Microneedling in San Diego
If you have been keeping up with the latest trends in cosmetic medicine, you have almost certainly heard of microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy. This revolutionary, non-surgical treatment can improve scarring and hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles. How does microneedling work to create such remarkable changes in your skin, and what should you expect to see after your procedure?
Eros Beauty and Wellness is proud to offer microneedling as one of our anti-aging solutions for improving the appearance, texture, and resilience of your skin. If you would like to learn more about microneedling, call 619-481-4651 today to book your appointment.
What Is Microneedling?
At Eros Beauty and Wellness, we have invested in the most cutting-edge technology to provide our patients with the greatest possible safety, comfort, and outstanding outcomes. Microneedling makes use of tiny needles to create minuscule perforations in the top layer of one’s skin. In response to these microscopic needles, one’s body activates its natural healing processes, creating new collagen and elastin, the two “building block” proteins in healthy, youthful skin.
Microneedling is a fractional treatment, which means it only affects small portions of the skin at a time, leaving the skin surrounding each tiny perforation unharmed. This fractional approach allows for rapid healing and a shorter recovery time than many other treatments.
Microneedling triggers a reaction known as neocollagenesis, a process that inspires the treatment’s alternative name, Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). Microneedling treatments produce outstanding outcomes comparable to those of laser procedures, but manage to avoid the uncomfortable side effects and lengthy recovery times associated with laser treatments.
5 Ways Microneedling Can Change Your Skin for the Better
Among other things, microneedling is heavily sought-after because of its versatility– microneedling is able to address multiple cosmetic concerns simultaneously. Here are some common complaints that one can expect microneedling to greatly improve.
1. Texture and Firmness
As we age, our skin becomes loose and begins to sag, especially in the mid-face and along the jawline. You can reverse some of this volume loss with dermal fillers, but such procedures are limited in how greatly they can improve the overall texture of one’s skin. Thanks to microneedling’s process of neocollagenesis, many of the most prominent effects of aging can be reversed, creating more youthful-looking skin as elastin and collagen are produced over the next few months.
2. Stretch Marks
Whether your stretch marks are a legacy of your pregnancy, weight gain, or something else, you have probably tried a range of topical treatments to help them fade away with little to no results. Many of our patients turn to microneedling to help them feel more comfortable revealing, and proud of their skin.
3. Scarring
Scars from acne and other causes can be a pain to have, and it is difficult to hide such scarring with makeup and expensive creams, both of which can have disappointing outcomes. By stimulating the skin with microneedling, the subsequent increase in collagen production breaks down scar tissue and leads to smoother, healthier skin.
4. Uneven Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage are enough to make anyone self-conscious about the way they look. Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for all of the aforementioned treatments, and is perfect for all skin types and tones. This treatment helps restore the upper layer of one’s skin, making it more resilient, and restoring the skin’s naturally even texture and shade.
5. Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a predictable byproduct of aging, and are influenced by a variety of lifestyle factors. As one ages, the body produces less collagen and elastin, causing one’s skin to become gradually thinner. Microneedling reverses this devitalization, giving your skin a smoother, fuller, and generally more resilient appearance. Another positive effect of microneedling is its influence on other cosmetic products and topical treatments. In the days following the procedure, one’s regular creams and moisturizers will be far more effective at delivering their hydrating ingredients– a result of the microscopic perforations in your epidermis.
Are You a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a low-maintenance, minimally-invasive procedure, meaning that nearly any healthy adult likely meets the criteria for receiving this treatment. Microneedling is ideal for people who are concerned about:
- Fine lines, moderate wrinkles, and dull or uneven skin tone
- Moderate skin laxity
- Depressed acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Scars from injury or surgery
- Sun damage
Dr. Eros does not recommend microneedling for people with a history of eczema, psoriasis, and other serious skin conditions. Immunosuppressed individuals or women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid microneedling treatments. During your private consultation, Dr. Eros can evaluate your skin, ask you questions about your health, and recommend alternative treatment options if microneedling is not the right treatment for you.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
For best results, arrive at our clinic with a clean, makeup-free face, 40 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Our skilled practitioners will apply a topical, numbing cream before beginning your treatment to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
After the microneedling treatment, your skin may feel tight and experience some slightly warm and sensitive redness, similar to a very mild sunburn. These side effects typically persist for 1 to 3 days following treatment. During this time, use a gentle skin cleanser and moisturizer, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from swimming and strenuous exercise.
Three to five days after your microneedling procedure, you will likely experience some mild skin flaking. This phenomenon results from increased cell turnover, and is absolutely no cause for concern. Avoid scratching or picking at your skin, but instead apply extra moisturizer to combat any dryness. If you feel self-conscious about the procedure’s temporary side-effects, the skin peeling and redness can be easily masked with makeup.
Within 2 to 4 weeks you will begin to notice an improvement in the tone and texture of your skin. It is not uncommon for these results to progress for up to six months as increased collagen production continues, after which you are always welcome to return for follow-up treatments. For the greatest results, Dr. Eros suggests receiving the microneedling treatment in a series of sessions.
Change Your Skin for the Better
By choosing to receive a microneedling treatment at Eros Beauty and Wellness, you can easily reverse many of your most prominent skin concerns with minimal discomfort, negligible recovery time, and manageable side effects. Dr. Eros is a board-certified physician offering many of today’s most popular aesthetic anti-aging treatments, including laser procedures, aesthetic medicine, body contouring, and weight management. To learn more about how microneedling can benefit you, and to find out more about our patient-centered philosophy, contact us to schedule a FREE consultation today.
Microneedling FAQs
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Most of our patients find microneedling to be reasonably comfortable, and certainly tolerable. Our technicians apply a specialized numbing cream beforehand to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
What Areas Does Microneedling Treat?
Microneedling is safe and effective for all parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.
How Long Does Microneedling Take?
One in-office treatment takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area you wish to cover.
Is There Any Downtime from Microneedling?
Immediately after the treatment, you will notice some redness and tenderness in your skin. These effects last between one and three days, but are not overwhelming nor inhibiting. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours, and the effects will not prevent you from completing any of your regular tasks.
When Will I See Results from Microneedling treatment?
Visible changes to the skin develop over several weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months after your treatment, as your skin continues to produce new collagen.
Dr. Christine Eros, a Board-Certified Family Physician with a background from UCSD, has offered aesthetic services since 2007. At Eros Beauty and Wellness in Point Loma Plaza, she provides treatments like Botox®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Liquid Facelift, Kybella®, Skin Rejuvenation, EmsculptNEO, and more. With personalized care, Dr. Eros helps clients enhance their natural beauty and overall well-being.