At Lively Wellness & Aesthetics, we enjoy helping patients move toward healthier and more youthful skin that feels as good as it looks, focusing on treatments that make the skin more resilient through its own healing processes. One option we often use is microneedling, a treatment that stimulates the skin to address visible changes like signs of aging, acne scars and uneven texture. We offer this treatment to patients in Odessa, TX, who are looking for a way to improve the quality of their skin with minimal time away from their responsibilities.
Microneedling, otherwise known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-surgical and non-ablative skin rejuvenation treatment that restores the surface of your skin. This treatment encourages the production of collagen and elastin in the underlying layers of skin tissue. This happens after tiny needles lightly puncture the skin. In addition to the new collagen being formed, capillaries are also formed, which promotes the blood flow needed to treat the most needy of areas. Microneedling is known as one of the least damaging and safest of skin treatments for reclaiming a more youthful glow.
When the skin recognizes the microchannels made by the microneedling devices, it treats them like injuries and begins to heal the area. As it does this, it releases growth factors that signal skin cells to regenerate and rebuild. This process stimulates fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing the structural proteins that keep the skin firm.
Collagen gives the skin structure and helps smooth out lines and wrinkles, while elastin helps the skin to stretch and return to its original shape. Multiple microneedling treatments can help remodel the skin and improve textural irregularities by helping your body produce more of both.
One microneedling benefit is how adaptable the treatment can be for all of the different patients that we treat. We can adjust how deep the needles pierce the skin, and we can treat many different areas.
While other cosmetic treatments also stimulate collagen production, microneedling does so without light or heat energy, which can make it more accessible to patients of various skin tones and types. We may choose microneedling for those with more sensitive skin or those who are more at risk for pigmentation changes with laser treatments. Rather than directly targeting pigment, it encourages cell renewal for more evenly toned skin.
Microneedling can treat specific concerns, like acne scars, and improve the overall quality of the skin. After multiple treatments, you may notice that your skin has a glow that it didn’t have before, while also being smoother and firmer.
Microneedling does not require as much preparation or recovery as surgery. There are no incisions that need to heal, and general anesthesia is not used. Any post treatment effects are superficial and resolve within a few days.
You can choose to incorporate microneedling into your ongoing skin care routine. It can be scheduled periodically to help retain the results that you got from your initial treatment series, or as a seasonal treatment to treat sun damage or dull skin.
Unlike many facial treatments available, microneedling can be done on other parts of the body besides the face. Other benefits this revitalizing treatment can provide include:
Anybody, regardless of tone or skin type, can be effectively and safely treated with microneedling. Microneedling is especially beneficial for patients with thin or sensitive skin.
All the variations in shape and size that acne scars have affect how they respond when treated with microneedling. Depressed scars, like rolling or boxcar scars, form when the skin does not produce enough collagen during healing. Microneedling for acne scars focuses on stimulating new collagen in these areas, which can help gradually lift and smooth uneven skin. Raised scars may respond differently and may not be suitable for microneedling, depending on the type and severity of the scar.
Microneedling is not performed the same way for every patient or every scar pattern. Needle depth can be adjusted to reach the layers of skin where collagen remodeling is needed most. Deeper scars will need more depth of treatment than surface texture concerns and may require more treatments.
Acne scars can take more time to heal than less severe texture concerns. Results from microneedling for acne scars develop gradually as the skin produces new collagen, and you may notice early improvements in texture after the first few sessions. You will notice continued changes even up to several months after your last treatment. Microneedling may not remove scars entirely, but it can give you smoother skin.
Microneedling is a good option for most patients looking for a nonsurgical treatment. It is suitable for patients who are willing to undergo several treatment sessions spread out over a few months, and is best for those who have overall good health.
While microneedling works for many patients, there are situations where treatment may need to be postponed or avoided. These situations can include:
SkinPen is a microneedling device that we use because it gives us a high level of control and consistency during each treatment. The device is FDA cleared and penetrates the skin at precise and consistent depths throughout the treatment. Each single-use needle cartridge is sealed and sterile and is designed to avoid tearing or damaging the skin.
