How Long Does It Take to See Results from Micro Needling?
Micro needling is a popular skin treatment that is used to fight the effects of aging, as well as repair imperfections on the skin. The procedure is offered by many dermatologists, plastic surgeons and skin specialists to improve the aesthetics of the skin. However, micro needling does not provide immediate results like dermal fillers and some other cosmetic treatments. How long does it take to see results from micro needling? Here is what you need to know about how micro needling is performed, the benefits and how long it takes to see results.
What Is Micro Needling?
Micro Needling is a collagen-induction skin treatment that uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin. When the skin is “wounded,” it stimulates production of collagen to repair the damage. With micro needling, the small, short needles do pierce the skin, but they do not cause damage. The tiny needles are usually on pen or roller devices that cause hundreds of small holes in the skin during the treatment. The procedure is not painful and there is no downtime or recovery needed. The most common side effects are slight redness or swelling that dissipates in the following hours and days.
The benefits of micro needling occur when the skin begins to repair the perceived wounds to the skin. Collagen production is increased – collagen is one of the building blocks of the skin that is needed for volume and firmness. The small pinpricks in the skin are repaired with collagen-rich tissue. This can help improve the tone, texture and elasticity of the skin. Some of the skin imperfections that can be diminished with micro needling include:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dull skin
- Uneven texture
The micro needling procedure is not painful. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes when performed by a professional. In some cases, micro needling is used in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments. The small punctures in the skin can help deliver nutrients or other skin treatments like platelet-rich plasma deeper into the skin.
How Quickly Is Collagen Produced by Micro Needling?
The benefits of micro needling are realized by the collagen and elastin produced to “heal” the wounds to the skin. Even though you cannot see the wounds, the same process occurs as when you scratch or burn your skin. The body begins the skin repair process to restore the skin. While an actual wound needs new skin tissue to repair the damaged skin, micro needling does not lacerate or damage the skin. The extra collagen tissue that is created in the days and weeks after a micro needling session adds new skin cells and thickness to the skin. This can improve the firmness, texture and tone in the following weeks.
Frequency of Micro Needling Treatments
When answering the question “How long does it take to see results from micro needling,” you have to consider what is meant by results. The skin begins producing collagen, elastin and tissue immediately to repair the skin, but the full effects can take four or more weeks to be noticeable. While the skin may be improved, the scars, wrinkles, lines or pigment issues can still be present. Additional micro needling treatments are needed to obtain the desired results.
In most cases, micro needling can be performed about every 4-6 weeks. Each session will stimulate collagen production and skin repair. Over several months, scars can fade, wrinkles/lines can be diminished and tone/texture may improve. Scars can be permanently improved, but maintaining the tone and texture accomplished with micro needling may require ongoing treatments.
Improved Results with Professional Micro Needling
There are many micro needling pens and rollers that can be used at home, but these are not the same as the devices used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other medical skin professionals. Micro needling devices made for home use will use needles less than 1 mm in length for safety. Medical professionals can use professional micro needling devices that can penetrate the skin deeper for more profound results. The results of a micro needling session with a medical professional can occur faster and each session may produce more collagen and improvements to the skin tone and texture.
Not only will you see quicker and more dramatic results from professional micro needling treatments, it is safer for your skin. Certain skin conditions like active acne, rosacea and eczema do not respond well to micro needling – a medical professional can determine whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for your skin and perform it safely to avoid skin infections.
So, how ling does it take to see results from micro needling? You may notice a slight difference in the softness and texture of your skin in just a few days, but most results are noticeable in about four or more weeks. To learn more about micro needling and the benefits, talk to a medical skin specialist.
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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