Microneedling devices come in many forms, including manual dermarollers, fixed-needle rollers, and electric-powered “dermapens” or “micropens” (where needles are distributed on a vibrating tip). Ours is a fully adjustable device that uses sterile, single-use cartridges that provide a needle length ranging from 0.1 – 2.0mm over various speeds to ensure a balance of comfort and efficacy. It also has the added benefits of LED light therapy covering a variety of different wavelengths to speed up the healing process. The benefits from these lights include promoting cell regeneration, stimulating collagen production, healing scar tissue, reducing redness and uneven pigmentation, promoting lymphatic drainage, as well as being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

The procedure area will require the application of a topical anesthetic (typically containing 4% lidocaine) which can also be applied up to 45 minutes beforehand. Microneedling the entire face should not take more than 15 minutes whereas Skin Needling can take more than twice as long depending on the specific areas that require attention. However the entire length of the procedure also includes the full skin-prepping and post-treatment protocols to soothe and calm the skin.

Skin Needling’s ability to focus on each particularly noticeable line or scar such as deep wrinkles, hypertropic scars and atrophic scars as well as pigmentation abnormalities using devices that can hold targeted needle configurations is what sets it apart from regular microneedling. Like professional in-office microneedling treatments, Skin Needling is performed using the most technologically researched devices that comes with sterile, single-use needles. Alternating both microneedling and skin needling treatments at regular intervals work well to offer enhanced results, especially in conjunction with a proper home care regimen. 

Certain skin problems require procedures that offer visible and lasting results. Microneedling and Skin Needling are both safe and effective ways to stimulate the skin’s own natural collagen production to help substantially address issues such as scars, lines and wrinkles, sun damage, large pores, uneven pigmentation. The treatments require little to no downtime, and yet the results can be immediate and gradually ongoing. They are an effective alternative to more invasive, painful and much more costly skin resurfacing procedures.

It’s very likely that you will see and feel immediately visible results. It is also important to give the body enough time and proper daily care to repair the skin as a result of the treatment. As long as you remain in good health, long term results will begin to show and take hold in a gradual manner, such as a few weeks following the procedure as well as after the succeeding sessions. (A typical recommendation is a series of four treatments performed 4-6 weeks apart.) Thereafter a yearly or semi-annual touch-up or booster treatment will help maintain the results.

The ideal candidates for these procedures are those in good health and without any history of allergies to common medications. While these treatments are generally considered safe and effective for all skin types, they are always contraindicated for skin that is sunburned, has open lesions, has a propensity to keloid, or have recently had radiation therapy. You should skip this procedure if you are pregnant. It is also not recommended for people with skin diseases including eczema and psoriasis.

Every facial treatment begins with an assessment of your areas of concern, answering any questions about how to best care for your skin with the least amount of maintenance, and discussing a treatment plan that works best for you. 

Microneedling creates microscopic punctures or micro-channels in the skin which signals its wound-healing response which then creates structural benefits in the skin and an improvement in cosmetic appearance. Initially for the first 24-48 hours, the skin may feel warm and tight and look a bit flushed. Once the skin normalizes the benefits of the injury becomes apparent over the next few weeks and months.

Any kind of skin needling is contraindicated for skin that is irritated, infected (including fungal skin infections), has active rosacea, psoriasis, severe solar keratosis, skin cancer, raised moles and/or warts, and/or any open wounds or sores. While it may also not be desirable to microneedle skin that has active acne and eczema, these conditions can also be improved with microneedling due to normalization of keratinocyte function and reduction of hyperkeratinization. Any skin condition can experience an adverse effect with microneedling if products with known problematic ingredients such as certain preservatives, acids, fragrance, dyes, surfactants, emollients, humectants, and UV filters are applied afterwards.

When performed properly, microneedling treatments are considered very safe, cost-effective, and well tolerated by most skin types, including darker skin. Side effects, if any, are seldom and temporary such as redness, burning/stinging, dryness, flaking, track marks, and breakouts. Exceedingly rare adverse reactions involve swelling, rash, bruising, cold sores, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and cellulitis. Proper skin history screening and post procedure home care is vital to minimizing any undesirable effects of microneedling. Complications that can occur when this procedure is not performed under the right conditions can include secondary bacterial infection, allergic reactions, scarring, granulomas, and skin discoloration.

When performed properly, microneedling treatments are considered very safe, cost-effective, and well tolerated by most skin types, including darker skin. Side effects, if any, are seldom and temporary such as redness, burning/stinging, dryness, flaking, track marks, and breakouts. Exceedingly rare adverse reactions involve swelling, rash, bruising, cold sores, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and cellulitis. Proper skin history screening and post procedure home care is vital to minimizing any undesirable effects of microneedling. Complications that can occur when this procedure is not performed under the right conditions can include secondary bacterial infection, allergic reactions, scarring, granulomas, and skin discoloration.

The results of microneedling is incremental and cumulative. Within several days to several weeks you may notice a smoother, brighter, and more radiant appearance, but the full effects of your treatment typically does not appear until several months later. Part of the process of collagen formation includes developing cross-links between peptide chains or between collagen molecules. Those cross-links are what gives the collagen its strength, and this process can last anywhere from 20 days to up to 2 years after the tissue injury from microneedling.

