03 Aug Not All Microneedling is Created Equally
Microneedling is one of the most well-known non-surgical treatments, and is a favorite at Parson Skin Center. However, there are various medical-grade microneedling tools and they’re not all of the same caliber. SkinPen is the gold standard and the first microneedling tool that was cleared by the FDA. It’s renowned for being able to improve the skin and specifically treat acne scars. Most clients require 3+ microneedling treatments for optimal results.
Dermapen is another top-quality microneedling tool, designed to be used with 12 different types of needles and patented technologies. These technologies further increase safety and comfort, allowing for the best outcome and treatment. Parson Skin Center exclusively offers the latest, best treatments and devices in microneedling—you don’t want to treat your skin with anything but the best.
The Big Risks of Microneedling at Home
The SkinPen and Dermapen are two of the most renowned microneedling devices, but there are plenty others. This can come as a surprise to those who are new to microneedling. Aren’t all tools basically the same? Not at all. Microneedling is a safe, comfortable, very minimally invasive “lunch break” procedure when you have it performed by an expert at a reputable skin center. Unfortunately, there are all kind of variants when it comes to the quality and care of microneedling devices.
Medical-grade microneedling tools like the SkinPen and Dermapen are only available to practices like Parson Skin Center. It is illegal for non-professionals to purchase these devices and very dangerous for non-pros to use them. If you do see a medical-grade microneedling device for sale, that’s a big red flag. It might not be legitimate, it may have been tampered with, and even if it is genuine it’s very dangerous to try to perform any DIY microneedling.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling is a type of Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). It encourages the skin to boost its own collagen and elastin production, which are essential for youthful, healthy, clear, plump skin. Microneedling creates several tiny micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, which tells the body to start producing collagen and elastin in those areas. Microneedling can treat fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, stretch marks, acne and surgical scars, and brightens the skin while restoring plumpness.
Most clients require anywhere from 2 – 7 treatments to initially receive optimal results. This is followed by regular maintenance microneedling sessions every few months. However, most people do see some results after the first treatment, though it takes a couple of weeks for results to begin to show. Remember, microneedling ultimately works by encouraging your body to create collagen so the results aren’t immediate.
What to Expect with Microneedling
If you’ve never undergone microneedling before, you’re in for a real treat. During your appointment, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin for maximum comfort. The microneedling device is then rolled across the skin’s surface to create those micro-injuries and trigger the growth factors that tell your body to produce collagen and elastin. Most clients describe microneedling as feeling like a fine sandpaper on the skin. The microneedling tool is moved very quickly, and various needle lengths are used to customize results and reach required depths.
On average, microneedling takes 30 – 60 minutes. There is no downtime and you can get right back to your daily routine. However, some redness may be present for up to 24 hours. It can look like you spent a little too much time in the sun. You can also pair microneedling with other non-surgical treatments, particularly a customized facial. Any topical creams, lotions, or ointments applied during a microneedling session will penetrate the skin better thanks to the micro-injuries. A facial and microneedling together promises optimal results, and there’s no better time to treat yourself to further pampering.
Microneedling is not a one size fits all solution. It should never be performed at home, and you deserve to only work with a professional who has the best medical-grade tools. Learn more about how microneedling can help you reach your skin goals by contacting Parson Skin Center at (480) 282-8386.