Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure to improve the appearance of the skin. This skin rejuvenating treatment can significantly improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Like any investment in your appearance, it’s important to ask how long microneedling results last.
Advice from a trusted expert when you’re considering aesthetic treatments is essential. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis can help you determine if microneedling is the best option for your skin and how long you can expect your microneedling results to last.
What Is Microneedling?
Minimally invasive microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. The procedure uses very fine needles to create microtraumas to engage the skin’s healing abilities and encourage collagen production. Increased collagen production improves the skin’s overall quality and enhances its appearance. With minimal downtime and mild side effects, microneedling is an effective treatment for all skin types and improves the appearance of skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Collagen is an important protein in healthy, youthful skin. By creating micro-injuries, microneedling triggers the skin’s natural healing processes, which encourages the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen and elastin production. With more collagen and elastin, the skin is firmer, has more elasticity, and is more resilient and youthful.
What Are the Immediate Benefits of Microneedling?
One immediate benefit of microneedling is the enhanced absorption of skincare products. Microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin to allow topical treatments to penetrate deeply into the skin, maximizing their effectiveness. The skin may look healthy and plump with a visible glow after the procedure.
Within a week of your procedure, your skin will appear brighter and smoother. As microneedling stimulates new collagen growth, you will continue seeing improvements for 4 to 6 weeks.
How Long Can You Expect Microneedling Results to Last?
Microneedling results depend on each patient’s response. Typically, microneedling effects last 4 to 6 weeks. As collagen production increases, you will see continued improvements. After 3 to 5 treatments and proper aftercare, you can expect your results to last up to a year. To maintain your results, you may require follow-up treatments twice a year.
What Factors Influence the Longevity of Microneedling Results?
The longevity of microneedling results depends on many factors.
- PRP. Adding platelet-rich plasma injections to your microneedling treatment may extend the results.
- Skin type and condition. Certainskin conditions may require more microneedling treatments for longer-lasting results.
- Age. Microneedling produces longer-lasting results on younger skin. Those with mature skin may see results that last only 4 weeks.
- Lifestyle. Stay hydrated. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid nicotine and excessive alcohol. Protect your skin from sun damage with SPF 30+ every day.
- Aftercare. Follow a good skincare routine without harsh products.
- Maintenance sessions. Dr. Davis recommends maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
- Collagen production. Results vary based on your body’s natural collagen production and cellular turnover.
How Often Should You Get Microneedling Treatments?
Based on your skin concerns, Dr. Davis will determine how often you will need microneedling treatments. Typically, microneedling is most beneficial every 4 to 6 weeks. Some patients notice visible results after a single microneedling session, but most patients will see results after 3 to 5 treatments.
What Can You Do to Extend the Results of Microneedling?
To extend your microneedling results, following Dr. Davis’s post-treatment instructions is crucial. Keep your skin clean and moisturized with a gentle, hydrating skincare routine. Avoid direct sun exposure and protect your skin by wearing SPF 30+ daily. Dr. Davis may recommend specific products to encourage healing and protect your skin.
How Does Microneedling Compare to Other Skin Treatments?
The microneedling device utilizes the skin’s repair system to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. Microneedling is as effective as other treatments in creating a healthier, more radiant complexion with minimal discomfort and downtime and offers benefits like:
- Faster recovery and less downtime than chemical peels
- Safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones
- Stimulates collagen regeneration
- Less pain and discomfort than laser treatments
- Few side effects
What Are the Best Practices for Post-Microneedling Care?
Microneedling procedures require minimal downtime, and patients can resume most daily activities immediately. However, to achieve best results, it’s best to avoid certain activities, including:
- Wearing makeup for 24 hours
- Exercise for 48 hours, and intense exercise for a week
- Heat exposure, including hot showers, saunas, or hot tubs
- Harsh exfoliating products, including retinoids, glycolic acids, or scrubs, for a week
- Consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours
- All nicotine products for 4 weeks
- Medications or supplements that may cause bleeding
- Direct sun exposure for 2 weeks
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?
Ideal Beverly Hills microneedling candidates are generally healthy non-smokers who are seeking a minimally invasive treatment to improve the health and appearance of their skin. With little to no downtime, microneedling is an effective treatment for all skin types to increase collagen production.
Microneedling is not suitable for all patients. Inform Dr. Davis if you:
- Have used Accutane in the past 6 months
- Have metal or skin allergies
- Are prone to keloidal scars
- Have a history of cold sores; you may need preventative medication
What Are Real Patient Experiences with Microneedling?
Patients will experience unique results following microneedling treatments based on the initial condition of their skin and how thoroughly they follow post-procedural instructions.
Along with softer skin with improved radiance, microneedling improves the appearance of:
- Fine lines and creases
- Hyperpigmentation
- Redness
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Crepey skin
- Skin laxity
- Dull skin
When Should You Consider a Follow-Up Microneedling Session?
Depending on your skin’s condition and goals, Dr. Davis will determine how often to schedule your microneedling treatments. Most patients achieve the best results after 3 to 5 treatments scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Dr. Davis recommends maintenance treatments once or twice a year to sustain your results.
How Can You Maximize Your Skincare Routine After Microneedling?
Following a microneedling treatment, thoroughly adhere to Dr. Davis’s post-procedural instructions to maximize your skincare routine and results.
- Use gentle skin care products. Give your skin a rest from products with strong active ingredients, such as exfoliants, vitamin C, or glycolic acids, for about a week.
- Keep your skin moisturized. Use mild moisturizers and hyaluronic acids to keep your skin hydrated and boost collagen and elastin production.
- Avoid direct sun exposure. Your skin will be sensitive after microneedling, so avoid direct sun exposure for 2 to 3 days afterward. Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily.
- Keep the treated areas clean. Keep your skin clean and avoid bacteria contact by avoiding swimming pools and touching your face excessively.
Schedule Your Microneedling Consultation with the Best Female Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills
The first step toward optimal results from any aesthetic treatment is choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis will help you determine if microneedling is right for you and how long you can expect your results to last.Contact us today or call (310) 614-5898 to schedule your consultation with one of the best female plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills!