Cosmetic treatments that harness the body’s natural ability to heal can be highly effective for people of all skin types, skin tones, and ages. Microneedling encourages skin rejuvenation without the use of chemicals or injections.
If you want to diminish facial scarring or reduce the look of fine lines, microneedling treatment may be right for you. We offer microneedling and a full menu of aesthetic treatments at Bayside Medspa in Norfolk, VA.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is the process of creating tiny, invisible wounds on the top layer of your skin. These sterile micro-wounds are made with a handheld device that contains a set of ultrafine needles. The needles are designed to reach a precise skin depth as we pass the device over your skin.
The treatment stimulates the skin to produce collagen and build new cells for wound healing. Together, these actions lead to tighter pores, improvements in hyperpigmentation, and less visible fine lines and scarring.
Microneedling treatment is considered minimally invasive, and it is highly effective. Our patients report a high level of satisfaction with their overall look and level of skin rejuvenation after completing their microneedling treatment plans.
What to Expect from a Microneedling Treatment
Your treatment will begin with a consultation and health evaluation in which we will ask about your health history, allergies, and past experiences with cosmetic treatments. We will also make sure your goals for microneedling are realistic. It may be necessary to book a series of treatments in order to fully meet your expectations.
Some services, such as chemical peels or waxing, may not be appropriate to combine with microneedling. Any procedure that could irritate the skin should be avoided for at least 72 hours before or after a microneedling appointment. Please let us know about any other cosmetic services you plan to receive.
During the consultation, we encourage patients to ask questions so we may address any concerns before the session, but you can feel confident in our skills and experience. Only highly trained medical professionals perform microneedling at our clinic.
To prepare, we ask our patients to pamper their skin during the week before their appointment. Avoid harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and strong sunlight. Please do not use any new makeup or skin care products during this preparation time.
You should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, chemical exfoliants, and retinoids for at least 24 hours before your appointment. If possible, arrive with a clean face free of makeup or skin care products.
Microneedling Benefits
In addition to helping skin look smoother and more youthful, microneedling can:
- Fight the signs of aging
- Shrink pores
- Improve sun damage and hyperpigmentation
- Minimize scars, including stretch marks
- Reduce rosacea
- Help make topical products more effective
- Be completed quickly
No downtime is required after a microneedling session, which makes it easy for patients to fit treatments into busy schedules.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Microneedling works by promoting both cellular turnover and collagen production.
Dark spots and pigmented areas appear more frequently as you get older because the rate of new cell production slows down. The production of collagen, which is responsible for skin elasticity, also begins to slow with age.
Microneedling causes a natural cycle of wound healing, during which the production of new cells and collagen increases. The controlled micro-injuries created during the treatment boost cell and collagen production, increasing skin volume and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Scarring and skin laxity are also improved.
Treatments do not require the use of anesthesia, so patients may drive themselves to and from their sessions. We typically apply a topical numbing cream to keep patients comfortable.
Depending on your customized treatment plan, appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes. When we have finished the microneedling procedure, we will apply a soothing serum to the treatment area to help speed healing and reduce any lingering discomfort.
What to Expect After Your Microneedling Treatment
It will take approximately two hours after the numbing cream is applied for full sensation to return. You can continue with your normal schedule, though your face may look red and you may experience mild sensitivity for the next 24 hours.
Within two or three days, your micro-injuries should be fully healed. Until healing is complete, please avoid the following:
- Direct sunlight
- Harsh cleansers
- Exfoliants
- Chlorine
We will provide complete aftercare instructions, including suggestions for cleansing and caring for your skin, to help you get the most from your microneedling appointment.
You may see improvement within 72 hours. Most patients report visible results such as brighter, more even skin tone about 7 to 14 days after treatment. If you are receiving microneedling treatments to diminish acne scars, expect to see textural improvements in two to four weeks. The final results are typically visible about four weeks after treatment.
How Long Do Results Last?
Many factors affect how long results last. Your skin type, age, and lifestyle choices can all play a role. Some patients enjoy the results of microneedling for six months or longer, especially with consecutive treatments. A series of treatments may include three to four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart.
Protecting your skin from the sun and using only recommended skin care products will extend the life of your results.
Promote Skin Rejuvenation with Microneedling Treatments
If you’d like to learn more about the many microneedling benefits, contact us today. Bayside Medspa is proud to serve Norfolk, VA. We look forward to helping you meet your cosmetic goals.
