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Microneedling – Skin Rejuvenation in Dallas

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can improve the appearance of your skin without chemicals or injections. This treatment accelerates the skin’s natural process of renewal, creating a healthy, radiant glow. Microneedling requires minimal downtime, and results become noticeable within days, making this procedure a great way to prepare for important events. Microneedling can also be used to treat more long-term concerns, like the inevitable signs of aging skin, as well as acne and post-surgical scarring.

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryan Armijo, offers microneedling in a fully accredited medical facility, ensuring a safe, comfortable treatment experience. To learn more about microneedling in Dallas,  please feel free to contact Dr. Armijo’s office to arrange a consultation.

What is Microneedling?

During microneedling, an applicator device is used to create hundreds of “microinjuries” in the skin. It should be noted that there are various devices currently on the market; however, Dr. Armijo prefers the SkinPen, which is the safest, and only FDA-approved applicator device available at this time.  Microneedling is virtually painless; most patients only feel a light tingling or prickling sensation while undergoing the treatment. Microneedling is most commonly performed on the face, but it can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and hands.  It can also be highly effective on acne and post-surgical scars, wherever located on the body.

Microneedling activates the body’s healing response, stimulating powerful natural rejuvenation. After microneedling, old, damaged skin cells are shed and healthy new cells take their place. This process of renewal generates new collagen and elastin, two components that keep the skin firm and hydrated. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles begin to disappear while the skin takes on a fuller, more lifted look. Acne scars, post-surgical scars, age spots, rough patches, signs of sun damage, and other imperfections can also be gradually improved over the course of several microneedling treatments.

For the best results, Dr. Armijo recommends pairing this procedure with the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP).  PRP is an extract of the patient’s own blood that contains platelets, growth factors and active proteins.  When PRP is placed back into the skin by microneedling, it initiates a localized stem cell response that accelerates the promotion of collagen-producing cells. The use of PRP in conjunction with microneedling may reduce the amount of treatments necessary to achieve your desired results.

What are the Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling has a number of unique advantages that make it an excellent skin resurfacing tool. These include:

 

  • Safety for all skin tones and types. This procedure won’t lighten darker skin or cause uneven pigmentation.

 

  • Sensitive skin appropriate. Because no synthetic compounds are used during microneedling, this treatment is often suitable for patients with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

 

  • Natural-looking results. By using the skin’s built-in healing mechanisms to reverse the signs of aging, microneedling creates subtle yet radiant results. You won’t have to worry about looking different after this treatment; you’ll just look like a more refreshed version of yourself.

 

  • Virtually no downtime. Patients who have microneedling are usually able to resume all of their normal activities within 24 hours. Unlike laser or chemical peels, this procedure won’t cause your skin to crack or peel over several days.

 

  • Superior collagen stimulation. Though microneedling is gentle and only minimally invasive, studies show that it’s one of the best ways to stimulate collagen production. A 2008 study revealed that having just four microneedling treatments can increase collagen production by 400% over four months.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before performing microneedling, a trained member of Dr. Armijo’s staff will cleanse your face thoroughly to eliminate bacteria. Then, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the surface of your skin before starting the microneedling treatment.

If you choose to pair your treatment with PRP, your PRP will be administered to your skin during the microneedling treatment.  Your PRP will expedite healing while increasing the collagen-enhancing benefits of microneedling.  If you opt not to use your PRP, a medical-grade nourishing serum will be applied to your skin following your treatment.

How many microneedling treatments you need will depend on which skin condition you hope to treat. If you just want to freshen up your look for an event, you may only need one treatment. If you want to get rid of deeper lines and age spots, Dr. Armijo recommends at least three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin to heal completely between treatments.  If treating acne or post-surgical scarring, it may take additional treatments, depending on the severity of damage.

Microneedling Recovery

Most patients notice some mild swelling and redness immediately after their microneedling treatment. These symptoms generally go away after 24 hours, revealing a healthy, rosy glow. The results of microneedling continue to improve for two to three months after treatment. As collagen levels increase, the skin gradually becomes firmer and fine lines disappear.

Microneedling doesn’t have any serious side effects when it’s performed correctly. However, in some cases, patients have reported some light skin flaking a few days after treatment. This is a normal part of skin renewal and nothing to worry about.

After you have microneedling, you should avoid any sun exposure and activities that may cause you to sweat for up to 72 hours.  You should also wait until the following morning before washing your face. (This will minimize irritation and allow the applied PRP or healing serum to be absorbed fully by your skin.) You should also avoid the use of blood-thinning medications (including over the counter NSAID pain relievers) for a few days.

To help prolong your results and minimize any future sun damage, be sure to always wear sunscreen.  Dr. Armijo recommends Skin Medica’s Total Defense and Repair, which is comes in two different SPF strengths.  For more information on this product, please visit Dr. Armijo’s Skin Medica page.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Microneedling?

Adults of all ages can benefit from microneedling provided that they’re in good health. Some medical conditions, like bleeding disorders, autoimmune conditions, and blood-borne illnesses, can make you a poor candidate for this treatment. Microneedling generally isn’t recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Why Choose Professional Microneedling?

 Professional microneedling is much safer and more effective than at-home treatments. Plastic surgeons work in hygienic facilities, which greatly reduces the risk of complications like infection. Trained aesthetic professionals also know how to perforate the skin without causing discomfort, scarring the skin, or rupturing blood vessels.  As previously stated, the SkinPen is the only FDA approved device currently available to deliver safe microneedling treatments.  Several of the other application devices may have hooked needles, which can actually cause severe damage to the skin.

Microneedling that’s performed at home is also typically more painful than professional microneedling. Without the aid of medical-grade topical anesthetic, this treatment can sting.

Arrange a Microneedling Consultation in Dallas, Texas

Microneedling is one of the safest, most effective ways to increase collagen production and reverse the visible signs of aging. If have questions about how microneedling can rejuvenate your skin’s tone and firmness, contact board-certified Dallas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryan Armijo, at (214) 540-1434. You may also ask your questions or schedule a consultation via our online form. Our caring team will be happy to help you design a personalized skincare plan that reflects your goals and skin type.