Microneedling
Achieving a brighter, smoother and more youthful-looking complexion is a goal for many men and women. Microneedling with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be one of the best options to get the younger-looking skin you want without extensive downtime or surgery, and the results continue to gradually improve over many weeks.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny microneedles to create microchannels within your skin. This process triggers renewal in the skin near the treatment area, boosting collagen and elastin production.
At Sarasota Facial Aesthetics in Southwest Florida, we offer three microneedling options:
- Rejuvapen® — The Rejuvapen MicroPen uses 12 microneedles to trigger the collagen induction process. This treatment can achieve excellent results on its own, or it can be combined with PRP for enhanced results.
- Rejuvapen MicroPen + PRP — Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentration of platelets in your blood that are crucial to wound healing. When applied to the skin in conjunction with microneedling, PRP can expedite the skin’s repair process, as well as enhance collagen production.
- Morpheus8 RF Microneedling — The Morpheus8 RF Microneedling is the newest generation of radiofrequency microneedling and is FDA cleared for your safety. This minimally-invasive treatment stimulates the natural production of collagen and is shown to be effective in alleviating facial wrinkles, fine lines, and tightening and toning the face and neck.
Which Microneedling Option Is Right for Me?
With three microneedling options available, choosing the right one comes down to your skin concerns, your goals and how much downtime you’re comfortable with. Our team will always help you make this decision during your consultation, but here’s a general guide to get you started.
Rejuvapen is a great starting point for men and women who want to improve mild fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores or an overall dull complexion. It’s a gentle, effective way to kickstart your skin’s natural collagen production without significant downtime.
Rejuvapen + PRP builds on standard microneedling by adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood, which is rich in growth factors that accelerate healing and enhance collagen and elastin production. This option is ideal if you’re dealing with acne scarring, sun damage or you simply want to maximize your results and get an extra glow from the treatment.
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to reach deeper layers of the skin, making it the best choice for men and women concerned with skin laxity, deeper wrinkles or mild sagging. Because it treats a deeper layer of tissue, Morpheus8 is often recommended for those looking for more noticeable skin tightening in addition to texture improvement.
If you’re not sure which option fits your goals, our providers are happy to walk you through your options and build a treatment plan tailored to your skin.
Microneedling at Sarasota Facial Aesthetics
The highly skilled and experienced team of skin care professionals here at Sarasota Facial Aesthetics proudly offers women and men in Southwestern Florida and beyond the most advanced anti-aging treatments like microneedling and PRP therapy in our state-of-the-art facility.
If you are interested in learning more about us or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our highly trained professionals, please feel free to contact us online or call our Sarasota office at 941-955-8384.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response and stimulating new collagen and elastin production. The result is smoother, firmer and more radiant skin using your body’s own regenerative process, with little to no downtime. Benefits of microneedling include:
- Softer fine lines and wrinkles
- More even skin tone and texture
- Reduced appearance of acne scars and other scarring
- Minimized pore size
- Improved sun damage and hyperpigmentation
- A natural, healthy glow
- Safe and effective for most skin types and tones
- Minimal downtime compared to more invasive treatments
Because microneedling works with your body’s own healing process, results continue to improve for weeks after treatment, and a series of sessions can build on itself for even more dramatic, long-lasting improvement.
Areas of Treatment
Microneedling primarily addresses skin imperfections on the face and neck and is commonly used to treat cosmetic concerns like:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Stretch marks
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Photoaging and sun damage
- Moderate skin laxity
Am I a Candidate?
You could be a great candidate for microneedling with or without PRP if you are looking to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and other skin blemishes with a minimally-invasive procedure.
Let your provider know if you are currently taking blood-thinning medications or are diabetic, as microneedling may not be the best solution for you.
How Microneedling Works
Your microneedling procedure will begin by cleansing and numbing your skin. The handheld MicroPen device will then be used to create very small microchannels within your skin, triggering its natural healing process. This typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
If you choose to include PRP with your microneedling procedure, a small blood sample will be drawn, and the PRP is separated from the other components. The PRP is then topically applied to your skin immediately following your microneedling procedure. The microchannels created by microneedling provide direct pathways to the deeper layers of skin for optimal wound healing and final results.
