It seems that in our society, some of the trendy and more “fashionable” beauty procedures
have been reserved to the likes of “those” girls. You know which ones I’m talking about.
They are a rare breed that some may even deem superhuman. The ones who sashay
around in sky-high heels smiling as the blisters form and miraculously pushing thru the pain
that we all know is living in those stilettos. They have been referred to as the “clackers” by
Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada because of the noise their shoes make when they
walk; and with every stride they are seemingly whispering to us “suck it up mortals…beauty
is pain”. But I ask you: Is it only “those” girls who deserve the right to try these crazy and
outlandish procedures? Why not the hardworking mom who has traded her Louboutin’s for
yoga pants? She should definitely feel like she can try any and everything the beauty world
has to offer. Which brings me to my next question-does it always have to be painful to
achieve certain standards of beauty?
The name of the game: Microneedling.
The players: A licensed professional, a tool containing a cluster of 9-12 needles, and a
patient who has researched the before & after images of the procedure and cannot deny the
treatments effectiveness.
Based solely on its name, microneedling can instantly sound intimidating, but in reality, it’s
one of the least invasive methods of skin rejuvenation to date. The theory behind the
process is basically to trick the body into thinking it has been wounded, and as a
result, thickening of the skin and improving its texture. Collagen induction therapy is nothing new,
and has been used for decades in Europe in various forms. Each needle puncture creates a
trigger that fills the microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. The
procedure improves skin texture & firmness, reduces scars/pore size and stretch marks.
Amazingly, there is no tissue destruction throughout the process. The holes in the epidermis
close very quickly and the skin begins a healing response right away. There is usually a
small amount of bleeding that stops immediately. Because the epidermis remains intact,
microneedling can be repeated safely and is also suited for regions where laser treatments
and deep peels are not typically performed. The procedure is NOT the same as the
“Vampire Facial” (which uses growth factors from your own blood and is highly
recommended for advanced signs of aging.) Although microneedling is an extremely safe treatment when performed by a medical esthetician, nurse, or physician, there are also a myriad of home microneedling devices specifically designed for consumer use which have been deemed “safe.” Microneedling performed by a pro is like working out with a trainer, whereas using home dermarollers are like working out alone at the gym. At home variations of microneedling pens are specifically designed with fine, short, needles that can be used 2-3x per week to reduce pore size, oil production, fine lines, and ultimately enhance delivery and effectiveness of topical agents.
Although the treatment can diminish the appearance of acne scars, the procedure is not recommended for active acne sufferers. The needles can inadvertently spread bacteria to unaffected areas causing more breakouts. Microneedling isn’t exclusive to just the face anymore. The procedure and its effectiveness have more recently been generating irrefutable results on the neck, chest and buttocks. Patients have said that the experience is more like a sandpaper sensation vs. actual needles to the skin. Much like other semi-painful beauty pursuits, the endgame completely pays off. So if you can handle some prickly therapy to help combat acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks…you totally should!
