What is Microneedling?

Collagen in the skin is an important factor necessary for youthful and beautiful skin. As we get older, intrinsic factors such as the natural breakdown of skin collagen and environmental factors such as pollution and UV damage leads to the loss of skin collagen and leads to wrinkles and fine lines and changes in the skin texture. Acne scarring is the loss of skin collagen due to inflammation. For those looking to improve the look of scars, boost collagen, or encourage hair growth, microneedling can offer a minimally invasive solution.

Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that works to reduce the appearance of signs of age and scars while also improving the texture and feel of your skin.  It uses a device  that  is the insertion of very fine short needles into the skin for the purposes of rejuvenation to plump your skin and stimulate collagen production, leaving your skin fresher and smoother. The punctures are like pin-pricks that enter only surface-level deep and creates micro-channels in the skin, or tiny micro-wounds. These wounds trigger the formation of new capillaries and the production of new collagen and elastin in your skin to heal the micro-channels. Following the microneedling session, since the microchannels are open, a potent Growth Factor Serum is applied to your skin to further stimulate collagen production. 

What does Microneedling Treat?

Microneedling can treat a variety of skin imperfections and issues. Here is a selection of what microneedling treatment can do for you:

• GIVE YOUR SKIN AN IMPROVED TEXTURE AND FEEL
• IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TONE
• SHRINK ENLARGED OR UNSIGHTLY PORES
• GET YOUR SKIN GLOWING AND VIBRANT
• REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF WRINKLES AND SIGNS OF AGE
• REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF SCARS, INCLUDING ACNE SCARS

Does Microneedling Hurt?

Although it may sound painful, the procedure is very tolerable after a numbing cream is placed on your skin. We have teenagers, adults and retirees all tolerate the procedure well.

How Long do the Results of Microneedling Last?

While results will vary based on the individual and a few other factors, the results of microneedling are long-lasting, giving you long-term results. Any treatment on scars will be permanent, smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of the scarring. Signs of age and skin texture results will fade over time, but with proper maintenance, you should see an improvement in the appearance of your skin for several years.

​According to one study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment.

What is the Recovery and Aftercare of Microneedling Like?

After microneedling, you will be red and possibly bruised. Your skin may scab and peel for for 3-7 days afterwards.
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After your treatment, micro-channels are open in the skin for about 4 hours. We will place a potent Growth Factor Serum on after your treatment, and ask that you not wash or put anything else on you face for at least 4 hours. For best results, it is best to use Skinbetter Science Alto or apply a layer of moisturizer (without any retinols or acids) before bed without washing your face. The next day, you may wash with a gentle cleanser such as Glowmedica Ultra Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil for about a week as your skin is healing. Make sure to wear a physical block sunscreen containing zinc oxide such as Isdin Eryfotona Actinica to protect your skin, and use a moisturizer to help with the healing process. 

For best results, we recommend the following products from our Skin Care Shop:
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1. Glowmedica Ultra Gentle Cleanser--contains aloe and marine algae to gently clean post procedure skin.
2. Glowmedica Sunscreen or Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen SPF 50--both have zinc oxide, which are physical UV blockers to protect your skin.
3. Skinbetter Science Trio Moisturizer or Glowmedica Sea Glow Moisturizer to heal and moisturize the skin.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

Microneedling is best done in series about 2-4 weeks apart for best results. We recommend 4-6 treatments, depending on what you would like to achieve. Microneedling can also be combined with laser for maximum collagen production. Schedule with our Skincare Beauty Consultant to see what treatment is right for you.

Who Actually Performs the Microneedling Treatment at El Centro Dermatology?

All your microneedling treatments will be done by our licensed physcians, Nurse Practioner or Physician Assistants to ensure safety and good outcomes. 

Before and after microneedling treatments

Individual results may vary.