Aging is a fact of life, and, while we can’t stop it, we can do our best to fight it! One of the most effective tools in our anti-aging toolkit is microneedling, otherwise known as collagen induction therapy, performed using Collagen P.I.N., the leading device for microneedling treatments. In Mt. Juliet, we offer a variety of microneedling options that we can fully customize to your specific needs.
Signs of Aging
It is normal to notice changes in the face as we age such as sagging and the development of lines and wrinkles. Cheeks can seem to “fall” or become flatter, jowls form, the upper lip thins, and hollows under the eyes can become more pronounced. These changes are caused by a combination of decreased bone density and depletion of collagen and elastin, your skin’s most essential proteins. Collagen loss begins around the age of 25 and progresses at a steady rate until menopause, when depletion becomes more rapid.
Key components of your skin
Collagen
There are 5 different forms of collagen in your body, all with a specific purpose and function. Four of these 5 types are found in your skin, which is why collagen deterioration and slowed production have such a dramatic impact on how our skin looks as we age.
Elastin
While collagen provides volume, elastin is responsible for keeping your skin tight and resilient. Without elastin, skin becomes saggy and floppy- two words we absolutely don’t want to use to describe our face or body!
How does Microneedling Work?
If you’re considering microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, it is important to fully understand how and why it works. Your provider will use the microneedling device to cause micro (tiny) injuries to the skin, which signals your body to begin the healing process. This results in more rapid turnover of your skin cells, producing newer, fresher, stronger, and healthier skin.
Inflammation is your friend!
Knowing how wounds heal is a key element to understanding why microneedling is such a powerful tool. When a wound is created, inflammation begins almost immediately, signaling the start of the healing process. As various components of your blood flood to the area, providing oxygen and growth factors, fighting bacteria, and protecting the wound, the repair process begins. As new skin cells develop, chemical signals from your blood trigger new collagen growth. The collagen, built in layers, is the structural component that supports your skin.
More Collagen = Younger Looking Skin
Who wouldn’t want firmer, more youthful and resilient skin that bounces back? Collagen induction is one of the most effective ways to naturally create volume and repair dull and damaged skin. Your key to younger looking skin is to book your microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet today!
Consistency is Key
While you will likely see a difference in your skin after the first treatment, truly repairing and remodeling the skin takes time and consistency. Ideally, microneedling treatments are done in a series, spaced 4 weeks apart to allow for complete skin cell repair and turnover before the next session. The number of sessions you require will also depend on the condition of your skin and the extent of repair required, but an initial series of three is typically recommended.
What Does Microneedling Treat?
The popularity of microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet is rapidly growing as people discover just how many conditions it can treat. In fact, microneedling is beneficial to nearly every skin concern!
Common skin conditions
Microneedling is a safe and effective tool in the treatment of acne, fine lines, large pores, scars and uneven texture, stretch marks, rosacea, and even melasma! By building collagen and repairing skin, microneedling can make many of these common skin concerns a thing of the past!
What to Expect at Your Appointment
It is important to us that you are well informed and understand the hows and whys of what we do. When you visit us for microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, we want to ensure that you know what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Comfort and Safety
Your comfort and safety are our two top priorities during your microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet. As long as it is safe to do so, a topical numbing gel will be placed on your skin for 30-45 minutes prior to treatment. This ensures that you remain comfortable for the procedure.
The Process
Once you are numb, your provider will clean and treat your face in sections, keeping each area numb until it is time to treat. A “glide” will be applied to your skin with a facial brush. This allows for smoother movement of the pen across your skin’s surface. This glide is typically a form of hyaluronic acid that is safe to penetrate the skin. Your provider may also recommend the addition of other skin-boosting components, such as exosomes, platelet rich fibrin (PRF), and/or peptides that will speed healing and more readily repair and enhance the skin.
Once the treatment is complete, your provider will spray your face with an antibacterial mist and then apply a wound-healing serum and SPF. Your provider will then make recommendations for post-care products and follow-up care.
What to Expect After Microneedling
How it Looks
After your microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, it is normal to have redness (we want an inflammatory response!) and some scabbing if there is any pinpoint bleeding (this usually happens over the thinner areas of the skin, like the forehead and the nose).
How it Feels
Some patients describe feeling like they have abrasions or “road rash” for a couple of days afterward. The sensation is typically described as “irritation” and may include some itching as your skin heals, but should not be painful.
Downtime
This is perfectly normal and, while you may resume your normal activities, you may choose to schedule some “social downtime” if you’re concerned about your appearance.
Post-Treatment Products
Your provider will review all post-treatment instructions with you, but expect to use gentle, soothing, and healing products for 3-5 days after your microneedling treatments. In Mt. Juliet, because the weather is unpredictable, you should wear SPF and protect your skin every day, regardless of sun exposure.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
If you’re considering microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, be sure that your provider takes a thorough health history to ensure the procedure is safe for you. While there are very few risks to microneedling, and very few people who would not benefit from the procedure, certain medications and health conditions can increase your risk for complications.
Precautions
Be sure to let your medical provider know if you have any of the following skin or health conditions so that they may make the best recommendations for your care. If microneedling isn’t recommended, having this information at hand will help your provider make the best treatment plan for you.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a condition that causes melanin (dark pigment) to accumulate after skin injury, typically in those with darker skin types. If you get dark spots on your face after a breakout or from tweezing hairs, you may have PIH. And, although the tissue injury from microneedling treatments is essential to its success, those with PIH may be at risk for developing darker spots or patches on their skin.
Bleeding disorder/thinners
Those patients with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinning medications may not be a candidate for microneedling due to bleeding risk. However, it is important to talk this over with your provider because this is not an absolute contraindication. Often, modifications can be made to decrease your risk and ensure your safety, while still providing excellent results. You should never stop or skip your blood thinning medication before first discussing it with the specialist that prescribed it for you.
Vascular disease
Oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood are essential components to wound healing. Patients with vascular disease can often have impaired wound healing due to decreased blood flow that limits the delivery of these healing factors.
Immune Dysfunction
A healthy immune system is necessary for wounds to heal properly. It is for this reason that anyone with an impaired immune system should discuss the condition with their provider before undergoing microneedling treatments. In Mt. Juliet, you will meet with our nurse practitioner who will review your medical history and determine if you are a candidate, or if another service may be better for you. Some common conditions that affect the immune system and wound healing are chemotherapy, immunosuppressant medications (commonly prescribed for auto-immune conditions), recent vaccinations, current or recent infection, and diabetes.
How to Incorporate Microneedling into Your Treatment Plan
Once your provider has determined that Microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet are right for you, they may recommend additional treatments or products that will give you more rapid or significant results. Alternating microneedling and peels on a monthly basis is a great way to tackle scarring, for example. Pairing microneedling with the Allyn Aesthetics lunchtime glow-up is a sure way to smoothe, brighten, and enhance the skin by keeping it fresh and healthy!
Unlock Your Skin’s Potential with Microneedling
As a leading provider of microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, Allyn Aesthetics is the perfect place to start your skin health journey. Our team of professionals will guide you toward your best skin by customizing a treatment plan just for you.
If you’re ready to schedule your microneedling treatments in Mt. Juliet, schedule an appointment today and make your skin dreams come true!
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