Microneedling

Why Do We Need Microneedling?

By the age of 20, it is expected that we will lose 1% of our collagen production each year. When you consider the impact of that loss over five, ten or more years, you can begin to get an idea of why many people suffer from fine lines and wrinkles as early as the age of 25 or 30. Not to mention, there are a host of other conditions that can negatively impact the texture and tone of our skin.

Environmental factors are also a paramount concern. UV light is one of the most detrimental exposures that you can have — unfortunately, it is also the one that we all have to deal with on a daily basis. But it isn’t just sunlight that can cause problems. Pollution, free radicals and a ton of other virtually invisible things floating around in the air around us can hurt the integrity of our skin as well.

Without microneedling, there would be very few ways to reverse the damage all of these factors can cause. And since many of the alternatives are not suitable for all skin types or include harsh chemicals that many people would choose to avoid, a big hole in cosmetic medicine would form.

Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

Microneedling is unique in its ability to effectively treat all skin types and tones. Whereas other chemical or light-based treatments may not be well suited for darker skin, microneedling can be performed on anyone since our healing responses are all the same.

There may be some preexisting conditions that prevent you from becoming a good candidate for this treatment, but they are very rare diagnoses that you will likely be aware of prior to coming in for a consultation.

The best candidates for microneedling are those who do not smoke, drink excessively or use drugs. All three of these lifestyle decisions can lead to poor wound healing and underwhelming results that will likely leave you unhappy and unfulfilled. You should also have realistic expectations about what microneedling can achieve before the day of your procedure. Otherwise, you might find yourself upset about an otherwise successful session. If you have any active breakouts or open lesions, you will need to wait for those wounds to heal before undergoing treatment.

What Is Microneedling with PRP?

PRP, an abbreviation for platelet-rich plasma, is a substance that derives directly from your blood. A simple blood draw is performed (just like when you are donating blood or have to do lab work), and the contents are then taken and put into a centrifuge. This device spins the blood rapidly, separating the healing factors from the rest of the plasma.

The final result is a solution that is rich in all the materials your body needs to jumpstart the healing process. Applying this substance during microneedling treatment allows it to reach deeper into the skin than it would generally be able to absorb. This method provides a secondary way for your body to flood the skin with the nutrients it needs for dramatic aesthetic improvement.

What Device Does Aesthetic Envy Use?

Aesthetic Envy uses the SkinPen microneedling device because of how safe, reliable and effective it is. More than 2 million patients have used SkinPen for microneedling in more than 30 countries worldwide, and a study found that 96% of customers were highly satisfied with the results it can provide.

We believe in only providing the best possible care to our patients, and the SkinPen is our way of ensuring that you get the best microneedling results possible.

How Should I Prepare for Microneedling?

As a minimally invasive procedure, there is no lengthy preparation period for microneedling treatment. But there are a few precautions you should be aware of, just in case. You should:

• Avoid excessive sunlight exposure, smoking and unprescribed medications leading up to your session
• Wait at least six months after isotretinoin use before having your microneedling procedure since it impairs wound healing is impaired and increases the risk of scarring
• Avoid spray tanning lotions for 48 hours prior to your procedure
• Discontinue harsh topical products that contain Retinol or vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your procedure

If you are on autoimmune therapy, it is best to speak with your primary care physician regarding the safety of microneedling for your specific condition.

What Should I Expect from a Microneedling Procedure?

A microneedling procedure is very straightforward and can be broken down into four easy steps.

1. Optional: If you use PRP during your microneedling procedure, a blood draw will be performed and purified the gathered contents.
2. Your face is thoroughly cleansed, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin and ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
3. The SkinPen microneedling device will be gently rolled throughout the treated area. It is normal for one location to receive several passes.
4. Your face will be cleansed once again to prepare you for the beginning of your recovery process. In some cases, a gentle solution will be applied to help your results.

What Should I Expect During Microneedling Recovery?

The recovery process for microneedling is reasonably quick. You can expect side effects like minor pain or discomfort, swelling or redness for up to 48 hours. Most patients notice these effects fade by the end of day one, but it is entirely up to your body and how it handles the treatment process. You can return to work the same day your procedure was performed if you don’t mind appearing a little red or swollen at work.

We do recommend that all of our patients avoid strenuous exercise or perspiration since blood flow and sweat can irritate the recently treated skin. You should also clear all cosmetics with your medical professional, as many compounds can actually be problematic when used in tandem with a microneedling regimen.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect from Microneedling?

The results of microneedling are not permanent; in fact, you will likely need touch-up procedures performed intermittently to ensure you maintain optimal results. However, this is the same for every aesthetic treatment on the market. There is no product that can stop the aging process in its tracks. Your face will appear smoother, more uniform and much more youthful after having a microneedling regimen performed.

How Much Does Microneedling Cost?

Microneedling can cost between $300 and $600 per session, depending on your unique needs and aesthetic goals. However, this is only a ballpark estimate, so remember that your final cost can change when provided to you at your consultation.