Those looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and brown spots should consider microneedling to address skin insecurities. Minimally invasive, microneedling involves rolling a skin-needling device over the surface of your skin. The fine needles puncture the surface of your skin up to 2mm deep, leaving behind small wounds. The skin then responds to these microscopic “wounds” by restructuring and resurfacing at a cellular level by boosting natural collagen production.
While many are attempting at-home microneedling treatments, it’s always best to pursue professional treatments unless you are already experienced with home microneedling.
Benefits of Microneedling
Home microneedling treatments rarely go deep enough into the dermis to give dramatic results; however, if performed correctly, at-home treatments may enhance exfoliation and product absorption. Only office-based microneedling treatments performed by a licensed professional can offer patients the enhanced benefits of:
- Improvement of acne scars and discoloration
- Reduced wrinkles and stretch marks
- Skin rejuvenation for texture and complexion
- Enhancement of product absorption
- Increased skin thickness
- Increased collagen production
At-Home Vs. Professional Treatments
At-home microneedling can be generally safe as long as you are confident in your research or are already experienced with the process. Most at-home needle rollers are only 0.25 millimeters in depth. Using a roller larger than this is never recommended for home use, and a bigger needle does not mean faster results.
Common risks of performing at-home microneedling treatments most frequently include:
- Performing treatment with too much pressure
- Performing treatment with too little pressure
- Using a roller that is not thoroughly clean, which then causes an infection
At-home microneedling rollers can improve product penetration by close to 80%. However, home microneedling will not stimulate collagen production like a professional treatment will. Home microneedling rollers are primarily useful to aid in topical products to penetrate deeper. If you are in search of the resurfacing of acne scars, fine lines, or skin texture, professional treatment will be necessary to address these concerns. An in-office treatment will enable you to achieve more exceptional results in a safe environment.
Professional Microneedling For Better Results
It’s a simple fact that professional microneedling treatments yield notable results, while at-home microneedling produces minimal improvement in the skin. Professional treatments are performed by using a more advanced microneedling device. The longer needles used in professional treatments create more controlled wounding, which is what triggers an increase in collagen production. Long needles can also be hazardous in amateur hands, which is why anything higher than 0.25 millimeters should only be used by a professional.
Professional Microneedling Does Not Require Multiple Treatments
The more intensive results provided by an in-office treatment also means that treatment can be performed less often. DIY microneedling requires many weekly sessions for an amateur to see even the slightest indication of a result. Unless you’re targeting deep acne scars or severe discoloration, a single professional microneedling treatment performed every 3-6 months is typically all most patients need to see noticeable results.
When In Doubt, Leave it to the Professionals
Incorrect microneedling can be extremely risky as the process of creating skin injuries with a foreign object, such as a microneedling tool, can quickly introduce or spread bacteria into the skin. The risk of developing an infection is exceptionally high since the punctures in the skin can act as perfect channels for bacteria to lodge into the dermis. Professional microneedling treatments minimize these risks as professionals use medically sterilized tools in a completely sterile environment.
When it doubt, leave microneedling treatments to the professionals at Hinsdale Vein & Laser. Call us today to schedule one of today’s most popular medspa treatments.