It’s totally normal to feel a little queasy about needles, especially when they’re designed to be used on the delicate parts of your face. However, when it comes to microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure that employs a fractional micro-needle device, even the most prick averse clients will be on board once they witness its results.
The treatment, also known as collagen induction therapy, creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process while minimizing cellular damage. Since it promotes collagen production and rejuvenates skin, it’s an ideal solution for anyone struggling with acne or post-surgical scars, fine lines or wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven texture, and pore size on their face or body.
Interested in learning more about how microneedling can yield results both immediately and in the long run? NewBeauty sat down with Yaicha Tinker, Master Esthetician at Yarrow Bay Plastic Surgery in Seattle, Washington to get her expert take on why you should consider booking this skin therapy sooner rather than later.
NewBeauty: Tell me about Yarrow Bay Plastic Surgery’s approach to mircroneedling. Is there anything that makes your services unique?
Yaicha Tinker: Our consultations with patients are exceptionally detailed, including education about the procedure, expectations, as well as establishing a customized plan. A lot of time is spent with each patient to develop individualized treatments. I approach each client and their skin individually, because it’s important for me to consider their treatment goals, lifestyle, age, and expectations to create a plan that fits them personally.
NB: What are some specific techniques you use?
Tinker: I use the Skin Pen, the first FDA-cleared class 2 device on the market. The Skin Pen provides state of the art technology while maintaining high standards of sanitation, safety and effectiveness. Prior to each treatment, the patient is numbed with a customized compounded numbing cream, ensuring a comfortable treatment. My focus is to tailor each treatment to achieve maximum results while providing minimal downtime. A customized skin care kit is included with each treatment series. All our medical-grade skin care products support the rejuvenation process and help maintain the long-term benefits of microneedling.
NB: Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Tinker: The beauty of microneedling is that it can be used on almost any age, color, and type of skin! Microneedling uses non-thermal, fractionated technology to boost skin rejuvenation. It can be used for a wide range of patients, including those with darker skin types. It treats a broad range of concerns from acne and post-surgical scars to fine lines and wrinkles and unlike heat-based treatment modalities, there are no strict guidelines for post-treatment sun avoidance.
NB: How should you prep before your first appointment?
Tinker: You will be asked to limit sun exposure and discontinue use of exfoliating products (like Retin A, Retinols, and vitamin A creams) and other topic medications for three to five days before your treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil should also be avoided as well. These agents interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for good results and responsible for skin rejuvenation. Properly preparing skin for the procedure will ensure optimum results. Also keep in mind that microneedling is typically done in a series of three or more treatments, four to six weeks apart.
NB: What’s the proper post-treatment care?
Tinker: After a treatment, the area feels and looks like a moderate sunburn for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Some people experience dryness or soft peeling a few days later, but that’s a good indication of cell turnover and new skin production. During this immediate post-procedure time, it is very important to keep the skin hydrated. We have our patients use a product called Rescue, a soothing complex that provides hydration and antioxidant protection. Makeup may be worn twenty-four hours post-procedure and sunscreen is to be continued daily.
NB: What should consumers know about at-home microneedling tools in terms of their safety and effectiveness?
Tinker: While at-home microneedling may seem like an inexpensive alternative, they are less powerful and less safe alternative to professional microneedling. One of the biggest differences between a professional device like the Skin Pen and an at-home device are the needles: At-home device needles are typically less than 1mm in length, while professional microneedling devices often use needles between 1mm to 3mm. Secondly, professional devices have adjustable needles that allow for a specific control of the needle depth. The longer needles used in professional treatments can create more rigorous, controlled wounding and provide more noticeable results. At-home devices can also create superficial tears in the skin, and if not properly sanitized,may lead to an infection and even permanent scarring with improper use.
NB: Is there anything additional readers should be aware of before investing in a microneedling treatment?
Tinker: Patience! Microneedling is not a quick fix, since it utilizes the body’s own natural healing process to grow new skin. It can take several months for full results to become apparent; however, subtle changes can be seen throughout the treatment course. Microneedling has become one of our most popular procedures because it targets long-term rejuvenation results with minimal downtime – making it a Gold Star treatment within the aesthetic world.
