Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dallas-Fort Worth
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a pen-like medical device placed over your skin. During the course of treatment, the device slides over the skin resulting in controlled skin injury. The beneficial effects are appreciated after your skin heals in response. It can improve the texture and quality of the skin and can produce a mild tightening effect to address slightly loose skin. Microneedling can be used for a wide range of skin problems.
Who is a candidate for MicroNeedling?
Healthy individuals who are looking to have improvement with the following skin conditions:
- Facial wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes
- Stretch marks
- Mild to moderate acne scars
- Surgical or burn scars
- Mildly loose skin that requires tightening
- Melasma
Patients who have open wounds, skin infection including herpes or who have taken Accutane in the past several months are not good candidates for microneedling.
How does MicroNeedling work?
The microneedling device has very fine needles used to puncture the skin, resulting in controlled skin trauma. The penetrating depth can be up to 2 mm deep. The skin is exfoliated, blood flow is stimulated and pores are cleaned out. The micro-channels created stimulate the body to produce collagen and elastin, which fill these microscopic spaces. This process results in an improvement in skin texture, pore size, stretch marks and reduction in scars.
During the actual treatment, the skin is cleaned and prepped before using the device. Numbing cream is applied to the skin so there is no pain associated with treatment. The length of the treatment depends on the extent of the skin condition with most patients requiring less than one hour. A hydrating gel is then applied to the skin to assist healing.
Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling for Stretch Marks?
If you have stretch marks and are generally healthy, you may be a good candidate for microneedling. This treatment works differently than chemical peels and lasers. Without acids and heat, microneedling is appropriate for all skin types. The primary considerations that you may need to make as you explore this treatment include your ability or willingness to undergo multiple sessions and your expectations. Microneedling may not completely eliminate all stretch marks. Through its stimulation of collagen and elastin production, it can significantly improve most of them.
Is There Any Recovery After Microneedling Treatment for Stretch Marks?
No. Microneedling is a proven, convenient treatment that requires very little aftercare and zero downtime. You can resume most of your normal activities immediately after your sessions. Your provider may advise you to avoid excessive heat and soaking in water for 24 to 48 hours. Usually, by the day after treatment, the tiny punctures and the inflammatory response they cause have resolved.
How Long Does it Take to See Results from Microneedling for Stretch Marks?
It is important to know what to expect from microneedling for stretch marks so you do not lose patience with the collagen remodeling process. Microneedling works by stimulating natural tissue repair through the remodeling of collagen and elastin in the skin. While some results may begin to appear in a matter of weeks, the full effects of this treatment occur over several months. Your stretch marks should look dramatically better around six months after your final treatment session.
Are There Any Side Effects from Microneedling?
Because microneedling works by creating tiny injuries in the upper layers of the skin, you can expect some side effects. However, because those injuries are micro-injuries, your side effects won't last long. The most common side effects of microneedling treatment include redness and subtle swelling. You may experience bruising. Though this is normal, it's not the most common side effect, especially in areas where there is more fatty tissue. Your skin may also feel sore or sensitive for a short time. The side effects that occur after microneedling may resolve within about one week.
Will My Stretch Marks Come Back After Microneedling?
As long as your skin in the treatment area does not get stretched excessively in the future, you can expect your microneedling results to be long-lasting. Microneedling works by actually remodeling your tissue, so we expect the effects of treatment to remain indefinitely.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Microneedling can be uncomfortable because we are passing a needle-clad device over your skin. Usually, patients who receive microneedling in areas where there is more fatty tissue, like the abdomen or thighs, don't feel as much discomfort as those who receive treatment on the face. Some areas of the body are naturally more sensitive than others. Your provider may apply a topical numbing cream prior to beginning your procedure. This does not completely numb the area but it can significantly reduce surface sensations.
What to expect after MicroNeedling?
There is very little downtime after microneedling. Expect some mild redness for 1-2 days after treatment. For mild skin issues, treatment involves a series of 3 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. Six treatments may be required for more extensive skin problems. Most people notice a glow and healthier appearing skin immediately afterwards with improvement continuing up to 6 months.
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