Oh, collagen, how we love thee? You’ve probably heard how vital collagen is when it comes to your skin’s appearance and health. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin from sagging and is a critical factor in the appearance of youthful, radiant skin. Collagen is a foundational building block for your skin, bones, and muscles. Unfortunately, as you age, your body produces less collagen. However, several treatment options can boost your body’s collagen production, and not all of them require laser therapy or surgical intervention.

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that can minimize the signs of aging, help reduce pigmentation, refine the texture and tone of skin, and treat acne scarring. It can also be used to treat scars from trauma or surgeries as well as stretch marks.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling introduces small, micro-injuries into the skin using very tiny needles, penetrating the first layer of skin, which signals the skin to repair itself. These micro-injuries signal Microneedling results in increased collagen and elastin production, promoting a thicker and more even skin texture and tone. The procedure can help your body generate overall healthier-looking skin.

It may sound painful, but it isn’t! After applying a topical numbing cream and giving it plenty of time to activate, your practitioner will administer the microneedling treatment across your target areas. The microneedling portion of treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After treatment, a soothing serum is applied to the skin to reduce irritation.

Most patients see some microneedling results after the first treatment. The skin will appear tighter, more toned, and will radiate with a hydrated glow. Who wouldn’t want those results? But, like most cosmetic treatments, individual results vary depending on the patient.  For most skin conditions, a series of three or more treatments are required to achieve maximum results. Microneedling is a progressive treatment. Some patients will continue to see skin improvements up to six months after their treatment series has ended.

The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days and notice dry skin with healing, itchiness, discomfort at the treatment site, or slight bruising. The recovery time for microneedling is minimal. Most patients report very slight skin irritation with skin redness for the first few days following the procedure. This is a natural response to the minor “injuries” during treatment. You can go back to work or school after the procedure if you are comfortable; however, some people like to wait until the next day to resume day-to-day activities until the redness has subsided.

You can apply mineral-based makeup the next day. SPF 30 or more is required daily after treatment. If you want to treat any residual redness, you may consider using a Redness Solution Complex. This technologically advanced product helps calm and soothe the appearance of redness by moisturizing the skin. Formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients such as Peptides and Red Algae Extract, this product is ideal for redness and compromised skin following aesthetic procedures.

Who is a Good Candidate for Collagen Induction Therapy?

You might be a good candidate if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots or sunspots (also known as hyperpigmentation)
  • Rosacea
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Large, visible pores
  • Traumatic or surgical scars (including certain types of burn scars)
  • Reduced skin elasticity (sagging skin)
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Stretch marks

You might not be a good candidate for Collagen Induction Therapy if:

  • You are pregnant
  • You have certain autoimmune conditions
  • You suffer from skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema
  • You have open wounds on the area to be treated
  • You recently received radiation therapy

What are Some Microneedling Benefits?

Microneedling offers a whole host of different benefits for your skin. One of the key benefits is younger-looking skin. Increased collagen production gives your skin a youthful and radiant look, turning back the aging clock, boosting your self-confidence. Microneedling can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin and treating sagging skin areas.

Let’s say you suffered a facial injury and now have a scar that seems to jump out at you when you look in the mirror. Microneedling can help reduce the appearance of the scar, increasing the natural fading process. If you suffer from acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, or stretch marks, microneedling can reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. It works by breaking down existing scar tissue while encouraging collagen regeneration. Since microneedling encourages skin growth factors, you can also expect to increase the thickness of your skin. The treatment is also an effective way to shrink large pores.

Why Microneedling is a Great Alternative to Other Cosmetic Surgeries?

It is no secret that cosmetic surgery can be pretty expensive. Even though microneedling is not typically covered by insurance, treatment is available for a fraction of what surgery could cost. In addition to saving money, patients also save time since recovery after treatment is minimal versus recovery after cosmetic surgery. Most patients return to their daily activities right after treatment.

Microneedling is also a safer alternative to cosmetic surgery simply because it is non-evasive and requires no surgical incision, harsh chemicals, or medications for effectiveness. The protective barrier function of the skin’s outer layer is restored within 24 hours of treatment, providing a tiny window for bacteria or other harmful pathogens to enter the skin.

Microneedling results may vary with each patient, but the procedure is applicable for all skin types, and you can notice results a mere 24-72 hours after treatment. To maximize your results, you may want to follow up your procedure with a Rejuvenative Moisturizer that nourishes and hydrates your skin.

Overall, microneedling is highly effective. It is certainly worth a try before diving into more invasive surgical procedures. After all, the entire treatment just gives your body a little nudge to produce more collagen, making it an excellent natural alternative as well.

Get Started with Microneedling Today

At First Impressions Clinic, we offer comprehensive microneedling treatment by trained, knowledgeable, and compassionate practitioners. If microneedling sounds like a viable treatment option for your skincare goals, book a consultation with First Impressions Clinic today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure and provide a luxurious and caring environment when you arrive for treatment.

When you love the skin you are in, you radiate from the inside out. Boost your self-confidence and smile every time you look in the mirror when you take care of your skin wellness and invest in yourself. Remember, you are worth it.

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