During your consultation, we review your skin concerns, medical history and treatment goals to determine whether SkinPen microneedling is right for you. We examine the areas you want to address and talk about how many sessions we may recommend for you and how they should be spaced. You will have time to ask questions so you understand what the treatment process and recovery will look like.
In the days leading up to microneedling, we may recommend simplifying your skincare routine. Avoid products that can irritate the skin, such as strong exfoliants or retinoids, so the skin is calm before treatment.
Excessive sun exposure before your treatment can make your skin more sensitive to the microneedles. It is best to avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning for a week or more beforehand. If you do go out, use sunscreen consistently and wear hats or long sleeves.
Well-hydrated skin tends to recover more efficiently than skin that is dehydrated. Make sure to drink enough water in the days before your treatment to keep your skin as healthy as possible. You should also continue eating healthy foods to prepare your body for the healing process.
Some medications and supplements can increase bruising or pinpoint bleeding during the treatment. We will go over everything you are taking and let you know if there are any temporary adjustments that we recommend making. Make sure to follow guidance carefully and avoid making changes to prescribed medications until cleared by your doctor.
On the day of treatment, don’t wear any makeup or lotions. Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to expose the area on your body that you want to treat. Because we do not use anesthesia, you can plan to drive yourself home from the treatment.
Each treatment could be as short as a few minutes or as long as an hour, depending on the severity of the problem and the area or areas being treated. Before the procedure, do not apply any topical products to your face or other affected body parts. The dermatologist will apply a topical numbing ointment 15 minutes before the procedure.
During treatment, a specialized device is gently moved across the surface of the affected area multiple times. This works to create tiny micro-punctures on the surface that activate a cellular response within skin tissue. Collagen production is also activated, which works to tighten and smooth skin.
Patients may experience redness in their skin following treatment, but this will soon subside. Skin rejuvenation can take place as early as two weeks, but long-term results can last as long as six to eight months.
During the first day, your skin will likely look red and feel warm or tight. The best way to take care of your skin is to keep it clean and avoid any heavy products like makeup and exfoliants. Do not use retinoids, acids or other active ingredients until your skin heals. You can use gentle cleansing products and a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize your skin. Continue to stay out of the sun and avoid heat and exercise that can cause you to sweat.
You may notice your redness beginning to fade after the first couple of days. Your skin may feel dry, and there may even be mild flaking. If you have any pinpoint scabs from the treatment, let them shed naturally rather than picking them off.
By the end of the first week, the skin should feel and look calm and smooth, and you may even notice a glow. Patients can usually return to their usual skincare routine by the end of the first week. At this point, deep remodeling will be underway, though you may not see the full effects until several weeks later.
Most of our patients benefit most from a series of treatments rather than just one. The collagen builds over time, and the skin benefits from regular stimulation. You can expect between three and six treatments, though everyone is different. These will be spaced at least a month apart so your skin does not get overly irritated. Once your initial series of microneedling services is complete, you can choose whether to maintain your results with yearly or twice-yearly treatments.
We do not recommend that you wear makeup in the first 24 hours after your treatment. The skin needs time to properly heal, and applying heavy products too soon can clog pores and increase irritation.
Microneedling is not usually performed on areas that have active, inflamed acne because the device could spread bacteria and irritate breakouts. Depending on the severity of the acne, we may be able to work around the affected areas. If the acne is widespread, we may recommend other treatments to help get your acne under control before scheduling this service.
Microneedling can be used on patients with rosacea, but we assess this on a case-by-case basis. We may make sure that you are not in the middle of an active flare-up. Microneedling can help strengthen the skin’s barrier and make your skin less reactive to your usual triggers.
Cost for microneedling treatments varies based on the patient and the number of sessions recommended. Total cost also depends on the number and size of the areas we are treating. We will give you an estimate during your microneedling consultation in Odessa.
Lively Wellness & Aesthetics is led by Dr. Charles A. Lively, M.D., with a focus on supporting long-term health while also addressing visible skin concerns. We offer a broad range of medical and aesthetic treatments. We prioritize detailed evaluation, clear communication and customizable treatments.
If you are interested in learning more about the many skin rejuvenating benefits of microneedling treatments, reach out to the professionals here at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics located in Odessa, TX. Contact us today and schedule your consultation!