At Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, we pride ourselves on our ability to help each client resolve their concerns quickly, safely, and effectively. Our clients come in with a wide variety of aesthetic concerns, and we are excited to offer a wide range of treatments. Today, we are discussing one of our most versatile treatments; microneedling session. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this treatment, including who is considered a good candidate.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
You can generally expect to be considered a good candidate for microneedling if you feel self-conscious due to fine lines or moderate wrinkles making you look older than you feel. However, you also may be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you are concerned about enlarged pores, especially if you also have trouble with whiteheads or blackheads. Additionally, you may be a good candidate for this treatment if you have:
- Skin laxity
- Surgical scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Poor skin texture
- Stretch marks
Who Does Not Qualify for This Treatment?
While microneedling with the FDA-approved SkinPen device is safe for most people, it is not appropriate for everyone. For example, you will not qualify for this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also will not be able to undergo this treatment if you take drugs that impede blood clotting or cause blood-thinning, and can’t stop taking them. You should also not have this treatment if you have skin cancer or a history of hypertrophic scarring.
Poorly controlled diabetes is another contraindication for this treatment. Additionally, your appointment must be rescheduled if the areas you wish to be treated are irritated when you arrive. Therefore, to qualify for this treatment, you must take steps to ensure that your skin is not irritated at the time of your appointment.
What Preparation Guidelines Will I Need To Follow?
The most important preparation guideline you must follow before your microneedling session is to consult with a qualified dermatologist to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. During this consultation, you will be advised on all of the other preparation rules you need to follow. For instance, you should limit UV exposure as much as possible. You should avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day when possible and always wear sunscreen.
You also need to stop using any cosmetics that contain potentially irritating ingredients. For example, anti-aging creams containing AHAs, BHAs, or glycolic acid should be avoided. Moreover, you should wear no cosmetics to your appointment. There are also several medications that you must stop taking before your appointment. For instance, you may not take oral acne medication or NSAIDs for at least 24 hours pre-treatment.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Before your treatment begins, we will inspect your skin to ensure that it is free from irritation. Then, we will review your recent health to confirm that there are no contraindications. If you are well enough for treatment, we will clean your skin and apply a topical numbing cream to ensure that you remain comfortable. Once your skin is numb, we will pass the SkinPen device over your targeted areas several times, creating “micro-injuries” in the skin.
How Long Will My Treatment Session Take?
You can generally expect your treatment session to take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. However, you should keep in mind that several factors affect the duration of your treatment. For example, if you are treating small areas with mild concerns, you will only need roughly 30 minutes for your treatment to be completed. Your session will take longer if you are treating large areas, severe concerns, or getting PRP therapy with your treatment.
What Does PRP Therapy With Microneedling Entail?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy involves removing a small amount of your blood from the inside of your arm. This process is quick and not painful. Once it is drawn, it will be spun rapidly in a centrifuge until its components are separated by mass. The red and white blood cells will be discarded, leaving only the platelets and plasma remaining. Then, the platelet-rich plasma will be applied to the treatment areas before the SkinPen device is used.
What Aftercare Guidelines Are Required?
There are many aftercare guidelines that are required once your treatment is complete, but they are easy to follow. One of the most important guidelines to follow is to keep your skin moisturized. Applying an occlusive moisturizer once or twice per day will help you recover from your treatment faster, and it will also help you see your desired results faster. You can also help your ideal results develop faster by staying hydrated and eating nutritiously.
Additionally, you should strongly consider avoiding the use of makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Furthermore, you may not consume alcohol or tobacco products for at least 24 hours following your microneedling session. Moreover, you must avoid intense physical activity and other situations that cause profuse sweating, like saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers.
How Soon Will I Be Able To See My Desired Results?
Your skin will feel tighter and smoother once your treatment session is complete. However, it may be four to six weeks before your skin produces enough extra collagen in response to the treatment to address your concerns fully. Some people find that their skin is slower to produce collagen after treatment and require several months before final resuts are seen. Generally, the more severe your concerns are, the more treatment sessions you will need to achieve satisfactory results.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
You will probably qualify for microneedling session if you are concerned about acne, acne scars or other scars, skin laxity, or skin wrinkling. You can also benefit from this treatment if you are concerned about the tone or texture of your skin. However, you must be in fairly good health and able to follow all treatment guidelines. To learn more about the treatment and your suitability, contact us today at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, to schedule an initial consultation.
