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.

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.

Yes, microneedling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced professional. The needles used are very small and create tiny punctures that are not visible to the naked eye. Additionally, there is no risk of infection due to the sterile environment in which it is performed at our practice.

Microneedling can be used on almost any area of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, chin, jawline, lips, and around the eyes. It can also be used on other areas such as the neck, décolleté, hands, and arms. Two areas that are considered as well are the stomach and the thighs, as microneedling treatment can also be used in addressing issues such as stretch marks. During a consultation visit with our NYC-trained double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zachary Farris, you can find out the best treatment areas to meet your needs.

Most patients report only minor discomfort during treatment, but this varies from person to person, depending on sensitivity levels and tolerance for pain. Generally speaking, most people describe a mild prickly sensation or light stinging feeling during their treatment, but no numbing agents or anesthetic creams are normally required or recommended prior.

Results will vary from person to person depending on age, lifestyle habits, and skincare regimen post-treatment. Most patients will enjoy their results for up to one year when combined with regular maintenance treatments every few months for long-term results. When performed by Dr. Zachary Farris and his team, patients can rest easy knowing they are getting the best possible care in the Dallas, TX, area.

All skin types can benefit from microneedling as it encourages cell regeneration which helps improve:

• Skin texture and tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Scarring
• Stretch marks

However, those with sensitive skin should consult with Dr. Zachary Farris prior to considering treatment due to the potential increased risk of irritation or a reaction from the topical products applied afterward. Some patients may be more prone than others to products such as vitamin C serums and retinol administered after the procedure. These sensitivities and allergies should be discussed during the initial consultation with our team.

Common side effects associated with microneedling include:

• Temporary redness
• Itching
• Swelling around the treated area
• Mild bruising

If present, these tend to dissipate within a few days after treatment on their own. More serious side effects, such as infection, are extremely rare when treatment is performed by an experienced professional using sterile instruments in a clean environment.