Microneedling is a great treatment for scars, but it won’t cure them overnight. You’ll need to be patient and make sure your dermatologist or aesthetician does the procedure correctly.
Microneedling can help with scars. Microneedling is most effective for stretch marks, pitted acne scars and surgical scars. It can also be used to treat rosacea and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling is also a good first step in the treatment of cystic acne because it allows medication to penetrate deeper into the skin where it will more readily reach the targeted areas. In this post, we find out: Does Microneedling Help With Scars, microneedling on surgical scars, how to treat breakouts after microneedling, and cystic acne after microneedling.
Does Microneedling Help With Scars
If you’ve ever looked at yourself in the mirror and been disappointed by your scars, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s a scar from a past injury, or maybe it’s something as simple as stretch marks. Whatever the cause of your scarring, microneedling can help!
What Microneedling Is
Microneedling is a procedure that uses a small handheld device with tiny needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. The needles create channels in the skin that allow for better absorption of topical products, which can help reduce acne scars and other skin conditions. Microneedling can also be used as an alternative treatment for stretch marks and cellulite because it stimulates collagen production while encouraging blood flow to aid in healing process.
The micro-perforations created by this process increase cell turnover rate, allowing more active ingredients from serums or moisturizers to penetrate deeper into your pores for maximum benefits!
How It Works
The process of microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to puncture the skin, creating channels that deliver ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. This causes your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which can help reduce scarring by rebuilding collagen fibers in your skin.
The needles used are usually between 0.5mm and 2mm long–so they’re not too long! They’re also very fine, so there’s minimal discomfort involved with this procedure (but if you’re sensitive about getting pricked with anything at all then maybe think twice). In fact, some people don’t even feel it when their technician uses them on them!
What It Can’t Do
Microneedling is a great addition to your skincare routine, but it’s not going to be the one thing that fixes all of your scars and blemishes.
If you have deep acne scars or stretch marks, microneedling may not be able to help with those issues. It can certainly improve the look of surface scars, but if your skin has been damaged deeply by acne or stretch marks, there are other treatments that might work better for you.
What Happens During a Treatment
Microneedling is a procedure that is performed by a professional. It’s important to note that the treatment can be painful, and it may not be suitable for everyone. The results are gradual and take time, but they will improve your skin over time if you continue with regular treatments (usually between three and six).
It’s also important to keep in mind that this treatment isn’t a substitute for other treatments; it’s best used alongside other therapies such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing procedures if you want to see optimal results
Microneedling can help with scars, but it won’t be an overnight cure.
Microneedling is a treatment that uses needles to puncture the skin. It can help with scars, but it won’t be an overnight cure. You will need multiple treatments and it will take time to see results–the results are not permanent either, but they do improve over time with continued microneedling treatments.
microneedling on surgical scars
When choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure, especially a facial surgery, patients often worry about how obvious their scarring will look. Most talented cosmetic surgeons, like Dr. Craig Jonov, use less invasive methods and precise incisions to minimize scarring after plastic surgery. However, surgical scars from any surgery can leave a lasting mark and interfere with clothing or the way we carry ourselves. The master estheticians at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offer microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction in the Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland areas.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling–also known as collagen induction therapy–is a non-surgical procedure that helps to build collagen. It does this through creating tiny, non-visible punctures in the skin. These trick your body into believing that there is an injury that requires healing. Your body then sends a healing response to the treatment area. This helps produce new collagen and skin, which provides better and healthier looking skin.
In a typical microneedling procedure, patients seek to improve skin texture as well as keep skin bouncy and youthful. The procedure often treats acne scarring because it stimulates new collagen production which can help fill in atrophic acne scarring.
Additionally, microneedling is used for general skin rejuvenation purposes to keep skin smooth, glowing, and youthful. Microneedling can also treat sun spots, sun damage, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and contribute to a more even skin tone. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, our master estheticians often combine microneedling treatments with chemical peels or dermaplaning to maximize results.
Microneedling For Scar Reduction
This same idea can be applied to surgical scarring. When your master esthetician performs microneedling on your surgical scars, your body can help you produce more collagen around the scar. This can help improve the texture of your surgical scar and create a smoother appearance of the scar and surrounding skin. Other esthetic procedures and therapies, like Fraxel laser treatments or chemical peels may assist in lightening the appearance of scars.
Microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction can help reduce the appearance of scars from any surgery (not just cosmetic surgery), nearly anywhere on the body. Most patients tend to seek microneedling for surgical scars in visible places like on or around the face, legs, and abdomen. However, microneedling can treat almost any healed surgery scar.
