What Is Microneedling? Does It Actually Work?
Few people have perfectly smooth, unmarred skin. While small imperfections are natural, people may feel self-conscious being in photos or leaving the house without makeup due to the skin’s appearance. Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that enhances skin texture by smoothing fine lines or small scars.
Many people have heard the term “microneedling” but few know exactly what microneedling is and if it actually works to assist people in achieving their aesthetic goals. Cosmetic surgeon Michael A. Devlin, whose practice serves Little Rock, AR, Conway, AR, Hot Springs, AR, and surrounding areas, explains the microneedling procedure and helps patients consider how it can address their cosmetic concerns.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment commonly performed on the face or scalp, though it is effective on other areas of the body as well. Microneedling triggers the body’s healing response, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which help the skin appear smooth and firm.
The needles used in microneedling treatment are roughly .5 to 2.5 millimeters long. Although the needles are small, patient comfort is our priority, so before starting microneedling treatment we apply a numbing cream to the skin to ensure patients stay comfortable throughout the procedure. When the skin is numb, we use a roller tool to target the treatment area and make small punctures on the skin’s surface. An average microneedling procedure takes around 15 minutes.
What Issues Can Microneedling Address?
Microneedling can address a wide range of issues that compromise the texture and appearance of the skin. Some of the most common microneedling applications include:
- Addressing pigmentation issues (uneven skin tone, sun spots, age spots, etc.)
- Reducing the appearance of acne scars or small pockmarks
- Smoothing scars from injuries or surgical procedures
- Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles
- Enhancing the skin’s tone, texture, and overall appearance
How Effective Is Microneedling?
Microneedling effectively smooths the skin, evens skin tone, and minimizes the appearance of lines and scars. The degree of effectiveness depends largely on the severity of skin concerns and the number of treatment sessions.
Individuals considering microneedling treatment should understand that results are not immediate. Microneedling gradually enhances the skin’s appearance as collagen production increases. Patients generally require multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. We recommend scheduling sessions four to six weeks apart to give the body time to heal and evaluate the skin’s appearance. Most patients achieve their aesthetic goals within three to six microneedling sessions.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
When undergoing microneedling treatment to minimize the appearance of scars or pockmarks, the achieved results are permanent; when undergoing microneedling to address collagen loss, treatment can continue to increase collagen production for three to six months after a patient’s final session, at which time treatment can be repeated.
Good skin care practices may prolong microneedling results. We recommend the following tips to get the most out of microneedling results:
- Keep the skin clean and sweat-free for the first 72 hours after treatment
- Maintain proper hydration
- Avoid sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen when outdoors
- Use a skin moisturizer regularly
Contact Us
Microneedling enhances skin texture, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of scars. Individuals interested in learning if microneedling can help them achieve their aesthetic goals can contact our practice and request a consultation with Dr. Michael A. Devlin as soon as possible.
