What is Microneedling?

It’s disappointing when a favorite over-the-counter skin care product loses its effectiveness, and signs of aging begin to accumulate. These irregularities can become uneven tone, texture issues, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and loosening skin. When the best of your skincare regimen can’t keep up, it might be time for more effective options, such as microneedling from Longwood Plastic Surgery.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), can do more for your skin than any retail-based collagen booster. This is because tiny, medical-grade needles penetrate your skin into the dermis at precise depths, creating a matrix of controlled injuries which jumpstart your skin’s healing response. When the needles reach the desired depth within your dermis, your skin triggers the body’s healing mechanism to replace damaged skin cells. 

Collagen, which is the skin’s most important support structure, creates a latticework of new fibers which firm up and support the new skin. This process improves your complexion from the inside out. Fine lines and wrinkles are erased, age spots and sun damage are reduced, enlarged pores shrink, and even acne scars are improved as they’re replaced cell by cell with new skin. Elastin production also improves, and when combined with LPS’s hyaluronic acid (HA) serum we apply to nourish and hydrate skin, your complexion regains the supple, hydrated youthful glow you’ve tried to preserve with your faithful skincare routine at home. 

There are no harsh chemicals or laser energy, and microneedling does not interfere with skin pigmentation, so it doesn’t matter what skin type you have. Microneedling can improve the skin of almost anyone. With repeated treatments—patients average 3-6 treatments to achieve their desired results—studies show a 400% increase in the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin. Microneedling isn’t reserved only for the face, either. It can be used on the backs of the hands and the upper chest and neck region to reduce texture concerns and sun damage that contribute to an aged appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Microneedling can be performed on patients with any skin color and type. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss all the ways in which microneedling can improve your skin’s condition and prevent the accumulation of the signs of age.

What is Microneedling Treatment Like?

At LPS, our patients’ comfort is our top priority, so we begin with topical anesthetic applied after a thorough cleanse of your skin. Once you’re comfortably numb, your LPS provider will create the controlled micro-channels in your skin using a microneedling pen with 12 ultra-fine sterile needles at the precise depth at which your skin will best respond. Then, HA serum is applied, allowing deeper infusion through the micro-channels so your skin is nourished and hydrated at a deeper level than without the microneedling. This plumps your skin to restore volume you may have lost to age and time. You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, and afterward, you’re free to return to your normal schedule. Some patients observe some social downtime, as the skin can be red and feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn.

What Results Can I Expect?

Microneedling shows both immediate visible improvement to your complexion as well as improvement over time as collagen and elastin ramp up in production. Within 2 weeks, your tone and texture is improved, your pores are smaller, and lines and wrinkles are diminished. After your final treatment, your skin continues to improve for weeks with firmer, touchably smooth, more youthful skin.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about microneedling? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.