Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Microneedling

You’ve heard of the term “microneedling” in the cosmetic services world, but aren’t quite sure what it is. And, using a form of the word “needle” in the same sentence as “facial” sounds, well, scary. Plus there are a bunch of different types of microneedling treatments, and what even is the difference between them? Keep reading to have your microneedling fears squashed, your questions answered, and maybe even become convinced to book a microneedling appointment. 

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that is usually done on the face, but can also be done on areas, such as the stomach or thighs. The size of the sterilized micro-needles are, you guessed it, super small. The tiny wounds the needles create stimulate your body to produce more elastin and collagen (it is also referred to as a form of Collagen Induction Therapy). The elastin and collagen then work to heal your skin in a number of ways. The benefits of microneedling include reducing:

• Fine lines and facial wrinkles
  
• Acne scarring
• Surgical scars
• Enlarged pores
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Irregular skin texture and tone
• Body skin laxity – stomach/inner arms/knees
• Stretch marks

However, the results you see will depend on two things:

1. The number of treatments you do (we recommend at least three for all types of microneedling).
2. The type of microneedling treatment you get.

So, let’s dive into the different types of microneedling and their benefits. 

Types of microneedling

Regular microneedling

This is the basic microneedling treatment. Traditional microneedling involves a special device with tiny needles that penetrate the skin to produce micro-injuries, which stimulates the body’s own healing response and initiates collagen and elastin production. This process tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of common skin complaints, including acne scarring and fine lines. This treatment is also preventative, meaning that even if you don’t have any, it will help to prevent future sun damage. 

You would choose this type of microneedling treatment if:

• You want to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and/or irregular skin texture and tone on your face and/or body.
• You want to prevent future sun damage to your skin.
• You want to try the cheapest microneedling option.  

RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling involves a heat element of radiofrequency energy. The RF energy is delivered deep into the skin with the penetration of the microneedles. The RF energy then heats the underlying layers of skin, which triggers the skin to constrict and tighten, more so than microneedling alone. Because of the use of microneedles, this type of microneedling also stimulated elastin and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of scarring and aging. Read more in depth information on RF Microneedling here. 

You would choose this type of microneedling treatment if:

• You want to focus on skin tightening (face, thighs, stomach). 
• You want to address scar reduction (acne, stretch marks, surgical).
• You want to target significant age-related concerns or sun damage. 
• You want more dramatic and faster results compared to regular microneedling.

Microneedling with PRF

The results of this microneedling treatment are the most impressive and have extra preventative qualities. It is also perfect to maintain with a single treatment every 6 months following your initial series of three microneedling treatments, regardless of what type of microneedling your initial series was!

 You would choose this type of microneedling treatment if:

• You want to significantly boost the effects of traditional microneedling.
• You are looking for a deeper penetration of nutrients, causing longer and more dramatic results.
• You want to minimize the duration of redness and swelling after the treatment.

What does a microneedling appointment look like?

Now that you know the types of microneedling and their benefits, you still may be wondering why someone would choose to get a facial that involves a lot of little needles. To help quell your fears, let’s go through what an appointment is like.

The first thing we do is apply a numbing cream to the area we are treating, so you will feel more comfortable with can’t feel the needle pricks. (Let’s say that one more time: you can’t feel the needle pricks!) Then, one of our experienced aestheticians will move the small rolling tool that houses the microneedles around the area. The needles do make tiny wounds, which can cause bleeding. Lastly, we will apply skincare including SPF a serum to the area to help start the healing process and allowing you to continue on with your day. Because the microneedles used are minimally invasive, there is little to no downtime, but you may be slightly flaky for a few days as your skin fully heals. 

Please note that if you do a microneedling treatment with PRF, we will need to take a blood sample before your treatment. And if you choose an RF microneedling treatment, the procedure is the same as described above since the RF is delivered via the microneedles.

We hope this information helped to answer your questions about microneedling, and to help you overcome any fears. Overall, microneedling treatments help treat so many skin conditions, and the type you choose can help you target your unique concerns. Interested in making an appointment? Book here at our Middletown, DE, or Lewes, DE, offices.