Aging is an inevitable part of life, and while it’s natural to seek ways to slow down the signs of aging, sometimes we may be unsure of where to start. At Allure Enhancement Center in Lafayette, LA, we offer microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, to help combat the signs of aging. We are here to provide you with all the information you need regarding this treatment.
How Soon Do You See Results From Microneedling?
Results from collagen induction therapy can be seen two weeks after the initial treatment session. However, depending on the severity of skin damage, results might vary in appearance and timing. For instance, if you suffer from severe acne scarring, it might take more than a few sessions to see significant improvements.
Additionally, how often you undergo treatment sessions and how well you take care of your skin afterward will also affect how quickly you start to notice results. For example, good skincare products like moisturizers and SPF creams could help enhance the effects of your treatment by helping to protect skin cells from further damage and aiding in skin hydration.
Ultimately, individuals should expect to see some improvement in their skin texture and tone within two weeks of their initial treatment session. More dramatic results may take four to six weeks or longer, depending on the severity of your condition.
What Is Microneedling?
To fully understand how this treatment works, it helps to know the natural regenerative processes that occur inside the human body. When an area of skin has been injured or damaged, our bodies can regenerate and heal the tissue by producing new cells and stimulating collagen production. This healing process ensures that the skin remains intact and healthy while also having the ability to restore its natural smoothness and elasticity.
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin using a handheld device containing fine needles. The micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process. As a result, collagen production increases, and the skin tightens.
The wound-healing and skin-tightening processes help reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, while also improving the overall tone and texture of the skin. Additionally, this treatment can improve acne scars, stretch marks, and other forms of scarring, along with reducing pore size. As this treatment promotes collagen production, it can also be used as a preventative measure against future aging effects.
Benefits of Microneedling
No Incisions Needed
Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that does not require any incisions. Instead, fine needles are used to cause tiny punctures on the skin in a controlled way. Unlike more invasive cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, this therapy has no risk of prolonged recovery times due to its non-invasive nature.
Furthermore, since no incisions are made during this treatment, there is no risk of infection often associated with more invasive procedures. With just a small handheld device, this treatment can be done with greater precision and accuracy in solving specific issues related to aging skin and scarring damage.
Fast
Before the treatment begins, the doctor will prepare your skin by cleansing it and applying a topical numbing cream. This step will help ensure you do not feel discomfort during treatment. After about 30 minutes, your skin will be ready for treatment. The actual treatment generally only takes about 20 minutes, so you won’t have to spend long periods in our doctor’s office.
During this short time, the doctor will use a device equipped with tiny needles to puncture the skin to create thousands of micro-injuries to stimulate collagen growth in the area and improve overall skin tone, texture, and appearance. Afterward, the doctor will apply a calming serum or hydrating moisturizer to nourish your skin. This treatment is quick and effective and can provide excellent results without taking up too much of your time.
Natural-Looking Results
It’s crucial that you choose a skin rejuvenation treatment that gives natural-looking results when it comes to rejuvenating your skin. Collagen induction therapy offers a subtle outcome that blends in with the rest of your face and looks very natural. The tiny punctures the needles create on your skin during the treatment encourage new collagen production so that any wrinkles or fine lines naturally smooth out while maintaining your original facial features.
No Downtime
Collagen induction therapy is an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to rejuvenate their skin without taking time off to recover. With this treatment, you can complete your session within one hour and return to your normal activities immediately without interruption.
Microneedling FAQ
How Many Treatment Sessions Do I Need?
The number of treatment sessions needed can vary from person to person depending on a range of factors, including:
The Severity of the Problem at Hand
If you want to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles, the condition of your skin before treatment and the severity of the wrinkles will influence how many sessions you need. If your skin is in generally good condition with only minor wrinkles, one session may be enough to achieve your desired outcome. On the other hand, more extensive wrinkling or skin damage might require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Age
Your age could also affect how many treatment sessions are necessary. Generally, younger people tend to have better skin elasticity than older people. It means that younger people may experience more noticeable results after one session, while older people might need several treatments to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking or sun exposure can affect the condition of your skin and how many treatments you need.
Goals
Finally, individual goals will largely dictate how many collagen induction therapy sessions are required. Some patients might be content with minimal improvement after one session, while others may want to see more dramatic changes that require multiple treatments over a period of time. During your initial consultation, we will be able to discuss all these factors with you and come up with a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Can Collagen Induction Therapy Help With Cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition characterized by uneven skin dimpling in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms. It is caused when fat cells become abnormally large and push against the connective tissues beneath the skin. This action causes the skin to bulge, creating an ‘”orange peel” or cottage cheese-like texture.
This skin rejuvenation treatment works by stimulating collagen production to reduce signs of aging on the face. However, the treatment can also be used on other areas, such as the neck, legs, back, and arms, where fat tends to accumulate. The skin tightening effect helps firm up loose skin, minimizing cellulite’s bumpy appearance.
Are You a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
The best candidates for this treatment generally have some degree of sun damage or discoloration on their face, neck, chest, or hands. Those with mild to moderate wrinkles, large pores, mild acne scarring, or stretch marks are also ideal candidates. People with more serious issues, such as deep wrinkles or extensive scarring, may need to consider our other treatments, like laser resurfacing.
What Should You Avoid After Treatment?
Avoiding certain activities to protect the skin from possible damage is crucial. For example, exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided for at least a week following treatment, as UV rays can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Additionally, avoid heavy exercise for at least 48 hours after treatment since increased sweat and friction may lead to redness or tenderness in treated areas. Furthermore, you should hold off makeup and other skin care products for at least 24 hours, as applying any product on top of freshly treated skin can increase irritation and hamper healing.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Microneedling is a highly effective treatment that can help you uncover the best version of yourself. Not only does it provide natural-looking results, but you can also expect noticeable skin improvements within just two weeks after the initial session. If you’re interested in getting this treatment, contact us at Allure Enhancement Center in Lafayette, LA. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.