Types Of Scarring
While there are many types of scarring, microneedling primarily only treats two types: acne scars and well healed surgical scars. Scars that have developed into hypertrophic scars or keloids require other forms of treatment. Microneedling could worsen these scars or cause more keloid scarring to form because it stimulates the healing process. Those prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring should not undergo any esthetic procedure without careful consideration and professional guidance.
Microneedling For Acne Scars
Microneedling is one of the hottest and most effective treatments for acne scarring. Acne scars are often atrophic, which means that they heal below the skin. This is caused when the skin is unable to form new tissue. This leaves behind indented scars. Because microneedling stimulates collagen and tissue growth, it can work to even out the look of atrophic acne scarring.
Microneedling For Surgical Scars
Surgical scars–even when healed well–can look raised and rough. Assuming these scars healed in a healthy manner, microneedling can improve the texture of surgical scars. Other than the scars being fully healed, microneedling can benefit a scar of any age. Newer scars often show better results than older ones. But, because microneedling re-stimulates the healing process over the site, the procedure can help show moderate improvement in older scars.
BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING FOR POST-SURGICAL SCAR REDUCTION
Microneedling–when used to treat surgery scars–has many lasting benefits and advantages over other post-surgical scar treatments. Among some of the benefits of microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction include:
Individual benefits will vary because everyone’s skin and scarring will react uniquely to microneedling treatment. Microneedling–because it is a non-invasive procedure–usually carries little risk in healthy people. Only those with certain health problems like a tendency towards keloid scarring or excessive bleeding does microneedling carry any major risks.
Our Post-Surgery Scar Protocol
Along with esthetic services like microneedling to reduce scarring, if you have undergone a recent surgical procedure, whether cosmetic surgery with Dr. Jonov, or any other surgery, our proprietary scar treatment protocol can reduce scarring as it heals. Scarring does not happen immediately, it often takes a year or more for scars to form and mature. Therefore, our scar treatment system cares for your scar immediately after surgery, through the entire healing process. This helps to reduce the appearance of your surgical scars before they fully develop.
POST-SURGICAL SCAR REDUCTION MICRONEEDLING PROCEDURE
When you come in for a microneedling appointment, your master esthetician will change out the needles in the FDA-approved microneedling device. They will then adjust it to the appropriate depth. The setting of the device will depend on the part of your body that your scar is located.
Your master esthetician will apply a topical anesthetic to limit any pain or discomfort. They will then begin the treatment by moving the device across the scar and the nearby skin. Your master esthetician will carefully target the scar area and use gentle techniques to stimulate collagen growth around the scar.
The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area. On average, microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction takes around an hour.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Microneedling usually requires a few treatment sessions to see results because the body takes time to produce and build up collagen. Most patients require between 3 to 6 sessions performed professionally by master estheticians to see the texture of their scarring improve.
Every patient will respond differently to microneedling treatment because everybody’s healing response varies. Some patients may seem satisfactory results after three sessions, while others will need six. Your master esthetician can help you create a custom microneedling plan to treat your surgical scarring.
How Soon Can I See Results?
As discussed above, when you see results will depend on your body’s unique healing process and response to treatment. Since microneedling sessions are typically spaced out every 4-6 weeks, many patients begin seeing improvement after their second or third session.
Just like new skin is the last stage of a healing, collagen production and buildup will take time to see. Some patients will begin seeing results after their first or second session. Others may not see results until their third or fourth sessions. This is perfectly normal because every scar is different and everyone will respond in varying amounts of time.
MICRONEEDLING RECOVERY
Immediately after your microneedling session, your skin may look and feel like a mild sunburn. Your skin is more sensitive during this time. Therefore, it is important to wear sunscreen and keep the area covered if possible. Your master esthetician will give you more detailed aftercare instructions that take your skin type, tone, and particular scarring.
Generally, you should avoid sun exposure for at least a week and continue to care for your scars as recommended. Taking good care of your skin the area of your scarring will promote collagen production and keep the skin healthy. This will only improve the results you see from microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction.
Side effects–including those mentioned above–should subside within a few days. Most microneedling patients do not face any disruption from their daily lives after their microneedling scar treatments. Typically, patients with sensitive skin can still undergo the procedure, but they should use caution and expect more irritation after treatment. Your master esthetician at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery can better guide you on protocol after microneedling for post-surgical scarring.
Interested in Microneedling?
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THE POST-SURGICAL SCAR REDUCTION EXPERTS IN SEATTLE, BELLEVUE, AND KIRKLAND
The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery specializes in surgical and non-surgical scar reduction procedures. For microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction, we use only a medical-grade, specially designed microneedling device. Your master esthetician customizes to fit you before every session.
With a location conveniently off the freeway, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery keeps you comfortable at all of your appointments. We offer freshly baked cookies, coffee, and other beverages. Our luxurious waiting room will ensure that you always feel welcome and content whenever you come to our office. Private treatment rooms provide a relaxing and optimal atmosphere for your microneedling for post-surgical scarring in Seattle.
