Healthier Skin Through Microneedling

Microneedling isn’t a surgery, but a special skin rejuvenation technique that is quick and virtually painless, and has numerous benefits:

* Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

* Improves scars

* Reduces the appearance of stretch marks

* Brightens skin

What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a procedure that uses a device comprised of tiny, shallow needles that essentially poke holes in the skin’s surface to prompt a healing response that increases the skin’s production of collagen and elastin, which are the primary building blocks of young skin. These two components take a nosedive as we age, leaving our skin wrinkly, dry and lackluster. When collagen and elastin production is increased, the skin becomes more pliable, less wrinkled and smoother in texture. In other words, more youthful!

Microneedling devices range from those used at home to those used under the supervision of a physician. While home microneedling devices are cheap, it comes at a price—the risk for infection and scarring.

How Is Microneedling Performed?
Medical grade microneedling can be used as a stand alone treatment with a topical cream anesthetic or with tumescent anesthesia to make it well tolerated. Through Laser Lipo Plus,  a small layer of fat is melted, and the heat stimulates the collagen in the deep dermis to contract, up-regulate and create new collagen, which results in younger, tighter skin.  Microneedling performed at the same time as laser liposuction will stimulate the upper layers of the dermis,thus sandwiching the effects and producing better skin retraction than either procedure alone.

How Many Microneedling Treatments Do I Need?
A microneedling treatment takes only about 30 minutes, and most individuals need several treatments to maximize collagen and elastin production. After each treatment your skin will be red, something like a sunburn, but this subsides in a couple days. It takes several weeks for collagen growth to improve the skin, making patience a virtue with this treatment! However, with 2-3 treatments, your skin will improve over the long term. For stretch marks, severe sun damage, scarring or deeper wrinkles, six or more treatments may be needed. Treatments are usually spaced out 3-4 weeks apart to avoid damaging your skin.

About Dayton OH Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Raymond Wolf