Microneedling is a specialized skin rejuvenation treatment primarily designed for the face, yet gentle and versatile enough to be used on other areas of the body. Cosmetic skincare specialists in Princeton, NJ can help improve the appearance of skin that has been affected by aging, sun damage, and other skin conditions with this simple, effective treatment.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, involves using super-fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. These wounds are called micro-injuries, which stimulate the body’s innate wound-healing processes. At the Glasgold Group, we use a Dermapen® microneedling tool to safely refresh the skin.
How Does Microneedling with Dermapen® Tighten Skin?
During the skin’s healing process, your body produces fresh collagen to replace damaged collagen, which rejuvenates your skin and creates a smooth, firm appearance. This results in an overall improvement in the texture and tightness of your skin by “filling in the lines,” and removing the wrinkles and scars to keep you looking young as you age.
Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling is a powerful treatment on its own, but enhancing the procedure with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can create even better results. PRP is extracted from the blood and contains powerful growth factors to improve skin healing.
During a PRP treatment, the patient’s blood is drawn and run through a centrifuge to separate the plasma. Once the PRP is ready, it is applied to the treatment areas during the procedure. Patients will see improved healing and rejuvenating results in the weeks following the treatment.
Before Microneedling Treatment
Our microneedling providers at Glasgold Group are Jessica Posner, BSN, RN, Christine Kerrigan, PA-C, and Brooke Levine, BSN, RN. A member of this team meets with each prospective patient before their procedure is scheduled.
This consultation is helpful for both patient and provider in understanding the desired results. It also helps the provider identify any potential safety issues due to the patient’s current or previous health concerns.
The Initial Microneedling Consultation
Our experts spend a significant amount of time discussing the procedure itself as well as any concerns the patient may have. Many patients choose to use microneedling for age-related changes in the skin, such as fine lines, because the treatment is considerably less invasive than plastic surgery, yet still produces noticeable results.
A typical consultation will involve examining the skin in addition to asking health-related questions. This is to ensure that the prospective patient is a good candidate for the treatment. Even if microneedling is not the right fit for the patient, other options can be explored during the consultation.
Patients who have used certain medications (such as strong acne treatments) within the past month may not qualify. Active skin infections such as herpes simplex may create complications. Usually, microneedling is safe for all skin tones because the epidermis is not damaged during treatment.
Microneedling Preparation Steps
It is recommended that patients avoid direct exposure to sunlight 24 hours prior to their treatment appointment. If this is not possible, sunscreen can help protect the skin from sun damage. Excessive sunlight before the procedure has the potential to cause skin irritation.
Certain skincare products may also need to be temporarily discontinued. Retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid should be stopped approximately one week beforehand.
Smoking and using other nicotine products may cause complications during the healing process. Patients are advised to quit at least one week prior to the procedure and during the healing process.
What to Expect from Microneedling
After a patient is approved for microneedling, they are advised to arrive at their appointment with a fresh face. A gentle cleanser can be used, but no makeup, lotion, perfume, or other skincare products.
Before the treatment, a numbing agent is applied to the skin. This is used for comfort and to reduce any potential pain during the procedure. Then, a small device is used to pierce the skin with tiny needles. Depending on the patient’s desired outcome, these needles can pierce deeper layers or just the surface of the skin.
Once the procedure is complete, a soothing topical product is applied to cool the skin. The treatment gel will provide hydration to the affected areas. It is perfectly normal for the skin to have a pinkish appearance just after the procedure.
A typical microneedling appointment can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to complete. This depends on the treatment location, as well as the depth of the treatment.
After the Microneedling Procedure
After a microneedling session, patients may feel a hot or tingling sensation in the treated areas. You will be given a serum to use at home. We use this same serum throughout your procedure.
Swelling will start to subside within a few days of the procedure. The risk involved in microneedling treatments is very minimal. After a treatment, dry skin or red discoloration may occur, which will typically subside within a week.
If you’re concerned about other side effects of microneedling and Dermapen®, you can discuss with one of our nurses or the PA. Anti-inflammatories are not recommended until after the first week.
A basic facial cleanser without added ingredients is recommended the evening after the procedure. Makeup made of natural ingredients is preferable to chemical cosmetics, even after healing has taken place.
Microneedling Treatment Results
Full results generally take a few weeks to emerge. During this time, the skin is able to heal fully while triggering the production of new collagen. Depending on the individual, this timeline may vary. Scarring, skin elasticity, and age may all affect the final results. Multiple treatments are typically required to meet patients’ goals.
What To Avoid After Microneedling
Acne medication such as Accutane may negatively impact the results of treatment. Patients are advised to stop taking medications with retinoids such as isotretinoin before the procedure. An initial consultation will help clarify the exact time when a patient can resume these medications.
NSAIDs should also be avoided around the time of each treatment. While over-the-counter pain relievers are usually relatively harmless when used only as necessary, NSAIDs can cause bruising. This will delay the recovery period.
Nicotine products can also slow the recovery process. Smoking is not the only nicotine product that causes this. It is best to avoid e-cigarettes, cigarettes, nicotine gum, and patches both before and after treatment.
Why Choose The Glasgold Group
Hydrafacial is a complex and custom procedure that requires a high level of skill and knowledge to perform properly. At Glasgold Group, our surgeons have decades of experience while patients and peers alike respect them for the beautiful, natural-looking results they produce consistently.
By choosing Glasgold Group in Princeton, New Jersey for your procedure, you can expect results of the highest caliber and the knowledge that your safety and satisfaction are top priorities.
- Dr. Robert Glasgold has an American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Certification.
- Dr. Robert Glasgold is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Robert Glasgold is a co-director of the Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program of AAFPRS.
- Dr. Robert Glasgold has an American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Certification.
- Dr. Mark Glasgold is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Mark Glasgold is a co-director of the Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program of AAFPRS.
- Dr. Mark Glasgold has an American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Certification.
- Dr. Mark Glasgold has an American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Certification.
Microneedling FAQs
For patients with a history of cold sores, taking an antiviral approximately 48 hours before treatment can help prevent new sores. If a cold sore is already visible on the day of the procedure, a new appointment must be scheduled.
It is important not to apply cosmetics directly after a microneedling session. To reduce inflammation or the possibility of infection, cosmetics should be avoided for approximately a week after each treatment.
It is recommended that patients abstain from alcohol for at least one week after treatment. Alcohol can have an impact on the healing process. Staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet are best for recovery.
Patients must be at least 18 to qualify for microneedling. If the patient is approved during an initial screening, age is not a factor for adults. Before making any decisions, an initial consultation can help patients discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
Learn More About Microneedling
Interested in learning more about Microneedling? Contact the Glasgold Group in Princeton, NJ, at (732) 846-6540 today to schedule a consultation.
ADDRESS:
4390 US-1 #100
Princeton, NJ 08540
PHONE:
732-846-6540
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon-Thurs: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Friday: 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Sat-Sun: Closed
PROCEDURES
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