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What to Expect after Microneedling
Immediately after your treatment, your skin will likely appear flushed, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn, and may feel warm or sensitive to the touch. Some people notice tiny areas of pinpoint bleeding, which is a normal response to the micro-channels created during treatment. Any redness and mild swelling typically settles within 1 to 3 days.
In the days following your appointment, keep your skin clean and well moisturized, and avoid makeup, retinoids, exfoliants and other harsh skincare products until your provider gives you the go-ahead. Sun exposure should be avoided, and a gentle, broad-spectrum SPF is essential once your skin has calmed down. We also recommend holding off on strenuous exercise or excessive sweating for 2 to 3 days to give your skin time to heal.
As your skin recovers, you may notice mild dryness or light flaking, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Results
Most people notice an immediate glow right after their microneedling treatment, but the real transformation happens over the following weeks as your skin rebuilds itself from within. As new collagen and elastin form, you’ll see gradual improvement in fine lines, texture, tone and the appearance of scars, with visible results typically developing around 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.
Results continue to develop for up to 6 months, since collagen production is a gradual process rather than an overnight change. This means your skin keeps looking better with time, not just right after your appointment. For many people, we recommend a series of treatments to build on these results, producing smoother, firmer and more even-toned skin that continues to improve well beyond your last session.
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Microneedling FAQ
How much does microneedling cost?
The average cost of microneedling can be anywhere from $200 to $700 per session, depending on a number of factors like your location, the experience level of your provider and your specific needs and goals.
How often do you need to get microneedling treatments?
Generally speaking, most people see the best results after a series of about three microneedling treatments, each spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
How do I prep my skin before my microneedling appointment?
Several days before your microneedling appointment, do not use skincare ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliants or certain acne medications that can increase your skin’s sensitivity and avoid waxing or using hair removal creams on the treatment area. You should also avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunburn and laser/IPL treatments 1 to 2 weeks before microneedling.
On the day of your microneedling appointment, arrive with a clean face and do not apply any products or cosmetics to your skin, including sunscreen and moisturizers.
What’s the best age to start microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling works by promoting collagen and natural cell renewal. Because we begin to produce less collagen in our 20s and 30s, this is an excellent time to begin microneedling for preventative and skin rejuvenating benefits. However, microneedling can also be an effective anti-aging treatment for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond.
How do I find the best microneedling provider near me?
Microneedling should always be performed by a properly trained and certified professional in a sterile, medical setting. Find a reputable microneedling provider near you by verifying medical credentials online, reading online reviews and looking at before and after photos. Schedule a consultation to help you finalize your decision and ensure that microneedling is right for you.
Is microneedling or microneedling with PRP best for me?
The best microneedling technique for you will depend on your specific skin concerns and goals, as well as the severity of wrinkles, sun damage, scarring or other concerns. Adding PRP to your microneedling treatment typically helps to enhance your results even further.
Does microneedling hurt?
A topical numbing cream is applied to your skin prior to your microneedling treatment, so you shouldn’t feel pain during your procedure. Some people liken the feeling immediately after microneedling to a mild sunburn.
How do I care for my skin after microneedling?
For the first few days after your microneedling treatment, avoid using any topical products that have not been cleared by your provider, such as retinoids, exfoliants and antioxidant serums. Discuss the proper cleansers and moisturizers to use after microneedling with your provider. It is very important that you keep your skin clean while it heals and repairs. You will also need to keep your skin protected from the sun, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and wearing sunscreen when outdoors.
Is there downtime after microneedling with PRP?
No, there is no formal downtime to be expected after microneedling with or without PRP. While you can return to work and other daily activities as soon as the next day if you wish, you will need to take special care of your skin for several days after your microneedling appointment to aid in the healing and self-repair process. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 to 3 days after microneedling.
How long do microneedling results last?
Generally speaking, microneedling results on their own last anywhere from 3 to 5 months. However, adding PRP to your microneedling treatment may help to prolong those results.
How can I make my microneedling results last longer?
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that help to slow collagen loss can help to prolong the anti-aging benefits of your microneedling treatment. This includes eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, wearing daily sunscreen, avoiding deliberate tanning, drinking plenty of water, managing stress, getting adequate sleep and not smoking or using tobacco.
Additionally, including PRP with your microneedling treatment may help to make it more effective and last longer.