Unless you’ve been living under a rock it’s likely you’ve heard people (online and in the real world) raving about microneedling and how much of a difference it can make to your skin. Over the years, microneedling has fast become one of the most popular skin treatments on the market because it helps so many different skin concerns. This minimally invasive treatment stimulates collagen remodelling and the production of elastin within the skin, giving you a more youthful-looking complexion while simultaneously improving scarring, redness, pigmentation, refining pores, wrinkles and more.
With all of these benefits, how could you not want to try it? After your first treatment, we guarantee you’ll be raving about skin microneedling just as much as everybody else. But first, let us tell you everything you need to know about one of our favourite skin treatments.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that involves small micro-needles penetrating vertically to create micro channels in the top and deeper layers of the skins. These micro-wounds activate the body’s natural healing processes, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This can improve the texture of the skin, reduce the signs of aging, and greatly help other skin concerns such as acne scarring. When combined with topical serums, active ingredients are efficiently absorbed into the skin, significantly boosting the results.
How does microneedling work?
Collagen is a protein essential in keeping skin plump, firm and youthful. The body also needs it to quickly heal skin injuries like acne scarring. While we’re young our collagen production is high. And while we’d like to think we’re all born with endless supplies of this essential protein, with age natural depletion begins, and the body’s process of building new collagen also slows down.
Microneedling encourages the increased production of collagen through controlled and evenly distributed wounding of the epidermis. The trauma purposely created on the surface of the skin activates collagen production, and over time new skin cells are created. The needles used on the skin are micro in size, meaning they create minuscule punctures with varied penetration levels depending on the area of focus. Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, ‘Needles? Oh my!’ The good news is, it’s not painful at all. You’ll experience minimal discomfort as your face is covered in numbing cream 30 minutes before your treatment. Then your treatment will take roughly 1 hour with your clinician. While you’ll likely see benefits like smoother, more plump skin soon after you heal, it’s recommended you allow for approximately 3 to 6 sessions to see your results really come into focus.
What skin concerns does microneedling treat?
The best part of microneedling is that it treats so many different skin concerns. Even more exciting, it can treat multiple skin concerns at once. These can include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Scars caused by injury
- Age (or sun) spots
- Large pores
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
What are the benefits?
The benefits are the exciting bit, aren’t they! However, this is not an instant result type of treatment. Because it takes a while for the skin to heal and regenerate expect to see the increase of benefits over time. These include:
- Tighter, lifted and rejuvenated skin
- Reduced surgical scars
- Reduced acne scarring
- Reduced wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks
- Decreased pore size
- Reduced pigmentation including freckles, sun spots etc
Are there any side effects?
Microneedling is a safe and minimally invasive treatment with minimal side effects. However, it does come with downtime because you’re temporarily irritating the outer dermis. You can expect:
- Redness and minor skin irritation directly after the treatment
- Minor swelling or weeping depending on the depth of treatment
- Redness for up to a few days following the treatment, depending on skin type.
If you experience rarer side effects like:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Peeling
Please contact your medical professional for assessment.
How much does microneedling cost?
The cost of microneedling depends on the area being treated and the clinic you attend. At Azure, you can expect to pay $250 for each microneedling session while microneedling + mesotherapy sessions will cost $300 each.
You might see that there are cheap at-home versions on the market, but it’s “buyer beware”. Home dermarollers mimic the microneedling process and have been very popular on social media. Even if done correctly, the effects are quite minimal – at best you’re only likely to notice an increased glow to the skin. It’s important to note, home rollers do come with risks because you’re physically traumatising the skin. If done incorrectly you can permanently scar the skin surface, and if your tool is not cleaned and disinfected it could cause infection.
We suggest you always get microneedling done by a professional to assure safety measures are met and the best results are achieved.
Skin microneedling FAQS
- Is skin needling suitable for me?
Microneedling suits most skin types but there are a few exceptions to this. The reasons you may not be a candidate for microneedling include:
- An active skin infection
- Active acne
- Open wounds or sunburn
- Recent radiation therapy
- Pregnancy
- Certain skin concerns like psoriasis, rosacea or eczema
- A history of skin scarring.
- Certain medications
- Does skin needling hurt?
No! This is because a strong anaesthetic cream is put on your face and left to absorb for 30 minutes before your treatment. This numbs the face so you can sit back and relax. The most you’ll feel is minor pressure, if anything at all. A soothing treatment is used on your face afterwards so your skin can recover as quickly as possible.
- How soon will I see results?
With microneedling you’ll begin to see results a few weeks after your first treatment but your skin will really start to sing after four to six treatments. Because of the skin’s healing process, you will continue to improve over the next 6-12 months.
- What is the recovery time?
Microneedling usually takes 2 – 7 days to heal after treatment, with most of the swelling and redness going down by day 2. You’ll be required to let your skin heal and breathe for the first day and your Cosmetic nurse will advise you what types of makeup are acceptable over the next week. Mineral makeup is usually recommended but it’s better if you can avoid it.
In short, microneedling can be transformative. Whether you’re getting it for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging or to address scarring, pigmentation or other concerns, this is a treatment that’s well worth the investment. If you’d like to find out more about microneedling and see if you’re a suitable candidate, book in with an Azure medical professional today.
