Are you considering microneedling? You may be wondering, does it work? We’re here to help answer that question for you. Microneedling is one of the most popular non-invasive aesthetic treatments in the world. It’s used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scarring, and sagging skin.
Central Wellness is the best provider for aesthetics treatments in Billings, Montana. Schedule a free phone consultation today to learn how to get your best results.
Fast Facts
✔ Common benefits of microneedling include reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scarring, sagging skin, and stretch marks.
✔ It is safe for anyone in good health.
✔ It is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment.
✔ Microneedling at home is not recommended.
✔ It is a great option if you don’t want Botox.
✔ Treatment costs $325 – $525, depending on which area of the body.
✔ It is not covered by insurance.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a very popular cosmetic procedure, and many people considering treatment ask about how microneedling works. In clinical settings, it stimulates the body’s natural collagen production by pricking the skin with micro-needles or radiofrequency. Some clinics may refer to this treatment as collagen induction therapy (often called CIT).
What are the main benefits?
The most popular benefits of microneedling include reducing wrinkles, acne scars, sagging skin, and stretch marks. However, microneedling is also used to improve skin laxity, minimize large pores, remove dark spots, reverse sun damage, and combat hair loss.
What part of my body can be treated?
Microneedling is a highly versatile treatment. With medical-grade tools, any area of the body can be treated. Treatment is done anywhere on the body where you want to see firmer skin.
✔ Legs
✔ Underarms
✔ Chest
✔ Buttocks
✔ Face
✔ Neck
Who is eligible?
As we mentioned before, any healthy adult is a candidate for microneedling! However, you can’t get treatment if you are pregnant or nursing, and we do not recommend getting microneedling treatment if your scars are new (less than six months old) or if you’re using products with Retinoids or Vitamin A byproducts. If you’ve used a tanning bed or received another spa treatment in less than 48 hours, we recommend waiting to do microneedling treatment at a later date.
In all of these cases, a certified aesthetician will walk you through your options. If you find yourself in a spa recommending microneedling despite any of these factors, consider visiting another clinic.
What is platelet-rich plasma microneedling?
Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) involves the same initial treatment of creating microscopic holes in the skin. For enhanced results, practitioners will then apply plasma-rich platelets to the surface of the skin. These platelets contain natural proteins from blood. The proteins give your skin healthy growth factors and cytokines.
According to WebMD’s Fitness and Exercise column, the proteins found in plasma-rich platelets are also used to help heal injuries. For those choosing the treatment for aesthetic purposes, this method will speed up the healing process and provide faster results.
What does Microneedling work for?
Here’s the big question: does it really work? Getting treatment at a licensed, credible aesthetic clinic will deliver positive results. Microneedling at home, however, is less effective and can lead to complications if done incorrectly.
In a 2016 study observing treatment for acne scars, 50 participants had microneedling done with both distilled water and platelet-rich plasma (PRP.) The results found were a 45.84% improvement in acne scars from treatment with distilled water. Additionally, acne scars improved by 62.20% with PRP. In both treatments, participants experienced no significant side effects.
The immediate "glow"
The majority of visible changes develop over the following days and weeks, but many patients notice an immediate ‘glow’ after a microneedling session. Larger areas in need of treatment do take more sessions to accomplish desired results. No matter where microneedling is performed on the body, the results lead to firmer, rejuvenated skin. As collagen production continues to increase after treatment, results continue to improve.
Can it replace Botox?
Microneedling can replace botox treatment. It is a great option for patients wanting similar results from botox seeking a natural solution. While there are additional benefits to each treatment, here are several benefits and how they overlap.
| Benefit of treatment | Microneedling | Botox |
| Decreases appearance of acne scars | ✔ | ✔ |
| Minimizes pores | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reduces stretch marks | ✔ | |
| Firms sagging skin | ✔ | ✔ |
| Combats hair loss | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reduces wrinkles | ✔ | ✔ |
| Is considered a natural aesthetic treatment | ✔ |
How many treatments until I see results?
The frequency of treatment depends on your unique skin and health variables. Most people need between three and six treatments to reach their desired results. Generally, younger people can reach desired results after one or two treatments. The older a participant is, typically, more treatments are needed.
After reaching your skin’s desired outcome, we recommend continuing with maintenance appointments two to four times a year. Some clinics will offer discounted maintenance appointments after the initial microneedling treatment is complete.
How long will results last?
Again, this depends on your unique skin and health variables. Since every person’s skin is unique, we cannot predict precisely how long a patient’s treatment will last. In general, however, most people enjoy their results for at least eight to twelve weeks. Sometimes results last even longer when skin is well taken care of. The small holes created in the top layer of the skin stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. This healing process leads to increased collagen and elastin production as well as rapid cell turnover, resulting in a fresh and youthful appearance.
Is it safe to do at home?
In recent years it has become increasingly popular to try microneedling at home. At home treatment is called dermarolling, where a user can move a handheld tool across their face. The needles used in these handheld devices are less effective than at a professional clinic. They vary in length only between 0.1mm-0.3mm.
We do not recommend microneedling at home. Users can experience an adverse reaction from using the wrong technique, permanent scarring and other complications.
Microneedling Post Care
After most microneedling treatments, expect some minor redness and sensitive areas. Avoid putting any makeup on during the hours directly after your procedure. You’ll also want to avoid exfoliating your skin with any scrubs. Your sensitive skin will soothe and heal after a few days.
We recommend using our medical-grade skin care with a serum to enhance the treatment as the skin will have a greater outcome. Wearing sunscreen is a must for any aesthetic treatment the weeks after your procedure if you’re not already in the habit. In addition, you need to make sure you keep your skin hydrated. Your clinician will likely recommend a hydrating lotion or serum if you’re not sure what to use.
You can schedule more than one experience at our medical and aesthetic spa. Depending on your goals, you can choose which treatments are the best fit for your skin. For instance, your goals may be to brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Or, maybe you want to decrease your scars from acne.
At Central Wellness in Billings, Montana, we offer a variety of medical and aesthetic treatments. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to optimize your skin’s health and appearance. With you as our #1 priority, we never recommend a treatment that will not benefit you.
Interested in learning more from our experts? Book your FREE consultation today or call 406.869.1066!
