What is Micro-Needling? Its Benefits, Uses, and Results

Micro-needling is a prevalent cosmetic procedure seen everywhere on social media, right? However, it might seem scary for some people as there are literally needles puncturing the skin making people assume that they damage the skin. Despite the initial fear, micro-needling is designed to stimulate skin healing and can lead to rejuvenated skin. So, have you wondered what it is all about, whether is it safe, and what are its risk factors, benefits, uses, and more? If yes, we got you.  Understanding the procedure can help alleviate concerns and inform you about potential outcomes and safety. In this article, we plan on guiding you about the whole concept of micro-needling and how beneficial it can be for your skin. Additionally, let us find out information about its cost, results, and contraindications here. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring you feel confident in your decision regarding micro-needling. Table of Contents: Part 1: What is Micro-Needling? Part 2: What is the Procedure of Micro-Needling? Part 3: Uses of Micro-Needling Part 4: Benefits of Micro-Needling Part 5: Results of Micro-Needling Results from micro-needling can vary based on individual skin types and the specific conditions being treated. Part 6: Aftercare of Micro-Needling Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the benefits of micro-needling and to promote healing. Part 7: Contraindications of Micro-Needling It's important to be aware of any contraindications that may affect your suitability for the procedure. Part 8: Cost of Micro-Needling Understanding the cost of micro-needling can help you plan your budget effectively. Part 9: Drawbacks of Micro-Needling While micro-needling offers many benefits, there are also potential drawbacks that should be considered. Part 10: Conclusion In conclusion, micro-needling is a promising treatment, but it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding. What is Micro-Needling? Micro-needling is commonly known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction. It is an invasive medical technique that is used to treat several skin conditions including aging, acne scars, stretch marks, open pores, textured skin, and more. Its concept lies in stimulating the skin to heal itself from within.  What is the Procedure of Micro-Needling? Skin Preparation Before mico-needling, you must make preparations so that you get the optimal results within a short time. So, below are some tips to prepare your skin beforehand. Proper skin preparation is essential for achieving the best results from micro-needling, as it helps enhance the skin's resilience and responsiveness during the procedure. Wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV rays Do not wax, shave, or epilate the hair during the week of your treatment Stop using retinoids and any active products to keep the skin barrier strong Maintaining a strong skin barrier is crucial, as active products can increase sensitivity and lead to adverse reactions during micro-needling. Stop taking antibiotics, anti-acne medications, and ibuprofen a few weeks before your treatment Avoiding certain medications is important to minimize any potential complications and ensure a smoother healing process after the treatment. Do not exfoliate your skin for a week before treatment either Exfoliation can irritate the skin, making it more sensitive and susceptible to damage during the micro-needling procedure. Technique of Procedure Micro-needling is an esthetician-guided procedure that you can get in a professional salon. The doctor numbs the skin by application of a topical anesthetic agent like lidocaine gel. Once the gel starts working, the doctor pokes your skin with a hand handle pen-like device containing several small stainless sterile needles. These needles are used to prick the skin layers in a well-controlled manner. The use of anesthetics helps to minimize discomfort during the procedure, ensuring a more pleasant experience for the patient. After you are done with the procedure, the doctor applies a skin repairing treatment helping skin to heal faster. Skin repairing treatments are essential after micro-needling, as they promote healing and enhance the overall results of the procedure. Uses of Micro-Needling Below are the skin-related concerns micro-needling is commonly used for. Micro-needling addresses various skin concerns, making it a versatile option for individuals seeking skin rejuvenation and improvement. 1. Aging Micro-needling works exceptionally well for dealing with the signs of aging.  Research conducted by Glynis Ablon concluded that micro-needling proves to be effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and making it smoother [1].  2. Scars Scaring, caused by acne or trauma, is one of the common skin concerns micro-needling is used for. It works by breaking down the hard and dark scar tissue and stimulating the skin to heal. Moreover, it works to fade the appearance of stretch marks. A study by Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad showed the efficacy of micro-needling in the reduction of acne scars [2].  3. Pores Microneedling helps in shrinking large open pores and nasolabial folds by stimulating elastin and collagen production in the skin. These proteins tighten the skin and reduce the pores as explained in a retrospective study published in Pubmed [3].  Stimulating elastin and collagen production not only helps reduce the appearance of large pores but also contributes to overall skin firmness and elasticity. 