Microneedling Treatment, Wakefield, Yorkshire
Microneedling is a popular and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure aimed at improving skin texture and reducing various skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and overall loss of elasticity. It is an increasingly popular choice for those looking to rejuvenate their skin without the need for surgery or extensive downtime. Let’s dive into how microneedling works, what to expect in terms of recovery, and how effective it is in addressing ageing-related concerns.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of a device equipped with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process by triggering collagen and elastin production. Collagen is a vital protein that keeps the skin firm and smooth, while elastin is responsible for skin’s flexibility. As we age, the production of both of these proteins decline, leading to the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other visible signs of ageing.
How does microneedling work?
The procedure starts with thorough cleansing and prepping of the skin. Once the skin is prepped, a professional-grade microneedling pen is used to create tiny punctures in the upper layers of the skin. These micro-injuries signal the body to produce more collagen and elastin, effectively repairing and renewing the skin from within. We utilise the state-of-the-art Dermapen 4 device from DermapenWorld. This advanced tool is specifically engineered to deliver fast, precise needle penetration combined with a gentle, superficial vibration. These features not only enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment but also ensure it’s as quick and comfortable as possible, providing a more pleasant experience for our patients.
The depth and intensity of the treatment can be customised based on the individual’s skin type and concerns. For example, deeper needle penetration may be used to address more severe skin issues like acne scars or deep wrinkles, while a more superficial treatment may be suitable for mild textural concerns or enlarged pores.
How much downtime is there?
One of the major appeals of microneedling is its relatively short recovery time compared to other skin-rejuvenating procedures, such as laser treatments. After a session, the skin typically looks red and feels similar to a mild sunburn for about 24-48 hours. In some cases, there may be slight swelling or pinpoint bleeding, especially if the needles were used at a deeper setting. This is a normal part of the healing process and usually subsides within a couple of days. Full recovery and noticeable results generally take around one to two weeks, depending on your healing response and the intensity of the treatment.
During the recovery phase, it’s crucial to avoid sun exposure and apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser as recommended by your practitioner. The use of sunscreen is essential in the days and weeks following the treatment to protect the newly rejuvenated skin.
What can you treat with microneedling?
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Microneedling promotes collagen production, which helps to plump up the skin, smooth out fine lines, and improve the overall appearance of wrinkles. With consistent treatments, microneedling can significantly soften wrinkles, especially around areas like the forehead, eyes, and mouth where ageing signs tend to be more prominent.
Crepey Skin
Crepey skin—thin, fragile skin often seen on the neck, under the eyes, or on the hands—can benefit from microneedling as well. The increase in collagen and elastin helps to thicken and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of crepiness over time. While it may not completely eliminate the issue, it can dramatically improve skin tone and texture, giving a more youthful appearance.
Enlarged Pores
Microneedling helps reduce pore size by tightening the skin. As collagen fills in and regenerates the skin, the appearance of large pores diminishes, leaving a smoother, more refined complexion.
Scarring
By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, the treatment stimulates the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential for repairing and restructuring damaged skin tissue, which helps to smooth out uneven textures and fill in indented or pitted scars over time. As the skin heals, the new collagen works to break down old scar tissue, resulting in a more even skin surface and improved skin tone.
Loss of Elasticity
Skin elasticity naturally decreases with age due to the breakdown of elastin fibres. Microneedling encourages the production of new elastin, which contributes to firmer, more supple skin. Regular treatments can help restore some of the skin’s lost elasticity, providing a subtle yet noticeable lifting effect.
Will microneedling get rid of wrinkles?
While microneedling is highly effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The treatment doesn’t completely eliminate deep wrinkles, but it does significantly improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Most people will need multiple sessions (usually between 3-6, spaced 4-6 weeks apart) to see optimal results. Additionally, combining microneedling with other treatments such as exosomes or growth factors can enhance the outcomes, particularly for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin concerns.
What do exosomes do?
Combining microneedling with exosomes enhances the overall rejuvenation effects of the treatment by leveraging the powerful regenerative properties of exosomes. Exosomes are tiny, extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells, rich in growth factors and signalling molecules that boost the skin’s natural healing and repair processes. When applied after microneedling, exosomes penetrate the micro-injuries created by the procedure, accelerating collagen and elastin production, reducing inflammation, and promoting faster recovery. This combination can lead to more dramatic improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity, making it especially effective for treating deeper wrinkles, scars, and other signs of ageing. Additionally, the use of exosomes helps to minimise post-treatment redness and downtime, allowing for quicker visible results and a more radiant, youthful complexion.
If you’re considering microneedling, it’s best to consult with a professional who can tailor the treatment to your specific skin needs and guide you through the process for the best possible outcome.
If you’d like to learn more, or to discuss the options, click here to enquire or to book a consultation with Butterfly Aesthetics, Wakefield, Yorkshire.
