What is microneedling?
The concept of microneedling is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical injury such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. As the microneedling pen is moved across the skin, it makes pinpoint punctures to create very minor micro-“injuries.” In response to these “injuries,” a cascade of growth factors is released, triggering new collagen production.
This process has two major benefits - it effectively stimulates collagen formation and provides a clear channel for topical serums, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be absorbed through the surface of the skin.
According to InStyle, “microneedling sounds like an intimidating procedure, no thanks to the word "needle" in its name. Yes, numbing cream is involved, but the procedure is actually minimally-invasive — and comes with a host of skin-boosting benefits that go beyond a basic facial…” and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Treat and improve conditions like acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, skin texture, pore size, stretch marks, sun spots and pigmentation. Make sure to ask Dr. Hakimian if you would benefit from this treatment.
How long does it take to see results?
As soon as the deepest layers of your skin are penetrated by the needles, “micro-wounds” are created. This triggers your body's wound healing processes to heal your micro wounds immediately. However, the most dramatic results will not be visible until four to six weeks after treatment.
How often can I do microneedling treatments?
You can safely repeat the treatment every 4-6 weeks until you achieve the desired results. For collagen induction we recommend to start with 3 treatments, but with a minimum separation time of 4 to 6 weeks between treatments. For scar reduction an average of 3 to 6 treatments are recommended.
What do I need to do before my microneedling treatment?
Per Dr. Hakimian’s recommendation, you should discontinue the use of Retinol, Retin A, Vitamin A and other medications 3-4 days before treatment. Wash face with a gentle cleanser and come to your treatment makeup free. Numbing cream will be applied in office, or you may apply 1-2 layers at home.
What are the steps of the treatment and what should I expect during the procedure?
When you arrive to our office, we will have you wash and clean your face with a gentle cleanser. Topical anesthetic is applied to the area/s being treated. If you decide to have the treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), we will draw blood, centrifuge and separate the platelet-rich plasma to be applied at time of procedure. After 45 minutes of numbing, we will clean your face with an antiseptic wipe and remove the entire topical anesthetic. Whether it is your platelet-rich plasma or one of our other topical serums, we will apply it to the areas treated, a small section at a time. Throughout the procedure, you will feel slight tingling and tightness, or like some of our clients have said, “the process feels like sandpaper being rubbed on the skin or light cat scratches.” Your skin may become red and tight, almost like a sunburned sensation.
Is there any down time and what are the post-procedure instructions?
Your face will be red the first day of the treatment and a pinkish tint and flaky for the next 2-3 days. You will want to avoid sweating and makeup the day of and the day after the procedure. You may wash face with a gentle cleanser and cold water a few hours after treatment or before bedtime. After the 12-hr mark of your treatment, continue using gentle cleanser and SPF 25+ and hyaluronic acid serum. Avoid makeup if possible. 48-72 hours after your treatment, you may return to your regular skin regimen, including makeup.
