Finding new ways to improve your appearance and to restore a youthful look to your skin can help you feel your best every day. Microneedling is a proven method for treating scars and improving the overall texture and appearance of your skin. At NYDG Integral Health & Wellness, we offer microneedling services designed to help you look your best. Here are some of the most important facts you should know about this innovative treatment option.

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates the body’s own natural healing process to reduce the appearance of scars and to provide other benefits for your skin. This procedure is a cost friendly option and can often produce noticeably improved skin texture within just a few treatments. For many of our patients, microneedling offers added help in improving appearance and reducing the visibility of scars and wrinkles.

Some of the most important benefits of microneedling include the following:

•  Improved appearance and texture for your skin
•  Fewer acne outbreaks and reduced visibility of scar tissue
•  Better performance from other skin care products

Microneedling is believed to have originated in ancient China as a medical treatment for various skin conditions and as a form of acupuncture. In 1905, a German dermatologist named Ernst Kromayer was the first documented practitioner of microneedling to reduce the visibility of scars, birthmarks and areas of hyperpigmentation.

This process works by creating tiny cuts on the surface of the skin. This stimulates the body’s production of elastin and collagen in the area of the treatment. Elastin is a protein naturally produced by the human body that allows skin and connective tissue to retain its elasticity. Collagen is also responsible for the health and elasticity of connective tissues in the skin, cartilage and muscular system. By increasing production of these important proteins in the areas of scarring or wrinkling, microneedling procedures can significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Microneedling should be performed by a cosmetic dermatologist or licensed and experienced aesthetician. Upon your arrival, a numbing lotion or cream will be applied to the area to be treated. Once the numbing agent has taken effect, a microneedling device will be used to make tiny cuts and incisions into the skin. This may cause some bleeding or bruising of the treated area that may take several days to heal.

After the procedure is complete, a cream or serum will be applied to your skin to speed the healing process. You will typically need several treatments before seeing real changes in your skin texture. However, you will often enjoy a healthier glow after just one or two microneedling treatments.

Most patients report that they see enhanced skin tone, reduced visibility of wrinkles and other benefits within a week of the first treatment. These results can last as long as six weeks after the initial appointment. Once your course of treatment is finished, you will typically need to schedule maintenance visits once every six months to ensure the best results. Depending on your age and the type of treatment you undergo, you may be able to wait a year or more between maintenance treatments.

There are three basic types of microneedling used to treat skin conditions and to improve the appearance and elasticity of the skin:

• Mechanical microneedling is the most common form of professional microneedle treatment. This method uses a pen equipped with many very small needles, which is carefully moved over the treatment area. Mechanical microneedling procedures create numerous tiny incisions in the skin per square inch, which makes them a highly effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, scar tissue and wrinkles.

• Mesotherapy methods use minimally invasive methods to treat only the surface of skin. This allows other skin care remedies to penetrate into the skin more effectively. Mesotherapy is ideally suited for creating a healthy glow for special occasions or as an addition to your regular skin case routine.

• Fractional radiofrequency methods for microneedling use heat in combination with somewhat larger needles to stimulate the release and production of collagen and elastin. Radiofrequency microneedling treatments can increase the thickness of collagen in the affected area, which can allow skin to become more resilient and can produce a healthy glow for your face and other areas of your skin.
While home microneedling kits are available, these kits are not recommended by medical professionals. Without advanced equipment, it is easy to injure the skin or to cause an infection that can further mar the area being treated. Working with a professional aesthetician or an experienced cosmetic dermatologist is the best strategy for protecting your health and enhancing your appearance safely.

Microneedling is used to treat a range of skin issues and conditions, including the following:

Microneedling for acne: Increasing the production of collagen and stimulating the healing process for skin cells can often have a significant positive effect on acne outbreaks and can help you put your best face forward every day.

Microneedling for hair loss: Microneedling has been used to increase circulation and to stimulate the regrowth of hair as part of an overall approach to this issue.

Microneedling to reduce wrinkles: Our microneedling services can reduce damage to skin caused by excessive sun exposure and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles to help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Microneedling under eyes and around the mouth can eliminate small wrinkles and creases to help you feel more confident in your appearance.

Microneedling for stretch marks: Stretch marks can be minimized in our center with advanced microneedling techniques.

Microneedling for scars: One of the first uses of microneedling was to treat scars from acne and from accidents. At NYDG Integral Health & Wellness, we offer microneedling for acne scars and other scarring that can reduce the visible signs of these issues.