A great smile and dazzling skin can do wonders for your confidence, not to mention help you radiate a more youthful appearance. Who wouldn’t want that, right? Yet, we all know that life doesn’t always provide a picture-perfect smile and smooth skin throughout one’s lifetime.
Fortunately, though, today, you can help your skin along by choosing to undergo a procedure known as Microneedling. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure may just be the solution you are looking for to alleviate anything from wrinkles and fine lines to sunspots and scarring.
Microneedling is an FDA-approved procedure that prompts an increase in the production of natural collagen in your body, leading to smoother, brighter-looking skin. The procedure itself also helps in the hydration process of the facial tissues, which will result in skin tone improvement and a decrease in various wrinkles and blemishes.
Here’s how the procedure works.
With the use of a pen-like device that contains tiny needles, the skin’s surface, or dermis layer, is slightly punctured. These tiny punctures cause the body to go into action, increasing collagen to assist in the healing process and resulting in the turnover of new facial skin cells.
You will usually require approximately three sessions for full effect, with each session lasting about two hours. Initially, the facial skin will appear slightly red and irritated, but this will recede normally within a day or two.
Who Can Benefit from Microneedling?
Anyone looking to rejuvenate their skin and add to their dazzling smile with a face that shines will benefit from Microneedling. It is especially beneficial for alleviating the following:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
- Large pores
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Trauma scars
- Stretch marks
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation
If you are experiencing any of these, Microneedling may be the right solution for you.
Is Microneedling Painful?
Now that you understand what Microneedling is and the many benefits it can provide, you may be hesitant because you’re unsure whether the procedure is painful or not. Many people, at the first mention of pins or needles, back away and miss out on a chance for better-looking skin.
So, one of the most crucial questions is whether or not Microneedling is painful.
In most instances, the resounding answer is no. While Microneedling procedures are not considered painful, they can, for many people, be slightly uncomfortable.
To help with this, approximately an hour prior to the session, you can expect to receive an application of a topical numbing anesthetic to the designated area.
During the session itself, you may feel something akin to a slight rubbing or scrapping, as if someone is moving a piece of sandpaper across your skin. Some patients, however, may feel a sharper type of discomfort.
Patients also sometimes report noticing a slightly sharper pain in certain areas of the face, such as at the hairline, jawline, or forehead. Otherwise, the numbing anesthetic serves its purpose well and ensures the procedure remains as pain-free as possible.
Ways to Minimize Any Potential Pain or Discomfort Prior To Microneedling
If you’re concerned that pain or discomfort will be too bothersome, consider the following ways you can help to potentially minimize that pain prior to your session:
- Avoid applying any products to your facial skin that may increase levels of sensitivity. (e.g., exfoliants, retinoids)
- Skip shaving, waxing, or using depilatories prior to your sessions, as these can often increase sensitivity.
- Avoid sun overexposure or any laser procedure, as these can also lead to sensitivity and even damage your skin.
What Happens After a Microneedling Procedure?
Following your session, applying saline pads or a gel face mask may be the next step before leaving the office. These can calm your irritated skin and reduce redness and any inflammation. You may also leave with a prescription for lotions or creams to assist with further healing.
You shouldn’t experience pain following the Microneedling procedure. However, there are several specific things you can do to help minimize it if you do or prevent it altogether. These include the following.
- Follow all post-procedural instructions issued after the procedure.
- Wash your face with gentle cleansers and lukewarm water only for the first 48-72 hours following the procedure.
- Apply any recommended or prescribed topical lotions or creams to help moisturize your skin and reduce the inflammation.
- Stay away from direct sunlight for 48 to 72 hours.
- Avoid applying makeup after the procedure for at least 48-72 hours. After that, be sure to use clean makeup sponges or brushes.
- Avoid using any harsh exfoliants or cleansers afterward, as these can cause more inflammation and also irritate your skin as it begins to naturally heal.
Depending on your skin and its healing speed, you should be able to return for your next session between two and six weeks.
Learn More About Aesthetics by Contacting Lifetime Dental Health Today
Ready to reveal your best skin and match that beautifully crafted smile? If so, Lifetime Dental Health is here to help you achieve your goals for obtaining smooth, healthy-looking skin that will make your smile shine!
Highly trained and certified in aesthetics, Dr. Love puts your safety and comfort foremost at all times. Schedule an informative consultation with her today by calling 614-333-8679 or by going online. Our team of professionals will ensure you understand the procedure and will answer all your questions concerning whether or not Microneedling is the right fit for you. Also, be sure to ask about our triple-session discount!
