Microneedling: Everything You Should Know

Microneedling, sometimes described as collagen induction therapy, is everywhere. Outside of injectables, Microneedling is the go-to celebrity treatment for skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘collagen induction therapy’. Microneedling is a popular skin treatment to improve skin texture, reduce stretch marks, uneven skin tone, acne scarring and skin elasticity.

The process involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles, which stimulates collagen production and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots and other signs of ageing. It can also help to even out skin tone by improving pigmentation issues such as hyperpigmentation or sunspots. In addition, it can treat acne scars by promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the area. Microneedling is a safe procedure that requires minimal recovery time but offers impressive results for those looking for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Many of our patients tell us that they are overwhelmed by the conflicting information that they find online about microneedling. And, it’s true – there’s a lot out there. 

We’ve been performing microneedling for 10 years. Microneedling works!

Our experience is why we wanted to provide a comprehensive guide to microneedling treatment, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. Here, we will discuss the basics of microneedling and explain what you need to know before getting started. We have also included information on how often you should get treatments, what kind of results you can expect and any potential risks associated with this procedure.

We understand that everyone’s skin and skin texture is different, so our experienced team of Skin Care Specialists are here to answer all your questions and ensure that your treatment plan is tailored specifically for your needs. With our help you too, can enjoy smoother skin and a more youthful-looking complexion in no time!

Kim Kardashian had a microneedling treatment done as part of a PRP dual treatment known as “The Vampire Facial.”

What is Microneedling? Does it really give you a youthful appearance?

Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by helping produce collagen and elastin production through repair mechanisms. The net result is more robust, more resilient skin which promotes a more youthful-looking appearance.

The microneedling treatment takes advantage of our body’s innate ability to repair itself. The procedure stimulates a significant increase in the production of new collagen and elastin and promotes the release of growth factors. The results are achieved via the skin’s natural healing response. Microneedling is a very natural treatment in this regard. It is used for:

• stretch marks
• collagen production
• skin texture
• uneven skin tone
• ageing skin
• acne scarring
• hair growth
• minor scarring
• large pores

How is microneedling done?

As its name suggests, the treatment involves tiny needles penetrating the dermis. This is a medical-grade treatment, and the needles are attached to a medical-grade needle device, usually something that looks like a pen.  We 100% use numbing cream, so don’t worry about pain or discomfort.

The depth and speed of the needle penetration are set very specifically before the device is run over your skin. This means the ‘damage’ being caused is very predictable and controlled.

At Amara we use the dermapen to produce more collagen with microneedling

What are the results of microneedling?

A firmer, stronger and more resilient skin. This means the skin renewal cycle is more optimized, and your skin is better able to look after itself. I

What can microneedling help with?

Microneedling has fantastic results for concerns such as the appearance of ageing skin, general rejuvenation, discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and even rosacea.

• Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of pigment due to sun damage, hormonal changes, and post-inflammatory reactions to skin conditions such as acne. Microneedling encourages even pigmentation in the skin by balancing keratin cell production, stabilising melanin production and encouraging fibroblasts to develop. 

• Scarring and Acne Scarring

Acne scarring can be a difficult skin condition to manage, but microneedling offers an effective solution. Microneedling is an innovative treatment which uses tiny needles to penetrate the dermis and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by encouraging even pigmentation in the skin, stabilising melanin production, and promoting fibroblast development. With regular treatments, you can enjoy smoother skin, fewer acne scars and a more youthful-looking complexion in no time!

Microneedling smoothing scars after a course of 5 treatments

Stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture with microneedling

Many different types of scars can be improved with medical microneedling. Scars are generally caused by an overabundance of collagen from wounds that haven’t healed properly. Microneedling improves the appearance of scars by breaking down the existing scar tissue, which allows for new natural wound healing and the production of new collagen in a more organised and controlled way. 

• Rosacea

Rosacea is characterised by red, sensitive skin and is common among people with lighter skin tones in Northern Europe. Microneedling can significantly improve rosacea-related discolouration. Because microneedling stimulates epidermal growth factors that increase the thickness and general health of the skin, it is one of several options for people who suffer from rosacea. 

We use the rejuvapen for microneeding at amara clinics

What can I expect after a microneedling session?

Here’s the thing – a single treatment will not do too much – although you will find clinics that will take your money and promise the world!

The fact is that microneedling requires a commitment to multiple treatments.

You must start with a course of 3 or 5, depending on your goal. 

You must commit to attending these sessions a month apart consecutively 

You must commit to aftercare and stay out of the sun after treatment.

Following a course, single maintenance treatments can be performed.

Is there downtime associated with microneedling?

Yes. Although microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, there is some downtime. This is another aspect of commitment. While there is downtime involved, it improves with each session. You need to remember that this is all part of achieving the results you want.

Directly after your treatment, your skin will look and feel like it has been sunburnt, with redness and tightness likely to last a couple of days. This is why it is essential to stick to a well-formulated skin care protocol after microneedling. 

Copper wash is essential to prevent infection and encourage the healing process. Copper peptides and SPF should also be used for at least 48 hours after treatment to protect and repair the skin and prevent hyperpigmentation due to increased sun exposure. Exfoliation, skin resurfacing treatment and direct sunlight should be avoided for a minimum of a week following treatment. This is why microneedling is more popular in winter than in summer.

All of this is provided for you, and a complete aftercare program and follow-up directly with your skin specialist will be provided.

Does microneedling hurt?

You might think multiple needles penetrating your skin rapidly would hurt, but it doesn’t. That’s because we apply a powerful topical anaesthetic to your skin before we begin. This makes the session a comfortable experience. It is a walk in the park compared to most other cosmetic procedures.

What improvements will I see, and how long will they last?

Following a course, your final results will be seen a month after the final treatment and should last 6-9 months. Your skin’s appearance will be greatly improved, and you will find it notably more strong and more resilient.

As we said earlier, once a course has been completed, single, standalone maintenance treatments will be available. You may only need one treatment a year after your initial course to keep your skin looking rejuvenated and more youthful. This is patient-dependent, but your skin health specialist will have an excellent idea of what’s best for you.

Is a microneedling procedure worth it?

Is microneedling worth it? Absolutely.

In all our years performing microneedling treatments, we have never had a client tell us that they didn’t see value in the treatment. 

How Can I Book a Treatment?

Here at Amara, we feel that it is crucial for our Microneedling patients to come in for a consultation to ensure that they are eligible for a course and are aware of the downtime and other considerations.

If you’re interested in a microneedling treatment, why not contact the clinic at 01 676 1074 or get in touch online to book a consultation? Some of our team members have had microneedling treatments before and are happy to answer any questions you might have!