Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.

This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture. It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure. It involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heal your skin and help you look younger. You might also hear it called collagen induction therapy.

Microneedling is most often used on your face to target:

• Acne scars
• Age spots (also called “sun spots”)
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Large pores
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Uneven skin tone

In addition to facial concerns, microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other areas of the body. At CMA we have found that microneedling has also been effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when combined with fillers.

Scarring on other body parts may also be treated with this procedure. However, microneedling is primarily used on the face.

Microneedling isn’t invasive like plastic surgery, so the recovery time is minimal. Most people require very little downtime, if any at all.

You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days following the procedure. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.

You can go back to work or school after the procedure if you’re comfortable. Some people apply camouflaging makeup during the first few days as the redness dissipates.

Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is a must.

After microneedling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. In theory, you should see results within a couple of weeks.

To maintain the results of your treatment, you’ll need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. We will advise you on the best plan of action based on your individual goals.

At CMA before your procedure, We will discuss the best ways you can prepare so you have the best possible outcome. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment, well in advance of the procedure.

We also recommend that you stop using topical retinoids beforehand too. Doing so may reduce the risk of certain side effects.

Microneedling is a professional procedure that’s performed in a board-certified doctor’s office only. In an effort to save money, some people opt for home rollers instead. Unlike professional microneedling, rollers don’t puncture the skin hardly at all.

While this might seem a less painful option, the problem is that you won’t achieve the same results. The punctures made during professional microneedling are designed to induce skin rejuvenation.

With a roller device, you may achieve brighter skin at best.

If you’re interested in more dramatic, long-term results, microneedling is a better option than a store-bought roller device. You may still choose to try the latter version if you want less invasive (and more temporary) results.