When you look in the mirror, do you see someone who looks older than you feel? Perhaps your skin has lost some of its natural tone and texture as the result of aging, or maybe you have started to develop fine lines. Even small scars left behind from acne can detract from your appearance, making it impossible to look like the youthful, vibrant person you feel like on the inside. There are numerous treatments designed to restore a more youthful appearance. Facial needling, one of the latest procedures designed to minimize common signs of aging, is a unique method of skin rejuvenation.
What Is Facial Needling?
Facial needling is a cosmetic procedure in which tiny steel needles are used to prick the skin. This causes an increase in the skin’s production of collagen. Increased collagen production restores the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This makes facial needling a safe and natural method for reducing common signs of aging like fine lines and saggy skin. Facial needling has also proven effective in reducing acne scars.
“I could not be any happier with my experience with Dr. Schlechter. I have been a patient for over ten years and trust him completely.” – LR
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How Is Facial Needling Performed?
The procedure for facial needling is fairly standard, but it can be performed with different devices. The Environ facial needling system uses a hand held roller with tiny needles that is rolled over the skin. The Dermapen system, however, is a vertical hand held device that is applied to precise locations rather than being rolled. In either case, the skin is numbed prior to the procedure. Your surgeon uses the device to carefully create hundreds of tiny holes in your skin. Once the needling is complete, topical cream or ointment is applied to maximize your results. Depending on the depth of needling required, the procedure may be performed using IV sedation.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Needling?
Because facial needling is a minimally invasive procedure, many people are good candidates. Your skin should be in good overall condition, and you should be free of major health problems. Let your doctor know if you are taking any medications that could put you at an increased risk for bleeding. Facial needling is effective in treating mild scarring and signs of aging, but it is important to have realistic expectations. If you have deep wrinkles or severe scarring, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure. Typically multiple treatments are necessary to achieve the desired result.
Recovery from Facial Needling
When you are recovering from a facial needling treatment, you are essentially healing hundreds or even thousands of micro injuries. Redness and swelling are very common in the first few days after the procedure. Some patients also experience oozing of the skin. Full healing generally occurs within 10-14 days, but most side effects like redness, dryness and swelling subside within 3-5 days. It will take months to see the results of the needling procedure as it takes time for the new collagen to form.
