Collagen Inducting Therapies: How Does Micro Needling Work?

As we age, the collagen fibers within the skin become thinner and less firm, losing their ability to retain water and support your skin's underlying structure. This is when our skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Moreover, these aging changes can lead to dermatological problems, including loss of skin integrity and sagging of the skin. If you don't want to go under the knife surgically, then what other options do you have to maintain your youthful appearance? 

Many beauty procedures like microneedling have become increasingly popular as anti-aging treatments. If you're interested in microneedling, this article explores the process in detail.

What is Microneedling? 

Microneedling treatment, or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that can help strengthen your natural collagen production, allowing it to rebuild and restore your skin's youthful appearance. During microneedling, doctors use tiny, sterile needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin, creating micro-injuries on the skin's dermis that increase blood flow and stimulate collagen production. In response to these injuries, your body will naturally produce collagen and elastin, two compounds essential to the structure of your skin.

Microneedling Benefits

Several studies have found microneedling to be effective in treating signs of aging. Detailed below are many features of collagen therapy.

1. Quick with Minimal Downtime

Microneedling can be done in about 30 minutes with little to no downtime as long as you follow the aftercare guidelines. It is possible to experience redness for a period of 24 hours after treatment, but this will subside within two days as your body heals itself from the micro-perforations made by the needles.

2. Improves Skin Texture

By increasing cell turnover rate, microneedling helps promote collagen production and improves overall skin structure over time. It helps improve your complexion by reducing scarring, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and giving you a healthier glow overall. In addition to increasing blood flow to the affected area, microneedling also enhances the absorption of topical products.

3. Reduces Acne Scars, Wrinkles & Stretch Marks

Acne scars have different causes, but they all leave behind discolored marks on the skin. These marks may become raised or sunken and can be challenging to treat with topical creams or chemical peels alone. Microneedling can help heal acne scars by stimulating healing from within the skin so that new collagen is produced over time. It is especially beneficial if you have acne scars or deep wrinkles caused by aging since these issues tend to linger despite topical treatments like moisturizers or chemical peels.

4. Helps with Hyperpigmentation 

People's most common complaint about hyperpigmentation is how hard it is to remove them. Microneedling can help brighten pigmentation problems such as sun spots (hyperpigmentation) or melasma (chloasma). All of these are possible as the procedure stimulates collagen production, which in turn fades dark spots and blemishes over time. 

5. Works on Multiple Parts of the Body 

Microneedling is an option for many people who suffer from acne scarring or other types of scarring issues on their face or body. The treatment can be designed to target specific areas or, more generally, over large areas of the body, including your face, neck, hips, thighs, abdomen, arms, and legs.

6. Promotes Hair Growth

The procedure improves the circulation of blood to your scalp. In turn, this will stimulate the growth of new hair follicles in areas where they are lacking. Moreover, the procedure can also be part of a hair growth system that involves topical products. Microneedling allows more nutrients to reach your follicles, making them stronger and healthier.

7. Better Absorption of Skincare Products

Microneedling causes micro-channels to form in your skin, allowing products such as serums and creams to penetrate deeper into your dermis layer than they would typically reach. This will enable them to deliver their ingredients more effectively than they could otherwise.

Collagen Induction Therapies: Microneedling Treatments at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa

At-home derma roller kits are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to treat their skin without spending a fortune. However, these kits may come with some risks. The excessive or improper use of derma rollers may result in broken capillaries and a plastic-like appearance. It can also lead to bacterial infections if the derma roller is not adequately sterilized. 

You can avoid these risks by having the procedure performed by a board-certified doctor in a sterile clinic. 

Consultation and Preparation

The consultation gives you the chance to discuss your skin concerns and goals. The doctor will review your medical history and any medications you are taking. This session allows them to determine which procedure will be best for your skin type and any underlying conditions that may affect specific treatments. Microneedling is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as:

• eczema or psoriasis
• diabetes
•  weakened immune system (patients undergoing chemotherapy)
• bleeding disorders (clotting)
• blood-thinning medications
• active/fresh acnes
• rosacea
• warts or cold sores
• high risk of developing keloids

Before undergoing the procedure, the doctor may also recommend the following steps:

• Refrain from smoking two weeks before your treatment
•  Hydrate with plenty of water days prior to your appointment; dehydration can lead to increased bruising and swelling
• Avoid using any retinol products, vitamin C serums, or glycolic acid products on the treated area, as it may cause irritation during your procedure.
• Stop taking blood-thinning medicines

Microneedling Process

To prepare your skin for microneedling, we will cleanse it with an antiseptic solution followed by a numbing cream. This step will lessen any discomfort during the treatment. Microneedles come in various sizes and are placed at multiple depths, depending on your skin condition. In most cases, each session will last between 30 minutes and an hour, based on the size of the area being treated. This may also depend on what type of microneedling treatment you choose or what kind of collagen therapy is best for you. We offer the following induction therapies at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa.

MDPen Micro-dermal Needling 

This innovative device uses a pen-like applicator to deliver micro-needles into the dermis layer of the skin. The needles are then moved across the face in specific patterns designed to stimulate collagen growth and healing.

MDPen Micro-dermal Needling offers remarkable results in all areas of the face and body, including:

• Forehead
• Eyes & Mouth
• Chin
• Nose
• Acne Scars
• Stretch Marks on Neck
• Scarring on the Abdomen
• Post-breast reduction scars
• Love Handles & Hips
• Hair Regrowth

Profound

Profound is a non-invasive treatment employing a microneedling system that transmits controlled radio frequency waves. Together, microneedles and radio frequency waves promote the formation of new collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin - the three primary constituents of a youthful complexion. So, it tightens the tissues, firms up the skin, and reduces the look of cellulite, giving you a more youthful appearance. 

Post Microneedling/Aftercare

In most cases, patients require very little or no recovery time after the procedure. In the first few days post microneedling, you may experience irritation and redness on your skin, but you can return to normal activities. We also recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or sports for at least 24 hours after your treatment. 

In addition, your skin will be more sensitive, so it's best to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. Lastly, avoid scrubbing or rubbing your face as this can cause irritation and redness around the treated areas. The doctor will give you more specific aftercare guidelines after the procedure.

For best results, scheduling additional treatments four weeks apart may be necessary, especially if your skin has deep scarring or wrinkles. 

Achieve Your Skin Goals Today!

Your skin deserves the finest care. At Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we offer the best microneedling treatments that boost collagen production for a more youthful appearance. Contact us at (843) 681-4088 or visit this link to book your consultation today!