Is your skin looking dull and tired? Are blemishes, scars, and spots bothering you? Perhaps you can even see fine lines emerging? The answer to all of these concerns may be microneedling, an incredible minimally-invasive treatment that can offer striking skin rejuvenation and have you feeling gorgeous and glowing in a few simple sessions. And now there’s RF microneedling, which can elevate your treatment even further. To learn more about this astounding treatment, offered here at Manuel Gigena Plastic Surgery, read on.
Microneedling and RF Mirconeedling: Everything You Need To Know
What Is Microneedling?
This is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, which results in the production of new collagen, elastin, and skin cells. It is a versatile treatment that can be customized to address many different concerns, including improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, burst blood vessels, rosacea, large pores, sun damage, and other textural irregularities on the skin.
What Is RF Microneedling?
This treatment works similarly, but combines the elements of radiofrequency energy and traditional microneedling. The radiofrequency energy is delivered via the needles to the skin, which helps to stimulate collagen production and offers skin tightening, scar reduction, and wrinkle reduction. The amount of radiofrequency energy used can be adjusted to suit certain skin conditions or areas of the body, and the depth of its application can also be adjusted. The treatment is typically done in a series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Many patients prefer this treatment as it provides an extra way to stimulate the production of collagen and may make the treatment more effective. Some patients find that the results from this kind of treatment are more dramatic and last longer. You also may need fewer sessions to see results. Ultimately, both treatments can offer brighter, smoother skin with fewer blemishes and lines, so choosing between the two will come down to factors like cost and time.
What Happens During a Treatment?
Before
This process generally starts with a consultation with your dermatologist or esthetician here at Manuel Gigena Plastic Surgery. During this initial meeting, we will discuss your skin concerns and go over any questions or concerns you may have about the treatment. We’ll also look over your medical history to ensure you are a healthy candidate. We’ll then work together to decide what kind of treatment will work best for you and your lifestyle – RF, or standard?
Your Appointment
Once we have identified the treatment areas, we will cleanse and prepare the area by using a numbing cream or other solution to minimize your discomfort during the treatment. Once this is done, we will begin the process by passing a small device that contains tiny needles over the surface of your skin. The needles puncture the skin and create small, invisible wounds that stimulate the body’s natural healing process. If you’re using RF, these needles will deliver RF energy to the skin.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. If we’re performing a standard microneedling treatment, we will use something called Meso-glide serum on your face, which is a serum specially designed for this treatment. It helps with acne and hyperpigmentation, and the needles allow it to be absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin for maximum effectiveness. After both treatments, we will apply a soothing ointment or cream to the treated area.
Is There Downtime Needed Afterward?
These treatments do not typically require downtime, which is another reason why patients love them. We may advise that you stay out of harsh sunlight or high temperatures for a few days afterward, just to help your skin heal as quickly as possible. We may also recommend that you use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer at home to help keep your skin hydrated and promote healing. Other than that, you’ll be able to carry on with life as usual, returning to errands or work right after your appointment.
Why Does My Skin Look Dull, Tired, and Wrinkled?
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our bodies slows down. These proteins are responsible for keeping our skin firm, plump, and youthful-looking. Without them, the skin becomes thinner and saggier, folding in on itself to create lines and wrinkles and generally look more coarse. This happens with time, but can be sped up by things like genetics, sun damage, excessive smoking and drinking, air pollution, weight fluctuation, or a poor diet. These things also make the skin look dull and worn out.
To combat these effects and keep your skin looking its best, it’s important to follow a skincare routine that focuses on boosting collagen production and preventing dryness. This might include using skin care products that contain ingredients such as retinol, which can help to increase collagen production, or hyaluronic acid, which can help to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Additionally, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause photoaging and accelerate skin aging, by wearing sunscreen every day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for These Treatments?
These treatments can be performed on patients of all skin types. Even though people commonly lose collagen and elastin as they get older, this treatment addresses so many other concerns that there’s no one “right age” that candidates should be if they’re interested. Some health conditions may make you ineligible for treatment, but if this is the case, we will happily suggest some alternative treatments instead.
Enjoy Easy, Effective Skin Renewal
These treatments are safe and effective ways to improve the appearance of your skin, and won’t demand any downtime of you afterward. When you’re using your body’s own healing processes to get results, and appointments are quick and easy, what’s not to love? With proper treatment from a qualified professional, you can expect to see noticeable results after just a few sessions.
