Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic skin treatment that is performed to address a wide range of skin concerns. It is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical, outpatient treatment that is performed at The Beauty Barn®. The treatment involves a “pen” that utilizes tiny sterile needles that create microscopic “injuries” in the skin. Microneedling can give you smoother and firmer skin with a more even tone.

Microneedling improves signs of aging in the face. It may be performed in other parts of the body, such as the belly or thighs, to improve stretch marks. Other skin issues that can benefit from microneedling include fine lines and wrinkles, age spots (red spots and brown spots), sun damage, enlarged pores, acne scars, surgical scars, uneven tone, rough texture, and stretch marks.

Microneedling is effective against mild to moderate wrinkles and minor scarring. Most people note improved skin tone and texture after microneedling as well as a brighter, more refreshed complexion.

However, microneedling cannot produce the same dramatic results as a facelift. A facelift, notably, is a surgical procedure with associated risks and requires considerable financial investment and time off work. Microneedling, on the other hand, is done on an outpatient basis (it can even be done during your lunch break) and requires minimal to no downtime.

The needles on the microneedling pen cause a controlled injury to the skin. While this may sound counterintuitive, microscopic trauma is beneficial because it kickstarts the skin’s natural healing processes.

What microneedling does is prompts the skin to make more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its smoothness and structure. With age, the skin makes less collagen. The increased collagen production after microneedling helps to restore the skin to a more youthful, brighter, smoother appearance.

If you have developed skin imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven tone, rough texture, and sunspots, microneedling can correct or improve these problems with a minimally-invasive office procedure.

Microneedling skin rejuvenation is a great alternative to more invasive treatments like ablative laser resurfacing or facelift surgery. There is no real downtime after microneedling. You can return to work and all routine activities within 24 hours of your appointment (there may be some residual mild skin redness and irritation for a few days after microneedling).

The procedure itself is fast and convenient, taking less than 1 hour to complete. That means you can get in and get back to your life without a lot of hassle. 

To perform microneedling, your provider will begin by cleaning your skin. Sometimes we apply a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) to reduce any discomfort from the treatment itself. Following this, a pen-like device will be moved over the treatment area. The microneedling pen will make tiny pinpricks in your skin that will not be visible to the naked eye.

Microneedling is not overly painful, and most people tolerate it well. Your provider will apply a soothing ointment or serum to your skin when the procedure is completed. You can drive yourself home immediately afterward.

It is not unusual to have some minor skin irritation and redness after microneedling. These symptoms are usually self-limited and go away within a few days. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, including infection, bleeding, and skin peeling.

The skin takes a few days to heal after microneedling. Most people can return to work the same day, wearing makeup to camouflage any residual redness. The skin is sensitive to the sun after microneedling, so it’s important not to forget your sunscreen.

The results of microneedling will be visible 1-2 weeks after your session once the redness subsides. There will be continued improvement in the quality and appearance of your skin over the next several weeks as the skin makes new collagen. Microneedling results are long-lasting but not permanent. Over time, as your skin ages, you may redevelop some signs of aging.

Most people require multiple microneedling sessions for optimum results. The number of microneedling treatments you will need depends on the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals. Our team will develop a treatment plan for you and give you an estimate of the number of sessions for best results.

Adults who are in overall good general health and are looking for a non-surgical solution for skin rejuvenation are good candidates for microneedling. Microneedling can be performed in all skin types and skin tones. However, it is not recommended in pregnant women and in people who use certain acne medications.

As noted, microneedling involves making tiny punctures in the skin. It should, therefore, be performed by a licensed and experienced provider to prevent complications like bleeding and infection. Here at The Beauty Barn, we specialize in non-surgical procedures like microneedling and are ready to answer any questions you may have about this popular treatment.

If you are not quite ready for surgery but want to do something about your aging skin, microneedling is a great option. It is a fast and convenient minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment done on an outpatient basis. Microneedling can dramatically improve your skin with minimal downtime.