Microneedling is a minimally invasive microneedling procedure that involves a hand-held device that contains very fine needles. As a skin therapy procedure, microneedling has been around for more than 60 years. However, in recent years it has become popular as the dermatology industry has begun to produce more devices and systems to deliver the treatment.
Who is a good candidate for Microneedling?
A better question is “Who isn’t a great candidate for microneedling?” Everyone short of a 16-year-old can use more collagen, coupled with the skin’s healing mechanisms. That’s what microneedling provides. So, if you want to improve your skin, microneedling is a great way to do it.
Our patients from all over the Mountain View/San Jose area love what microneedling does for their skin without any downtime.
Patients on Accutane are not eligible.
How many treatments will I need?
How often you come in for microneedling at The Menkes Clinic is a personal choice, not a set number of sessions. Some patients come in just once or twice a year. But most patients like to keep the boost in collagen production because of how it makes their skin look younger and more vibrant. They have from 4-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, 6-8 sessions aren’t a bad idea, spaced at six-week intervals.
Why is collagen so important for my skin?
You’ve seen collagen mentioned on all kinds of skin products, and collagen is the key to firm, young-looking skin. That’s because collagen provides the structural framework under our skin.
The problem is that after we have our 20th birthday, our body produces less and less. Every year after that birthday, our bodies produce one percentage point less collagen. By the time you hit 50, your body is producing 30 percent less collagen than when you were young. No wonder your skin at 50 is sagging, prone to wrinkling, and is rapidly thinning.
About those products that have collagen in them… Collagen is only effective when it is produced by the body and is sent to help return structure to the dermis layer. It does little when applied topically to the outer epidermis.
But that’s the beauty of microneedling — it tricks the body into producing new amounts of collagen to heal the hundreds of tiny wounds.
Benefits Of Microneedling
- Microneedling can be used to address multiple skin imperfections including fine lines, acne scarring, and pore size reduction
- Microneedling is minimally invasive, requiring no incisions, anesthesia or recovery time.
Are there any risks with microneedling?
These are virtually risk-free treatments at The Menkes Clinic. There is a miniscule risk of infection, but this is exceedingly rare because the wounds created heal within just a few hours.
These treatments are not aggressive and are easy to tolerate.
Is there anything I need to avoid before my microneedling session?
There isn’t much you need to do to prepare for your session. We will ask you to stop using Retin A, retinols, vitamin A creams, and other topical medications for 3-5 days prior to your microneedling session.
What To Expect During Microneedling
During a microneedling appointment, a handheld device will be gently passed over the skin by the Aesthetician. The device contains very fine needles that create tiny punctures in the skin. This activates the body to produce collagen to heal the wound. As the collagen and elastin are produced and heals the tiny puncture, it also improves the skin’s texture and elasticity while reducing scars, wrinkles, pore size, and more.
It’s important to note that the tissue of the skin is not damaged during the microneedling treatment. The skin injuries created by the needles are very, very small, they close almost immediately, and the skin begins to heal. Some patients may experience some slight redness following the microneedling procedure, similar to that of a mild sunburn. It will go away quickly. The treatment is not painful. Some compare it to a microdermabrasion therapy while others compare it the feel of a cat’s tongue.
Is there recovery after microneedling?
After your session, your skin will be red and flushed. It will look as if you have a mild sunburn. The degree of redness will depend on the number of passes made over the treatment area, and the depth of the needle penetration setting. This redness usually is gone the next day. You may have some slight swelling and your skin will feel tight for a day or so. It’s good to schedule your session after work, as the redness will have passed by the next day. You don’t have to restrict your activities in any way after microneedling.
Microneedling Is Part Of An Established Skin Plan
While microneedling is a great therapy on its own because it sparks the production of collagen, it can also be used with topical lotions, creams, or gels, as it will allow them to be absorbed into the skin faster and more effectively, leading to more dramatic overall results. Microneedling can be used on nearly all parts of the body. Most frequently, microneedling treatment is delivered to the face, neck, chest, and arms.
Patient Testimonial
"The Dr was down to earth, pragmatic and was able to solve my issue while I was there such that I did not have to schedule a follow-up appointment. I will come back every year for a check with Dr Soohoo"
Can I combine microneedling with other procedures?
You wouldn’t want to combine microneedling with another facial skin treatment, such as Fraxel or IPL therapy. But beyond those types of treatments, microneedling can be combined with a variety of other offerings at The Menkes Clinic. They are a great complement with laser hair removal or sclerotherapy to remove unwanted spider veins on the calves and ankles. You could combine microneedling with FemTouch laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation.
If you’re interested in combining treatments, just ask us when you’re scheduling your appointment for microneedling and we’ll discuss possible options.
When will I see results from my microneedling, and how long will they last?
As your skin initially heals and the redness passes, you’ll notice an immediate “glow,” but microneedling is really a progression of results. This is because your collagen and elastin production ramps up and continues. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.
How long your results will last is dependent on your unique body. The new collagen and elastin your body did all the work to produce isn’t going anywhere. The problem is you’re still losing more collagen and elastin every year with aging. You can see this is an ongoing battle. That’s why continuing treatments at The Menkes Clinic are recommended to keep up with these decreases.
The Menkes Clinic proudly provides patients from Mountain View, CA, and surrounding areas with microneedling. Contact us at 650-962-4600 or request an appointment here.
Microneedling Before & After Photos