Our Master Estheticians
A consultation with a master esthetician at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is free and will determine if you are a candidate for microneedling for post-surgical scar reduction. They will first want to know about your general scarring concerns and your goals for your surgical scar. They will then want to know your full medical history. As well as, get a deep understanding of your skin and skin type.
After this, they will examine the scar and surrounding area to decide if microneedling for scar reduction could address your goals. If your master esthetician believes that microneedling could benefit you, they will create a customized plan that fits you.
To schedule a consultation with a master esthetician at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561. Or, contact us online using the form above.
how to treat breakouts after microneedling
Microneedling is a popular skin care treatment that has many benefits, but can it cause acne? In this post, we will answer that question and give you everything you need to know about microneedling and acne.
1. What is microneedling and what are the benefits of it?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a tool to create tiny punctures in the skin. Microneedling has many benefits to the skin, such as:
-Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
-Tightening and toning the skin
-Improving the appearance of scars, including acne scars
-Evening out the skin tone
-Reducing the appearance of pores
All of these benefits sound great, but can microneedling cause acne? Let’s take a closer look.
2. Does microneedling cause acne, and is it safe to use if you have acne-prone skin?
Microneedling is safe for most people, even those with acne-prone skin. While uncommon, some people do notice an increase in acne flareups after receiving a microneedling treatment. This can be due to a number of reasons, to include:
If you have acne-prone skin and are considering microneedling, it’s important to talk to your skincare provider first to see if you are an ideal candidate. They will be able to advise you on whether or not the procedure is right for you.
3. How should you prepare for a microneedling treatment session, and what should you expect afterwards?
If you’re thinking about getting a microneedling treatment, there are a few things you should know beforehand. First, it’s important to clean your skin thoroughly before the procedure. You should also avoid using any products that could irritate your skin, such as retinoids or glycolic acids.
It’s also a good idea to avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure, as your skin will be more sensitive. After the treatment, you can expect your skin to be red and slightly swollen. You may also experience some bruising, but this should go away within a few days.
4. Are there any risks associated with microneedling, and how can you minimize them?
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks associated with microneedling. The main risks include infection, skin irritation, and hyperpigmentation.
You can minimize the risks by choosing a reputable practitioner and making sure your skin is clean and free of irritants before the procedure.
5. How often should you do microneedling treatments for optimal results – and how long will they last?
Most people will see the best results after three to six microneedling treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart. The effects of the treatment should last for several months, but you may need to repeat the treatments every few months to maintain the results.
cystic acne after microneedling
Microneedling is a dermatologic procedure that involves small pricks to the skin to generate new collagen production. The result is smoother, brighter, firmer skin. Many people have experienced the benefits of microneedling in improving aging skin, acne, and scars. Microneedling is becoming increasingly popular, because the treatment is minimally invasive and requires no downtime.
Keep up with slowing collagen
As people age, production of collagen tends to slow down. This decrease in collagen can result in skin that wrinkle, sags, and shows age spots or sun spots. Microneedling is an effective treatment for reversing effects of aging and reducing wrinkles. In fact, microneedling is also used in other anti-aging procedures, including eyelid surgery and treatment of sun spots.
Dermatologists have been using forms of microneedling for over 20 years. As technology improves, microneedling techniques are becoming more and more effective. Microneedling can be used on almost on all skin types and tones, as long as the person does not have any open lesions, infections, or trouble with wound healing.
The simplest, most effective treatment
Microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars and can help reduce acne. Microneedling is one of the most effective, simplest treatments for reducing acne. Microneedling results in smoother skin, a reduction in skin imperfections, and better skin hydration.
However, if someone has active acne or cystic acne, the dermatologist will avoid microneedling over those areas. Microneedling over active acne can irritate acne further, make skin inflamed, and possibly spread bacteria.
Scar reduction: the paradox of pricking skin
The concept may seem counter intuitive that pricking the skin can help reduce scars. But the science behind microneedling is that the body responds to these slight pricks by generating new collagen-rich tissue that is smoother and more even.
Microneedling can be used for scars on the face or even on other parts of the body. One study even found that, combined with derma fillers, microneedling was effective for reducing stretch marks on the thighs and abdomen.
How soon can I see results?
A dermatologist can best assess and advise on the benefits of microneedling for each individual. Typically, people will need 4-6 sessions to see full benefits of microneedling. After a microneedling session, people may notice slight skin irritation and redness for a few days while the skin heals. While skin is healing, wearing sunscreen is crucial. Typically, people see improvement in aging skin, acne, and scars in less than two weeks following a microneedling treatment.