Recovery after a procedure depends on the intensity of the treatment, including the length of the needles used. The skin is expected to look pink or red in appearance immediately afterwards and may last for the next 24 to 48 hours, feeling much like a sunburn.

Microneedling and Botox injections can be seen as complementary procedures as they use different mechanisms to target the same lines and wrinkles. Botox works to smooth the skin by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause the lines and wrinkles created from frequent squinting or furrowing of the brows, whereas microneedling treats the actual skin itself by improving its health and integrity from below the surface. Microneedling further complements Botox treatments by creating healthier skin that can better withstand the risk of bruising, discoloration, and injury as well as decrease healing time from both procedures, whereas Botox can prolong the results of microneedling by inhibiting the cause of certain lines and wrinkles. While these procedures are complementary, they nevertheless should be done at least 2 weeks apart from each other.

A topical Vitamin C in a stable form, along with other active ingredients such as peptides, growth factors, and hyaluronic acid, can greatly maximize benefits to the skin when applied after any skin needling procedure. Vitamin C plays a specific role in increasing collagen formation so it is an ideal anti-aging ingredient.

In general, skin can be safely treated every 21-28 days. However, depending on the specific condition there is an ideal timing or frequency with which the skin should be treated. In general, for anti-aging microneedling can be performed every 28 days, while some types of scars respond best to treatments either on a more frequent schedule and other types of scars will do better on a more spaced out schedule. A minimum of 3 to 6 treatments are recommended depending on the severity of the condition  or degree of improvement desired. Response will also be highly individual and there is no way to predict who will respond best or how long it will take.

Microneedling is fast becoming one of the most popular treatments in the cosmetic industry. This collagen-boosting therapy uses a device called a microneedling machine that punctures the skin with controlled wounding. The microscopic injuries stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin and the formation of new tissue. This can reduce the appearance of old scars, wrinkles, and fine lines and can make skin appear plumper and more youthful.

For all the benefits this treatment provides, it’s no wonder people are curious to try it. Unlike lasers and tattooing, a dermaroller (a personal use, at-home device) can look like an approachable instrument, which is why many people have taken to trying it at home. You can purchase a dermaroller online or in many beauty supply stores for just a fraction of the cost of professional treatment—but is that the best option for your skin?

Let’s explore the benefits of professional microneedling versus DIY microneedling.

Professional microneedling is safer.

Whenever you are puncturing the skin, you introduce the chance for bacteria to invade the wound. Incorrect microneedling can create the perfect environment for dangerous bacteria to enter your dermis. This can lead to unsightly swelling, infection, and even scarring. While we would like to think that we would all perform our at-home microneedling routine with the utmost care and cleanliness, the simple fact is that most people don’t have the means or time to create a sterile environment to microneedle.

In a professional environment, medical grade devices are made to be used with single-use pre-sterilized needle cartridges to minimize any risk of infection, and the skin is carefully cleansed and protected to make sure no harmful bacteria have a chance to get in the wound. We also have tried and tested aftercare processes to make sure you get the most benefit from the treatment.

Dermarollers, on the other hand, cannot have their needles replaced. That means the needles often become dull or are used for too long, increasing the risk of damaging the skin.

Our topical treatments give you more benefits.

On top of our aftercare tips, we also introduce medical grade serums to our microneedling sessions. Things like customized peptides, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, and other growth factor topicals will be applied to cleansed skin during and after the procedure. As we microneedle the skin, the products can enter the dermis and have the most effect. Professional microneedling also focuses on proper preparation of the skin. This includes thorough professional cleansing and exfoliation prior the procedure. This, combined with our customized peptides, gives you the best results possible.

While you can purchase a hyaluronic acid or other serum for at-home use, it’s vital to remember that some home care products are strictly for topical use only and should not be used with microneedling.

You won’t have to perform multiple sessions.

It’s suggested that practisers of DIY microneedling perform the procedure three to five times a week. This is because the needle lengths on consumer dermarollers are significantly shorter, thus making them less effective. Our professional dermarollers are 1mm to 3mm in length, while the DIY versions are usually under less than 1mm in length. What this means for you is that a single, professional microneedling session is typically good for 3 to 6 months (depending on the concern being treated).

It’s less stressful

Microneedling isn’t as simple as just rolling a device over your skin and waiting for the positive results to happen. It’s a delicate procedure that requires a deft touch. You need to know how hard to press, and how often — the best directions to roll in and what type of needles you should use. You also need to keep in mind the amount of time you can use your needles before they become dull (and dangerous), and the quality of materials you’re using. Add in the concern over cleanliness and the risk of infection and that quick, DIY fix doesn’t look that ideal anymore.

While we’re all for introducing new elements to your skincare routine, when it comes to invasive procedures, we recommend that any procedure that punctures the skin with needles for aesthetic purposes are left to the hands of professionals. Not only will your results be more consistent, but they will also be safer and will benefit from someone with experience performing and perfecting their skills.

When you visit us at JuvEssentials, you’ll get to lie down and relax and know that your skin is being cared for with time-tested devices, medical-grade products, and years of experience.

Want to learn more about what microneedling can do you for your skin?

Schedule a Consultation Today.

JuvEssentials provides a wide range of professional cosmetic tattooing solutions located in San Francisco, CA. We pride ourselves on delivering service of an exceptional standard from the initial consultation to the after care stage and beyond. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help with your needs.