Using very fine, small needles to make strategically-placed micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling can be personalised to treat a variety of common skin concerns.
By focusing on a specific area of the skin, the treatment can target skin texture, including wrinkles and acne scars.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how microneedling works for wrinkles and acne scars, and discuss the results that you may expect to achieve.
How microneedling can help resurface the skin
When it comes to treating certain skin concerns, microneedling works by triggering the body’s wound-healing response.
By creating these controlled micro-channels, the skin is prompted to start producing more collagen and elastin, which are two naturally occurring proteins in the skin that tend to decline with age.
New collagen formation can help to rebuild the skin’s structure, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and certain types of acne scars. It’s a gradual process, as the skin needs time to heal after each session, and people will often require more than one treatment.
The treatment’s results are gradual but long-lasting, and the number of sessions that may be needed will depend on the skin’s condition, such as if deeper acne scarring or more prominent wrinkles are being treated.
Microneedling treatments for wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles often develop as a natural part of the ageing process, where the skin starts to lose elasticity and structure. Since microneedling stimulates new collagen production, it can sometimes help to soften the appearance of fine lines and mild wrinkles.
However, while microneedling can help, it won’t necessarily have the ability to completely erase wrinkles. It may also have limitations when treating deeper wrinkles, particularly if the area has experienced volume loss.
To be effective, every microneedling treatment plan needs to consider the condition of the wrinkles and be carefully tailored.
Microneedling treatments for acne scars
Acne scars come in different forms, from shallow scars to deeper, more significant scars. Microneedling can be helpful for certain types of scarring, particularly atrophic scars, which are indented areas where the skin hasn’t fully healed after inflammatory acne.
By stimulating new collagen growth, microneedling can gradually help to rebuild some of the lost tissue, which can make shallow scars look less noticeable over time. However, the extent of the results will depend on the type and depth of the scars.
Deeper scars may need more sessions or may require a combination approach, such as combining microneedling with other treatments, to achieve more noticeable results. As with tailoring a microneedling treatment to treat fine lines and wrinkles, a treatment to focus on acne scars will also need to be highly personalised to be as effective as possible.
How is the actual treatment performed?
You will normally be given an outline of what you can expect during your session. To begin, the skin is typically cleansed and then prepped with a topical anaesthetic to help minimise any discomfort.
The microneedling device is then carefully used to make controlled punctures across the skin, focusing on the specific area and using any tailored techniques or approaches necessary.
Treatment times can vary depending on the size of the area being treated, but most sessions tend to take around 30 to 60 minutes. Straight after microneedling, the skin will often appear red and may feel slightly sensitive, much like a mild sunburn.
This is a normal part of the process, as the micro-injuries are creating the healing response as intended.
After your session, you may notice some swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and peeling as the skin heals. It’s important to follow your aftercare instructions, which typically include steps like avoiding makeup for a certain period, keeping the area clean and free from irritation, and protecting the skin from sun exposure.
How long results can take to show?
Since microneedling relies on the body’s natural healing process, the results are not immediate. Typically, it can take several weeks to start noticing changes.
For wrinkles and acne scars, it’s common that patients will need multiple sessions to see more significant changes. Most treatment plans involve anywhere from three to six sessions spaced around four to six weeks apart, depending on the condition of the specific concerns.
When it comes to any treatment, it’s important that expectations are realistic. Microneedling can help to reduce noticeable changes in skin’s texture, but the treatment will need to be suitable for the level of scarring and depth of wrinkles that you want to treat. You will be able to discuss your suitability for the treatment when you visit us for your consultation, which will help to manage your expectations for the treatment’s results.
Possible risks of microneedling when treating wrinkles and acne scars
As with any skin procedure that disrupts the surface of the skin, there are some risks to be aware of. Straight after microneedling, it’s common to experience redness, swelling, and a feeling of tightness. These effects typically subside within a few days.
In rarer cases, there can be more noticeable side effects, such as prolonged inflammation, infection, or hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin tones. This is why it’s important that microneedling is performed by using the appropriate techniques and in a sterile environment.
To help minimise risks, you should avoid exposing the skin to bacteria (such as swimming pools), avoid using harsh ingredients on the skin, protect the area from UV ray exposure, and follow a gentle skincare routine. You should also find a clinic with an experienced team to perform any skin treatment that you are interested in.
Schedule a microneedling consultation at Vie at Fraser-Kirk, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Personalising every skin treatment to treat each patient’s skin concerns, the team at Vie at Fraser-Kirk will closely examine the wrinkles and acne scars that you want to treat.
After assessing your suitability for microneedling, a tailored plan can be created to treat your particular concerns with an effective approach.
We are led by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk and held to high standards when performing any of the advanced treatments that we offer.
To book your consultation, please get in touch with our team in the Sunshine Coast, QLD.