Microneedling

The older we get, the more difficult it can become to maintain smooth, vibrant skin. Over time, just about all of us start to develop wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and other cosmetic issues. If you’re interested in a minimally invasive option for revitalizing your skin and reducing signs of aging, you may want to give microneedling a try.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to create firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The treatment can be very effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and acne.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling involves the use of a device called a dermaroller or a microneedling pen. The device is equipped with tiny needles that puncture the skin to create micro-wounds. The micro-wounds created by the needles trigger the body's natural healing response, which includes the production of collagen and elastin. These are essential proteins that help keep the skin firm, smooth, and youthful-looking. The increased production of collagen and elastin helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Additionally, healthy skin cells are generated in the area to replace the damaged skin.

Combining Microneedling With PRP

One way to enhance the effects of microneedling is to combine it with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors that are extracted from the patient's own blood. When PRP is applied to the skin during a microneedling treatment, it can further stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and tone.

Where Can Microneedling Be Done?

Microneedling is most commonly performed on the facial skin, but it can also be used on other parts of the body, including:

Legs
Back
Neck
Stomach
Thighs

Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling can offer quite a few significant benefits, including:

Firmer, more youthful-looking skin
Reducing cosmetic issues like scars, acne, and enlarged pores
Reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
Evening out the skin tone

Stimulating increased collagen and elastin production
Increased self-confidence
Minimally invasive treatment
Minimal recovery downtime

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

Microneedling is a simple, outpatient procedure that typically only takes around 15 minutes to an hour to complete. To begin, you’ll likely have a topical anesthetic applied to your skin in the treatment area. Next, Dr. Arroyo will carefully run the microneedling device over the targeted skin. You may feel a slight warmth or scratching sensation, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain. Once the treatment is finished, you should be able to return home immediately.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

The recovery time after microneedling depends on several factors, including the size of the treatment area and your skin type and sensitivity. Typically, patients can expect some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort immediately after the procedure, which may last for a few hours to a few days.

Most patients can resume their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after microneedling, but they should avoid direct sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and harsh skincare products for at least a few days.

Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

Adults who would like to achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin could be good candidates for microneedling. To be an ideal candidate for the treatment, you should:

Be in generally good health
Be free of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis in the treatment area
Have no history of frequent skin rashes
Have the desire to reduce signs of aging skin
Have the desire to treat cosmetic skin issues
Have realistic expectations

How Long Will It Take To See Results After Microneedling?

You should start to see improvements in your skin health and complexion within a couple of weeks of undergoing microneedling treatment. For optimal results, most patients need four to six microneedling sessions spaced three to eight weeks apart. The positive effects of increased collagen and elastin production can last anywhere from four months to a year.

Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Microneedling?

At Arroyo Plastic Surgery, we provide every patient with a warm, welcoming environment and personalized, compassionate aesthetic care. Dr. Christian Arroyo is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who takes pride in consistently helping his patients achieve their goals and improve their self-image. He and his team will ensure that your microneedling treatment addresses your unique needs and yields the game-changing results you desire. To schedule your initial consultation, simply give our office a call today.