Collagen, a protein found throughout the body and especially in the skin, breaks down as we age. Collagen is important for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. While many facial treatments inject collagen and elastin into the skin, microneedling stimulates your body’s natural collagen production. This treatment is also known as collagen induction therapy.

Microneedling can treat several skin conditions:

  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Mild rosacea

Microneedling is performed by using a handheld device to create microscopic injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries force the cells to regenerate and repair themselves and also stimulates collagen production.

A series of 3–4 sessions are recommended to achieve optimum results. Treatments should be scheduled 1 month apart. While patients will start to notice improvements in their skin after just one week, ideal results are visible about 2 months after your last session. We also offer both PRP and TaC Core Recovery Complex by Omni® as add-ons to enhance the outcome of microneedling.

Contact Carolinas Centers for Cosmetic Surgery today to learn about how our team of cosmetic experts can help you achieve smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin. Our board-certified oral and plastic surgeon, Dr. Waheed Mohamed, will customize your treatment so you achieve optimal results tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Microneedling

Professional microneedling has many benefits that you can enjoy such as:

  1. Smoother skin
  2. Reduction in pigmentation
  3. Brighter-looking skin
  4. Treats large pores, wrinkles, and scars
  5. Improvement in elasticity
  6. This treatment is minimally invasive
  7. No permanent scarring
  8. No downtime
  9. Safe and effective

How Microneedling Works

This treatment works by using a sterile, handheld microneedling device that creates microscopic punctures when rolled over the skin. These tiny needles make micro-punctures on the top layer of the skin. By doing this, it encourages the body to produce more of its own collagen to heal itself.

Discontinue the use of topical retinoids for 1 week and avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to your session. Patients who are prone to cold sore perioral herpes should take anti-viral medications the day before their microneedling session, as well as the day of and day after.

Home microneedling is not as effective, and you risk damaging your skin. See a professional for results that will be even, heal properly, and eliminate the risk of skin damage. Professional microneedling is far more effective than using at-home rollers. These store-bought rollers barely puncture the skin at all, producing minimal to no results.

Professional microneedling will not leave permanent scars or marks on the skin. While the treatment is not overly painful, a numbing gel containing 14% lidocaine is applied to the face beforehand. This will help prevent you from feeling discomfort. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes.

Your specialist will use a pen-like device to make tiny pricks in your skin. After, we may apply a special serum or liquid to calm the skin and add to your comfort. For more drastic and long-term results, multiple sessions are recommended.

Recovery After Treatment

There is little to no downtime following your procedure, and you can resume your normal activities as soon as you are comfortable. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun than usual, so you must wear sunscreen when going outside. You will see your results in a few weeks after your skin has fully healed.

Minor skin irritation and redness are common following this treatment. This will subside in a few days. If it does not, or if you have questions throughout the healing process, please Contact our office for medical advice and a possible follow-up visit.

We want you to feel confident about your skin and microneedling has helped many people achieve a firmer, younger-looking complexion. To maximize your results, follow any instructions given by your specialist closely.

Microdermabrasion

Similar to microneedling, microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion buffs and polishes the skin using a stream of fine crystals, along with a suction to vacuum loose skin cells from the face. Microdermabrasion can be done every 3–4 weeks to renew the skin and assist in smoothing and improving texture, uneven pigment, and superficial scars.

Commonly Asked Questions About Microneedling

We will determine the cost of your microneedling once we see you for a consultation. There, we will evaluate your skin care needs and discuss the cost of your treatment.

Microneedling is incredibly safe and effective. The device simply makes tiny holes in your skin to stimulate your natural collagen production. These pricks are only surface-level deep and do not cause scarring or any permanent marks.

The microneedling procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes, but expect to be in our office for 1–2 hours. We must discuss your treatment details, clean and prep the skin, and go over the details for taking care of your skin following the procedure.

We apply a topical numbing cream to your face prior to microneedling. This cream minimizes discomfort. You will feel the touch of the device and the aesthetician maneuver it over your skin, but the procedure itself will cause little to no discomfort.