Several factors can significantly impact your skin aging process, including exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, genetics, sun damage, and aging. As early as your 20s, your body will begin to lose collagen and elastin, the protein molecules that give your skin its structure and elasticity. As your collagen and elastin production declines, you will note visible signs of aging.
Dr. Matthew Steele offers several non-surgical cosmetic options that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and slow the speed at which new ones appear. One of those techniques is microneedling, which we provide to patients in Parker County.
The practice of microneedling began in 1995 and has gained significant traction ever since. Thousands of before and after photos have made an appearance on social media, fueling the technique’s popularity. Microneedling uses a handheld device to create micro-channels in the skin with very fine sterilized needles. This intentional damage causes your body to react by stimulating collagen production.
Microneedling has gained popularity because it reduces the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. It helps to even out your skin tone, reduce large pores, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
The increased collagen production can also help plump your skin and give it a more youthful radiance after the area has healed. Microneedling may work better than laser treatments for some people, as laser treatments can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling results can be supercharged by adding serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during the treatment. This induces increased collagen production leading to greater reduction in scar tissue and wrinkles, and improved skin tone and texture.
Serums are typically formulated with active ingredients like vitamins or hyaluronic acid, which can target specific skin conditions like hyperpigmentation. PRP is rich in growth factors crucial for skin healing and regeneration. When combined with microneedling, it enhances the healing process, reduces the recovery time, and improves the overall results.
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that works for many skin types, though the best candidates are generally in good health without chronic skin disorders, severe psoriasis, or eczema in the treatment area.
It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome, since multiple treatments may be needed to achieve your desired results. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid microneedling until the baby is weaned, and people who were recently on medication to treat acne (such as Isotretinoin) should wait at least six months.
Individuals taking anticoagulant therapy are not good candidates for microneedling, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Men or women receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy should also avoid microneedling for the same reason. If you tend to form hard, raised scar tissue, or have moles, freckles, or skin tags in the area to be treated, you are not a good candidate for microneedling.
During the procedure, we apply numbing cream or ointment to help reduce discomfort or pain. You may feel some warmth or a scratching sensation once the treatment begins. The procedure can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area.
In the days and weeks after the treatment, you will notice that your skin feels burned or tight. You are advised to use a high-quality moisturizer to help reduce dry, flaking skin. Stay out of the sun until your skin has completely healed, and only after applying sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
Patients in Parker County can have multiple microneedling treatments scheduled three to eight weeks apart. After that, you may require a treatment once a year to maintain the results. Microneedling usually triggers quick healing and you should see results within just a couple of weeks. You can help your skin heal by using collagen-stimulating peptides, staying well hydrated, and using an antioxidant serum.
At some point, everyone notices signs of aging on their skin. When you address these early, you may be able to avoid other more invasive surgical procedures later. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Steele to learn more about microneedling in Parker County and how it may help address your cosmetic concerns.
