What is Microneedling?
Microneedling: What Is It and What Can It Treat?
If you are looking for a treatment to improve skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, or the overall appearance of your skin, you may have heard about microneedling.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses very fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process activates the body's natural healing response and can encourage the production of collagen and elastin. The result can be smoother, more even-looking skin over time.
At The Beauty Source in Plainview, NY, we offer personalized microneedling treatments based on your skin concerns, treatment goals, and individual needs.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses a specialized device with tiny needles that create controlled punctures in the skin.
These small micro-injuries trigger the skin's natural repair process. As the skin heals, new collagen and elastin can help improve the appearance of certain skin concerns.
The FDA has authorized certain microneedling devices for specific uses, including improving the appearance of facial acne scars and facial wrinkles in adults.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling may be used to improve the appearance of several common skin concerns, including:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Acne scars
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Uneven skin texture
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Enlarged pores
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Certain types of scarring
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Overall skin texture and smoothness
Microneedling can be particularly useful for patients who want to improve skin texture without undergoing a more invasive procedure.
For acne scars, microneedling works by creating controlled injury to the skin, which can stimulate new collagen and elastin production and help make certain scars less noticeable.
How Does Microneedling Work?
During treatment, a microneedling device is moved across the skin to create numerous controlled microchannels.
Your body's natural healing response then begins. As the skin repairs itself, collagen and elastin production can contribute to gradual improvements in the appearance and texture of the treated area.
Because the process takes time, microneedling results are not usually immediate. Multiple treatments may be recommended depending on your skin concerns and desired outcome.
The FDA notes that more than one procedure may be needed to achieve the desired aesthetic improvement.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Acne scars can be difficult to treat because different types of scars may require different approaches.
Microneedling may help improve the appearance of certain depressed acne scars by promoting collagen production during the skin's healing process. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that microneedling is one treatment dermatologists may use for acne scars.
Your provider can evaluate the type and severity of your acne scarring and determine whether microneedling is an appropriate option or whether another treatment or combination approach may be more appropriate.
Microneedling for Fine Lines and Skin Texture
As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally changes. This can contribute to fine lines, uneven texture, and other visible signs of skin aging.
Microneedling can be used as part of a skin rejuvenation plan to improve the appearance of fine lines and create smoother-looking skin.
Rather than changing the structure of your facial features, microneedling focuses on improving the quality and texture of the skin.
What Is Microneedling With PRF?
Some patients are interested in combining microneedling with PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin.
PRF is prepared from a small sample of the patient's own blood. It contains platelets and other components of blood that are being studied and used in various aesthetic and regenerative applications.
At The Beauty Source, microneedling with PRF may be discussed as an option depending on your individual skin concerns and treatment goals.
It is important to note that the FDA has not cleared microneedling devices specifically for delivering blood products such as PRP into the skin, so patients should discuss the potential benefits, risks, and intended use of combination treatments with their healthcare provider.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Do You Need?
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person.
Factors that may affect your treatment plan include:
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Your primary skin concern
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The severity of acne scarring or skin texture concerns
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Your skin's response to treatment
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Your aesthetic goals
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Whether microneedling is combined with another treatment
Your provider can recommend a treatment schedule based on your individual skin and goals.
What Should You Expect After Microneedling?
It is normal for the skin to appear red or feel sensitive immediately following treatment. Some patients may also experience temporary tightness, dryness, peeling, itching, bruising, or discomfort.
These effects generally improve as the skin heals, although individual experiences vary.
Your provider will give you specific post-treatment instructions, including guidance regarding skincare products, sun exposure, and when to resume your normal skincare routine.
Is Microneedling Safe?
Microneedling is a medical procedure and should be performed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional using appropriate equipment and infection-control practices.
The FDA recommends selecting a provider who is specifically trained in microneedling and discussing both the potential benefits and risks before treatment.
Microneedling is not appropriate for everyone. Your provider should review your medical history, medications, skin condition, and treatment goals before determining whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling may be an option for adults who want to improve the appearance of:
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Acne scars
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Fine lines
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Uneven skin texture
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Enlarged pores
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Certain types of scarring
However, candidacy is individualized. Active skin infections, certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, some medications, and other factors may affect whether microneedling is appropriate.
Why Choose The Beauty Source for Microneedling in Plainview, NY?
At The Beauty Source, our approach to aesthetic care is centered around personalized treatment and patient safety.
Our physician-led practice combines medical expertise with aesthetic care to create treatment plans based on your individual concerns and goals.
We provide microneedling in Plainview, NY for patients from Plainview and surrounding Nassau County and Long Island communities.
Whether you are interested in microneedling for acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture, or overall skin rejuvenation, we can evaluate your skin and discuss whether microneedling may be appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling
Does microneedling hurt?
A topical numbing medication may be used before treatment to improve patient comfort. Your provider will discuss what to expect during your treatment.
How long does it take to see microneedling results?
Microneedling results develop gradually as the skin goes through its healing and remodeling process. Multiple treatments may be recommended depending on your goals.
Can microneedling help acne scars?
Microneedling may improve the appearance of certain acne scars by stimulating collagen and elastin production. The type of acne scar you have can influence which treatment is most appropriate.
Can I combine microneedling with PRF?
Microneedling with PRF may be discussed as an option for some patients. Your provider can review whether this approach is appropriate for your individual goals and explain the potential benefits and limitations.
Is there downtime after microneedling?
Patients commonly experience temporary redness, sensitivity, tightness, dryness, or peeling following treatment. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.
Ready to Learn More About Microneedling?
If you are considering microneedling in Plainview, NY, schedule a consultation with The Beauty Source to discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
Our team can help determine whether microneedling, microneedling with PRF, or another skin rejuvenation treatment may be appropriate for you.
The Beauty Source | Mashriqi Internal Medicine
Plainview, NY
Medical Aesthetics • Wellness