Revitalize Your Skin with Medical Micro-Needling Treatment
In recent years, micro-needling, which is also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), has quickly become a sought after method for overall skin rejuvenation. Results can include skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and an improvement in the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks. The procedure produces visible results, there are few possible complications, and it’s extremely safe. A patient can undergo a basic micro-needling procedure in a matter of minutes. The micro-needle is a medical device used to break down old scar tissue and to stimulate skin cells to reproduce rapidly. This cell multiplication results in the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibers, as well as in new capillaries for an improved blood supply.
Address the issues affecting your skin with medical micro-needling in Tallahassee. Micro-needling helps you achieve a clearer complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and other blemishes. With the use of tiny needles, this cosmetic treatment can effectively rejuvenate your sagging skin.
At Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic, we provide our patients with the latest techniques and procedures in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Our board certified surgeons stay up to date on the latest advancements in a wide range of medical fields to provide patients with the best care available.
Microneedling FAQs
What conditions can be treated or improved with Medical Micro-Needling?
- Mild to moderate acne scarring; any new or old scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loose, lax skin
- Skin texture and pore size
How does Medical Micro-Needling work?
Skin needling creates a “perceived injury,” by making the body think that the skin has been hurt. As a result, the body sends healing agents to the skin for repairs. This causes the wrinkles, lines, or depressed scars to be smoothed and filled in from the bottom up. Patients should think of micro-needling like aerating a lawn using a spiked wheel to remove plugs of dirt, which allows oxygen, water, and other nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. Skin needling works the same basic manner. A specialized pen-like tool with circular microscopic needles glides over the face, in a very safe, sterile environment. The needle penetrates the outer layer of the skin to naturally stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Although the idea of treating skin in the same manner as a lawn may sound strange, the process works. The skin begins to repair itself on a microscopic level and, outwardly, the skin looks like it simply suffered a mild sun or razor burn. Results can be seen immediately. Also, the repair process continues over the next several months so that skin continues to improve.
What will I look like after the treatment?
You may need a very short period of downtime/recovery time after your medical micro-needling treatment. You may be able to go back to work the day after, but you may still experience some inflammation for the next few days.
Most people will experience redness and mild swelling, similar to a mild sunburn for 24-48 hours. There may also be minimal pinpoint bleeding and/or bruising. Within a week or two, patients will notice that their skin is smoother and more radiant looking, but the full effects won’t be seen until a few months later. To reduce visible redness, we recommend our patients use hyaluronic acid after the procedure, which also serves to protect the skin with zinc-based sunblock. The use of mineral makeup is also recommended after the procedure.
Can Medical Micro-Needling be performed on any skin color?
Medical Micro-needling is safe to use on all skin types and all skin colors. There is low risk of post inflammatory or hyperpigmentation.
How many treatments do I need and how often can Medical Micro-Needling procedures be repeated?
Medical Micro-Needling can be safely repeated every 4-6 weeks until a patient achieves the desired results. For collagen induction, we recommend patients start with three treatments. However, with a minimum separation time, 4 to 6 weeks between treatments would be best. For scar reduction, an average of 3 to 6 treatments is recommended. The number of treatments required depends on how each individual will respond to the treatments and the extent of the existing damage. Micro-needling can be used on all skin parts of the body (neck, décolleté, arms, legs, etc.). Most people will begin to see results after the very first appointment.
Is Medical Micro-Needling right for me?
Micro-needling is suitable for patients who:
- Have wrinkles and deep lines
- Have large pores
- Have uneven skin tone/pigmentation
- Have large stretch marks or old scars
- Have skin damage from being overexposed to the sun
- Are in overall good health and have the right mindset
- Have realistic standards and will commit to goals before and after the procedure
However, micro-needling is not suitable for patients who:
- Have used Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the last three months
- Have open wounds, cuts, or abrasions on the skin
- Have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
- Have any current skin infection, condition, or herpes simplex in the area to be treated
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
- Have serious/severe health conditions that are incompatible with the procedure
