Microneedling (MN) is also called percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) or collagen induction therapy. MN is medically recognized to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by increasing circulation to your skin and face as well as boost both collagen and elastin production in your skin.1 If you do a search for “MN and facial wrinkles” or “MN and anti-aging,” you’ll find hundreds of peer reviewed, scientific research papers and clinical studies on these topics.
How Does Microneedling Work?
For this process, I use what is called an electronic pen, with an oscillating sterile tip of 12 mini-needles. These tiny needles gently make very shallow (0.5 mm-1 mm) micro-penetrations to the topmost layer of your skin. Scientific research on this process has repeatedly shown that these micro conduits do NOT damage your skin or cause scarring.2 A number of studies indicate that these “micro-injuries” stimulate your body’s fibroblast cells in the dermis to ramp up the process of creating collagen and elastin.3 This is ideal because production of collagen and elastin decreases with age, thus contributing to facial wrinkles.
Microneedling is medically considered “non-ablative,”4 meaning that it does not peel off or heat up the epidermis (the topmost layer of your skin), which is what many currently available medical procedures do. These medical skin treatments, known as “ablative procedures,” include: chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and fillers.
Ablative treatments heat up the uppermost layers of the skin and partially remove the top layer of the epidermis in an effort to stimulate new skin growth. These can be viable choices for some people but they are generally associated with high price points and longer recovery times. The known risks of some of the ablative procedures described above include: papillary dermis fibrosis, pigmentation irregularities and worsening of scarring.5
“Experience has shown that injuring the deeper layers of the skin entails a risk of prolonged healing times, fibrosis of the papillary dermis, excessive scarring, increased photosensitivity & irregular pigmentation.” 6
The Oriental Medicine approach, which I practice, identifies your immune Qi (aka Wei Qi) that runs along the surface of your skin and protects your body from infections. This is regarded as a key player in a healthy immune system. Peeling the skin away and thus destroying your immune Qi can lead to hyperpigmentation, scarring, infections and compromised immunities.7
In addition to the many positive results of the Microneedling (MN) process, it allows for nutrients and hydration to pass into the dermal (deeper) level of your skin.8 You may have read that topical skin products, despite advertisement claims about them, generally do not pass through your skin to your dermis. This is true. The molecules that make up most cosmetic products are too large to penetrate the outermost level of our skin.
MN provides tiny passageways for purified Chinese herbal serums and hyaluronic acid, among other nutritional substances, to travel into to your dermis so your body has the ideal nutrients for skin rejuvenation. This results in your body using its own natural regenerative processes for skin remodeling so you look younger and more vibrant.
Microneedling Treatment and Recovery
Compared to other popular types of skin treatments, Microneedling creates minimal discomfort and minimal down time. If necessary, numbing cream can be used, however, I find that most patients do not need or request it. I do not use it for my own treatments, but please note that this is available in my clinic if you choose to use it.
After an MN treatment, patients experience a temporary redness similar to a mild sunburn and/or mild swelling. Redness and swelling generally clear within 12-24 hours or less. For comfort and speed in healing, following the treatment I apply an organic aloe mask to your face. I also gently massage chilled facial globes over your skin which reduces redness and warmth. For my own personal MN facial treatments, I find that the redness clears in less 12-24 hours, but of course this can vary from person to person.
Microneedling is used in the modern-day treatment of:
- Facial Rejuvenation
- Wrinkles
- Acne Vulgaris
- Scar Tissue
- Abnormal Pigmentation
- Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Microneedling Results
Microneedling is most effectively used once per month over 2, 4, or 6 months in conjunction with Nanoneedling and Cosmetic Acupuncture. It is important to keep in mind that Microneedling and its benefits are a process, not a one-time fix. It takes time for the stem cells of your body to start increasing their production of collagen and elastin. Clinical research notes that the greatest skin improvements are seen following 12-24 weeks of monthly Microneedling treatment.9 For optimal results it is best to also combine Microneedling with Nanoneedling and Cosmetic Acupuncture.
Clinical research notes that following a series of 6 Microneedling sessions for reduction of wrinkles and fine lines there is:
- Significantly increased levels of collagen Type I, III and VII
- Increased tropoelastin
- Increased dermal collagen with cumulative treatment
- Definitive skin improvement as seen in histologic (skin biopsy) tracking10
Services That My Clinic DOES NOT Provide:
No Chemical peels
No Use of any prescription medications during treatments
No Fractional Radiofrequency in conjunction with Microneedling
No Use of lasers in conjunction with Microneedling
As significant amounts of clinical research reflect, Microneedling is a valuable treatment option for anti-aging, wrinkles, acne scarred skin, and hair loss. The process has repeatedly been found to be safe, have high satisfaction rates, have only minimal adverse effects, and is economical. Please see my additional web pages and blogs pertaining to Microneedling and Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT). You’ll find about new findings regularly at KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.