4. Uneven Skin Tone Microneedling deals with most of the skin concerns that give your skin an uneven tone. Consequently, your skin appears bright, even, and fresh. An informative article published in the American Academy of Dermatology Association [4].  Improving uneven skin tone can significantly boost self-confidence and provide a more youthful appearance. Benefits of Micro-Needling Micro-needling has many benefits for the skin. Here are the top benefits you can get from a micro-needling treatment.  1. Cost-Effective as Compared to Laser Lasers are faster in treating scar marks but micro-needling offers a more economical substitute to laser with similar if not better results.  Cost-effectiveness makes micro-needling an attractive option for those looking to achieve similar outcomes as laser treatments without the higher price tag. Moreover, it works better for treating small areas and mild scars thus effectively improving skin texture.  Improving skin texture in small areas is crucial for achieving a smooth and polished appearance, making micro-needling an effective choice for targeted treatments. The comparison between both is explained in another article micro-needling vs. laser.  2. Better Results as Compared to Home Rollers While home rollers provide results similar to that of micro-needling, micro-needling is a better choice for even and smooth skin texture. The microneedling procedure is more controlled, and versatile, and does not puncture the skin unevenly making it a better choice compared to rollers. 3. Skin-Friendly It is a safe cosmetic technique for improving your skin appearance. Microneedling may feel a bit uncomfortable and painful during the treatment. But the pain subsides immediately after. Moreover, for deeper microneedling treatments, anesthesia is used to lessen the pain making it a skin-friendly and safe cosmetic procedure. 4. Suitable for All Skin Tones In contrast to other treatments like laser where skin tone matters, micro-needling is effective for everyone from dark to light skin tones and even uneven tones.  Microneedling is beneficial for light skin tones to improve texture and reduce scars, while dark skin tones can benefit from micro-needling as well making their complexion even and less prone to breakouts.  Microneedling can improve skin health for all tones, making it a versatile option for many individuals seeking to enhance their appearance. 5. Fast Treatments A single session of micro-needling only takes 15 minutes to 30 minutes. For a precise and efficacious treatment that deals with acne marks, wrinkles, open pores, and pigmentation, micro-needling is a comparatively fast cosmetic procedure. Quick sessions make micro-needling an appealing choice for those with busy schedules, allowing for effective treatment without significant time commitment. Results of Micro-Needling In micro-needling, the needle pricks your skin and makes a minute injury there. As a result, the skin starts working to heal the injury by production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins. These newly formed proteins rejuvenate the skin and make it look flawless after a few sessions. Immediately after the session, you can experience some redness. Within 1 to 2 weeks, your skin will appear glowing, bright, and radiant. After a month, you will experience the best results as the level of collagen production increases to the maximum during this time. Moreover, the number of sessions for a particular skin concern is customized according to your needs. So, you might need 2 sessions per year for anti-aging, 4 sessions per year for acne scars, and up to 6 sessions for stubborn burn and stretch marks.  Aftercare of Micro-Needling Here is what should be done and what should be avoided during micro-needling treatment. Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the benefits of micro-needling and ensure optimal skin recovery. To Do Here are some factors you should pay attention to after your treatment to help in healing the skin. Following aftercare guidelines can significantly impact the healing process and overall results of micro-needling. Diet and Water Intake: It is important to take an adequate amount of water after microneedling and eat foods rich in proteins and vitamin C to help the skin heal faster. Staying hydrated and nourished plays a crucial role in supporting skin recovery after micro-needling treatments. Skincare Products: You should buy skincare products with antioxidant properties, collagen-boosting peptides, and skin-repairing lotions to add to the benefits of microneedling. Some of the best products are mentioned in face moisturizers to buy in 2023.  Choosing the right skincare products can enhance the effects of micro-needling and promote healthier skin. Not to Do Here are some things you should avoid. Following these precautions can help ensure a safer recovery and better results after your micro-needling session. Active Products: Active products like retinol should be avoided after microneedling.  Retinol and similar active ingredients can increase skin sensitivity and irritation, making it essential to avoid them post-treatment. Sun Exposure: You must take care to prevent damage caused by sun rays. So always wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure. Protecting your skin from sun exposure is crucial as it can enhance the risk of complications and hinder the healing process. Makeup: As skin becomes sensitive after microneedling, makeup might cause damage.  