Microneedling
It’s natural. The skin loses its vitality and youthfulness as the body ages. In our 20s, the body gradually decreases its production of collagen, an essential structural protein that promotes elasticity and firmness in the skin. The result is skin that becomes increasingly prone to wrinkles and sagging. While topical creams can help maintain a youthful glow, they won’t stop the natural aging process. However, by delving below the skin’s surface with advanced treatments, it’s possible to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production to refresh and revive your appearance, so wrinkles don’t dominate your complexion.
One of these advanced treatments is microneedling, a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates your skin for a younger-looking complexion with no downtime and minimal discomfort. At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we offer several microneedling options, each with their own unique benefits. To learn more about our microneedling treatments and how they can improve your skin, contact us at (314) 501-7946 or visit our contact page.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling works by stimulating collagen production in treated areas, using a pen-like device equipped with fine needles to create thousands of microchannels in the upper layers of skin. These microchannels are so tiny that they’re not visible to the naked eye but cause microinjuries that provoke the body’s natural healing response. This leads to the formation of fresh, healthy skin that looks thicker, fuller and plumper than ever, with renewed tone and texture. Microneedling is both noninvasive and highly-customizable, with needle depths varying depending on your goals and treatment areas.
At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, your microneedling treatment will be tailored to your needs and preferences, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure beautiful, natural-looking results you’ll love.
Microneedling Treatments Offered at Ridenour Plastic Surgery
Aquagold (Ultra Fine Needling)
The Aquagold microinjector device utilizes hollow 24k-gold-plated (0.6mm) needles and a cocktail of customizable beautifying ingredients. This unique delivery method is significantly more efficient and comfortable than the traditional microneedling treatment, and the added ingredients maximize potency. Each puncture in the skin allows these age-defying ingredients to enter the deep dermis.
During treatment, a provider customizes the ingredients based on your unique concerns. Ingredients could potentially include hyaluronic acid, neurotoxins, growth factors, antioxidants, brightening agents for pigments, peptides and vitamins such as B complex, C and E. For example, patients seeking to treat their acne scars may find their treatment especially beneficial if hyaluronic acid was added to it, increasing firmness and lightening the appearance of scars. Or patients with age spots or sunspots could enhance their treatment by adding pigment reducing ingredients that’ll lower melanin production.
Microneedling with SkinStylus
The SkinStylus is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that goes a step further than Aquagold. The device is cleared to treat scars up to 2.5mm deep. The variation in treatment depth is particularly beneficial for combatting a number of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine wrinkles and both traumatic and incisional scars. The needles create micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate collagen production. As with AquaGold, you could apply a beautifying concoction to the skin after treatment, taking advantage of the temporary open channels in the skin to infuse beauty boosting products.
SkinStylus requires a longer healing time than Aquagold. Typically, you should reserve one day post-treatment for healing. After a SkinStylus treatment, your skin may appear red or irritated, but this should subside within 24 hours.
Profound RF (Microneedling With Radiofrequency)
The Profound RF is a unique form of microneedling that incorporates radiofrequency (RF) energy to achieve greater results. The device utilizes extremely sharp needles that are inserted into the skin when triggered by the operator. In the deep dermis, RF energy flows from the needles to heat the skin to a precise temperature of 67 degrees Celsius, which is known to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Unlike other RF microneedling devices, Profound RF features built-in thermometers that carefully measure and control the temperature, meaning the device offers reliable and consistent results. Profound RF is meant for patients that desire to improve skin laxity, skin tone and fine lines.
All of these microneedling devices are exceptional for treating certain cosmetic concerns. Patients with pigment and textural flaws may find microneedling with Aquagold beneficial enough, while deeper and more severe concerns, such as scars, wrinkles and skin laxity, may be happier with their results if treated with the SkinStylus or Profound RF. During an initial consultation with one of our skin care experts, we can help you gauge which treatment is best for you.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a treatment that’s well suited for men and women of any skin tone or type. The treatment is versatile, having the potential to treat an array of cosmetic concerns, but is especially beneficial for patients with early skin laxity and modest issues with skin texture, wrinkles, pigments and scars. The treatment is also recommended for patients that are seeking a natural, noninvasive solution to refresh their appearance. Many skin rejuvenating procedures, such as lasers, tend to revive the skin by heating or removing the epidermis, which microneedling does not. By avoiding surface-level damage, microneedling allows patients to have a restorative treatment, while potentially avoiding side effects such as scabbing, peeling, irritation and pigmentation issues.
Patients with any of the following are good candidates for microneedling:
- Fine lines / Wrinkles
- Early of Minor Skin Sagging
- Stretch marks
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea or redness
- Age spots and sunspots
- Skin lacking elasticity
- Uneven skin tone
- Rough skin texture
Your Microneedling (Skin Stylus) Treatment
Before the treatment begins, one of our expert providers will cleanse your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to help mitigate any pain. The treatment is generally painless, but some patients may feel more comfortable with the added protection. To ensure sterility, your provider will also replace the microneedling device’s needle cartridge with a new sterile one.
Once everything is ready, your provider will run the device evenly across your skin. Since your microneedling procedure will be personalized for your skin care needs, the depth of the needles will vary to address specific concerns and treatment areas. More vulnerable areas, such as the forehead, typically require a needle that is shorter in length, while more fleshy areas like the cheeks utilize longer needles. Depending on your goals, treatment areas could be passed over two to six times by the handheld device and the procedure may last up to two hours to ensure optimal results.
Your Microneedling (Skin Stylus) Results
Your skin may be red and sensitive to the touch after your treatment, almost like a sunburn. These side effects typically last for no more than one day. Patients are advised not to apply any makeup for at least 24 hours and should instead use a skin moisturizer that’s allergen-free. Sunscreen is also strongly encouraged.
Your skin will be visibly brighter and fresh with vitality after your Skin Stylus treatment. Typically, it takes approximately two weeks for optimal results to be noticed as the skin gradually produces more of the collagen and elastin tissues that promote healthier-looking skin. Your skin will be firmer and smoother, with results that can last up to six months.
However, it’s highly recommended to have at least three microneedling sessions to get the best results possible. Three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, are ideal, with benefits that’ll last approximately 18 months.
To maintain your results, it’s possible to have the treatment performed every three to six months, based on our provider’s recommendation.
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The skin goes through a lot as the body ages. It loses its firm, youthful look as vital collagen production decreases and is constantly bombarded by outside factors, including the sun, dirt and pollutants that linger in the air. In addition, for some, acne can leave undesirable scars, or rosacea can create a fervent red. Despite these challenges, it’s possible to reverse these effects and no longer let them define your complexion. From lines and wrinkles to pockmarks and blemishes, micro-needling treatments can improve your appearance and provide natural, long-lasting results.
Proudly offered at Ridenour Plastic Surgery to residents of St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities, we implore you to visit our offices to learn how the treatment can benefit you. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (314) 501-7946 or visit our contact page.
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