the healing process.

How Long Does It Take for Microneedling to Work

You can expect to see your first results about a week after your microneedling procedure. You won’t see full results until at least a month later. This is because it takes time for the collagen to increase in your skin.

It may take several treatments to get the full results you are looking for. If you have severe scars or burns, you will need multiple microneedling treatments. Plan on getting as many as four to six treatments over the course of half of a year.

Once you have reached your desired level of results, they should last three to five months. After that time, you’ll need to go in for another micro needle treatment to refresh your skin.

Microneedling at Home

Although it may be tempting, it’s better to leave this process to the professionals. You can buy a microneedling tool to use in your own home. These are not as sharp or precise as the tools your dermatologist will use.

Your microneedling tool won’t come sterilized. Using a dirty tool is a recipe for skin infection. You also can’t sterilize your tools once you have finished your microneedling.

For tools to be effective, they need to be FDA approved. Many microneedling tools you can get online or at a store don’t meet these requirements. You also don’t have the training to use these tools correctly.

When it comes to the procedure, you won’t have numbing cream to help keep you comfortable. You also may not know how to go over problem areas correctly.

Reveal Healthier Skin With a Microneedling Treatment

This cosmetic procedure will do the trick if you’re looking to revitalize your skin. If you’re asking yourself how long does it take for microneedling to work, you’ll be happy with both the immediate and long-term results.

Are you ready to try out a microneedling treatment for yourself? If so, the Skin Envy Boutique Med Spa professionals are here to help.

Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

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