Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy, is a recent innovation in aesthetic medicine for reducing the visibility of fine lines, acne scars, and improving your skin’s overall appearance. This non-surgical procedure awakens the skin’s production of collagen and elastin, which helps to improve skin tone and put the glow back in your skin. Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona has the Micro-needling technology to give your face a more youthful and fresh look.

What is Microneedling and how does it Work? Am I a Candidate?

Microneedling uses small needles to prick the skin with the purpose of generating new collagen and skin tissue to help smooth, firm, and tone skin. Even though the procedure is primarily used on the face, it can be used, in conjunction with fillers, on other parts of the body like the abdominal area or thighs to reduce stretch marks and other scars.

If you are in good health and skin treatments, like facials and peels, haven’t produced desired results, you may be a good candidate for microneedling. If you are pregnant, have eczema or other skin diseases, have open wounds, recently had radiation therapy, or have any past episodes of scarring on your skin, especially if any of these appear on or around your face, microneedling might not be recommended at this time. However, our licensed Aestheticians can give treatment options for the aforementioned issues so that you can have the Micro-needling procedure done in the future.

Even though microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, it is not without side effects. The most common side effect, after microneedling treatment, is minor skin irritation and some redness, which could linger for a few days.

Cost

The cost for microneedling depends on the area of your skin being treated, and the condition of your skin. It can typically range between $250 and $700 per session. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by insurance.

Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona participates with Care Credit, a financing company that can provide loans to help cover the cost of the procedure. Loans that are interest-free for up to twelve months are available through Care Credit for qualifying applicants.

Preparation, Procedure, and Recovery

To better prepare yourself for microneedling and give you the best results, our Aestheticians will ask that you stop taking the following medications:

• Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Aleve
• Acne treatments like Accutane
• Topical retinoids

The initial procedure only takes about 30 minutes, but you may need to have as many as six treatments. microneedling procedures are provided by our trained aestheticians, Sherri Kohl, and Leilani Dobric. Some topical anesthesia, and numbing cream, will be applied to your skin to reduce possible pain during your treatment. We’ll use the Eclipse MicroPen, which can be used on any area of the body, to make tiny pricks in the skin evenly across the requested area, in an effort to rejuvenate collagen and new skin tissue.

After your session, our aestheticians will apply a calming serum to help soothe and cool your skin. While your skin goes through its repair process, you’ll see results with a decrease in wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars within a couple of weeks. It is recommended to regularly apply sunscreen as your skin will be very sensitive to sunlight. Before and after your first treatment, our aestheticians will discuss how many treatments are necessary and get you on a schedule in order to maintain your results.

Summary

Microneedling, or Collagen Induction Therapy, is a non-surgical procedure used to generate collagen production and new skin tissue, creating a more youthful, smooth look. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, with most patients returning to their daily routines the following day. Side effects include skin irritation and redness, which will decrease in a few days after the procedure. It may be recommended to get several treatments to maintain results. Within a couple of weeks prior to your final treatment, you’ll begin to see the stunning results of reduced wrinkles, fine lines, or acne scarring.

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your skin again and regain that youthful glow. To learn more about microneedling at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a complimentary microneedling consultation at our Flagstaff location. We can also provide microneedling consultations over the telephone for the convenience and comfort of our patients.