Microneedling is a skincare treatment, as well as a medical procedure that involves multiple tiny punctures into your skin. While various at home treatment options are available, treatment by a physician can provide optimal monitoring, patient care, and results. If you are considering treating yourself, you might wonder if at home microneedling is worth it versus a medical professional doing it for you.
Physician supervision can be beneficial because the procedure actually involves a series of micro-injuries. You also have immediate assistance available if you experience side effects like inflammation and temporary swelling at the treatment site or red, flaky skin. Physician-led services can enhance your experience and help ensure you get the ongoing follow-up care the procedure may require.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a procedure that involves using multiple tiny needles to penetrate your skin. Done right in your doctor’s office, it uses a device similar to a roller that is fitted with ultra-fine needles. As they pierce your skin, these minuscule needles start producing beneficial collagen.
The microneedling treatments stimulate your body and generate a healing reaction that improves your skin’s appearance. Treatment is safe and effective and can combine with other treatment options, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), for optimal results.
Your health care team may conduct a comprehensive physical exam and order certain tests before your treatment. They should have one goal: the best possible outcome and patient experience for you. They may also explore the range of treatment alternatives available to help you achieve your desired outcome to look and feel better.
Is Microneedling Safe, and Has the FDA Approved It?
Yes! The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) monitors and regularly assesses microneedling for safety and efficacy. According to the FDA, microneedling devices rated as medical devices show the following:
- The devices provide effective treatment of acne and other facial scars.
- The devices penetrate only the topmost layer of the skin and could contact nerves and blood vessels.
Several brands and types of microneedling devices are available to consumers for private home use. These devices have not been FDA-approved or authorized and are not to be considered comparable medical devices.
Do People Experience Side Effects from Microneedling?
Any medical procedure can have side effects. Your doctor should address possible side effects early on and explain them to you in detail before your procedure begins. While microneedling is generally safe and effective, some of the commonly reported side effects have included the following:
- Bleeding or bruising
- Peeling or infections
- Persistent headaches
- Droopy eyes and lids
- Sensitivity at the injection site
Report any side effects to your physician immediately. In addition, you should consider alternative treatment options if:
- You have been diagnosed with skin issues, or
- You have wounds that are still in the healing phase, or
- You have a medical history of excessive scarring or recent medical history that includes radiation therapy recently.
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How Long Does a Microneedling Procedure Take?
Microneedling is a quick and effective medical treatment that takes place in the comfort and safety of your doctor’s office. The microneedling treatment itself can involve multiple follow-up appointments, with each procedure lasting approximately a half hour. Your session may last longer to ensure your health care team has time to prepare you for treatment and provide optimal post-treatment care.
Your doctor can explain what to expect at your initial and ongoing sessions. In general:
- Review your medical history
- Provide topical anesthetic as needed
- Administer the microneedling device
Your session may include aftercare, such as scheduling future appointments, assessing any side effects, and providing appropriate treatment.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
You might experience slight swelling and inflammation at the treatment site immediately after your microneedling treatment ends. Your physical appearance may not change right away, though. Many patients who undergo microneedling experience optimal results within several weeks of the procedure.
The results you can expect include a reduction in the appearance of:
- Scars
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Dark spots
- Uneven skin tone
Microneedling can also be combined with other rejuvenating treatments to enhance and optimize results. Treatment can also boost your self-esteem and self-confidence by improving your self-image and emotional health.
Get in Touch with Our Patient Care Team About Microneedling Today
Are you considering microneedling treatments for their many benefits? If so, you may also be weighing the benefits and limitations of at home microneedling and whether it is worth treating yourself. Learn more about the benefits you can expect to experience when our team of physicians and nurse practitioners treat you.
Get in touch with Anti-Aging & Regenerative Associates today to find out how effectively we treat every patient in our care. We’re ready to help you feel better.
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