Makeup application should be avoided for a few days to prevent potential irritation or clogging of pores in the sensitive skin. Contraindications of Micro-Needling Although micro-needling is a commonly used technique, not everyone is a suitable candidate for micro-needling. So, if you have any of the following conditions, we suggest you reconsider microneedling. Considering your skin's condition is vital, as micro-needling may lead to further irritation or complications in sensitive areas. Skin Conditions: People with eczema and psoriasis should not try micro-needling as it can aggravate the condition. Aggravation of existing skin issues is a significant concern, making it important to consult a professional before proceeding. Active Acne or Open Wounds: Letting the needles penetrate the skin with active acne and open wounds does more harm than good. So a safe option is to let your acne settle down and then go for microneedling. One of the top ways to prevent acne is diet control as mentioned in foods that cause acne.  Cancer Treatment: The healing power of the skin is reduced after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. So, it is good to avoid microneedling during and after your cancer treatment until you are completely healed. Complete healing is essential before considering micro-needling to ensure your skin is resilient enough for the treatment. Blood Disorders: Microneedling can cause bleeding and bruising in people with blood disorders.  Individuals with blood disorders should consult a healthcare provider before undergoing microneedling to understand potential risks and complications. Cost of Micro-Needling Just like any other professional treatment, the cost of micro-needling varies depending upon the reason you are getting it, the surface area of treatment, and the clinic you are choosing. Costs can vary significantly based on factors such as location, provider expertise, and the specific skin concerns being addressed. On average, one session of micro-needling costs somewhere between $100 to $900. It costs around $100 if you are only getting a small area treated. However, if you are getting micro-needling on a large area like an arm or legs, it can go up to $900. Moreover, the cost of buying a full treatment plan at once can be less as compared to individual treatments.  Purchasing a full treatment plan may offer better value, as clinics often provide discounts for bundled sessions compared to single treatments. Drawbacks of Micro-Needling Some of the drawbacks of micro-needling are mentioned below to help you make an informed decision after measuring the pros and cons of this “collagen-inducing process”. Understanding these drawbacks allows individuals to weigh the benefits against potential risks, ensuring a more informed decision about their skin treatment options. Long Time Taken for Results Micro-needling shows results within 1 session. However, they are not too obvious and 1 session is not enough to treat the skin condition you are getting microneedling for. You need at least 4 to 6 sessions for optimal results. While initial improvements may be seen after one session, the cumulative effects of multiple sessions are typically necessary to achieve desired outcomes. Each of these sessions is spaced at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. So, you might have to wait for a few months to see the results you want. Patience is key in this process, as the intervals between sessions are designed to allow the skin to heal and regenerate effectively. Pain, Skin Redness and Irritation Because micro-needles give your skin trauma and create little holes in it, it is common to experience pain, redness, and skin irritation after the treatment. These side effects are common and take a few hours to a day or more to subside.  Bleeding, Bruising, and Scars Microneedling is mostly a superficial procedure that involves only the top layers of the skin. However, if you are getting it for keloid or deeper scar marks that require needle penetration into all layers of the skin, it can prick the small blood vessels and cause bleeding. Subcutaneous bleeding leads to the appearance of bruises over the skin and can even result in scars. These side effects can be a concern, and it's important to follow aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications. Skin Peeling and Infections The barrier of the skin is invaded during micro-needling. So, if proper anti-septic measures are not taken, you can suffer from skin infections.  Furthermore, during the healing period, the skin might peel off because of the regeneration of new skin cells and the removal of the older ones. Conclusion Micro-needling is an effective cosmetic procedure that works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin. This collagen tightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and makes it appear fresh.  Micro-needling is expensive when compared with at-home derma rollers, but the results are faster and more effective. Dermarolling takes a long time to achieve results and requires consistency, while professional micro-needling treatments can achieve results in two to three months depending on the severity and intensity of treatment. However, please note as there are some contraindications to microneedling, you must consult your professional aesthetician or a dermatologist about your skin condition before signing up for the treatment. Ulike Welcome to Ulike! We hope our expertise can bring value to you.