Microneedling is a simple concept — injure the skin with hundreds of microscopic wounds and it will “heal” itself, improving the skin condition. At Dr. Kunkel’s practice, we use the industry-leading Rejuvapen micro-needling system to improve skin texture, appearance, and firmness.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment. Using Rejuvapen, one of the most powerful micro-needling systems available, invisible, micro-perforations are created at various depths into the epidermis. As a result, the skin shifts its natural repair mechanism into high gear and starts producing collagen and elastin to repair the micro-perforations. Skin becomes firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. Rejuvapen can also treat acne scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks and can firm and tighten skin on most areas of the body. A series of 3 to 6 treatments is recommended.
What Is Micro-Needling?
Microneedling uses microneedles to create punctures through the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, down into the dermis, the second layer. These punctures are microscopic and begin healing immediately. But the body senses the penetrations into the dermis and believes it has received a series of wounds.
This triggers a wound-repair response. This has two facets. First, the existing collagen in the treatment area is remodeled, immediately firming the area. Second, the body begins the production of new collagen to “heal” the wounds. Collagen is responsible for supplying the skin’s underlying structural support system. As we age, our collagen production continues to drop year after year, beginning way back with our 20th birthday. This decline is why our skin starts to sag. It’s why areas such as the cheeks lose volume. And it allows wrinkles and creases to form. When the body increases collagen in response to the micro-needling, it firms and improves the skin.
A secondary benefit of micro-needling is that it enables us to apply various topical gels, serums, or creams (depending on what’s best for your skin type), and they are able to efficiently penetrate through the epidermis through the hundreds of tiny punctures. This further improves the outer layer and health of the skin.
How Is Micro-Needling Done?
For your micro-needling session, we first clean your skin across the treatment areas. Then we apply topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Next, the Rejuvapen is moved across the treatment area. It has nine microneedles that rise and fall, puncturing the skin hundreds of times. We can adjust the depth of the needle penetration up to 2mm depending on the specific issues we’re addressing with your skin. Overlapping passes will be made over the treatment areas. When we’re finished, we apply soothing serums or creams to finish the procedure.
Can Microneedling be Combined with Other Cosmetic Procedures?
You may be able to add microneedling into a larger treatment plan that includes either surgical or other non-surgical procedures. Due to the way in which microneedling affects the skin, your provider may schedule this treatment as its own appointment so as not to affect the outcome of other treatments, including injectables.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Are Usually Needed for the Best Results?
Your ideal number of microneedling sessions will depend on the outcome you want to achieve. For milder concerns or to postpone the effects of aging, you may need only a few initial sessions followed by periodic maintenance treatments. For more significant signs of aging, sun damage, or stretch marks, it may take between four and eight sessions to resolve the cosmetic issue. Microneedling is safe enough to be scheduled every four to six weeks and maintained at this interval until you have reached your ideal level of improvement.
What Products Should I Use to Maximize the Effects of Microneedling?
Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that works by creating micro-injuries in the upper layers of the skin. The disruption to the skin's surface aids in the absorption and efficacy of any skincare product. That said, to maximize your results from microneedling treatments, it can be beneficial to also assess the ingredients that are in your current products. Your provider can discuss options that may help address your specific concerns. Primarily, to enhance the effects of the procedure, it is recommended to use products that have a collagen-stimulating effect. Serums or creams containing peptides are a good example. We carry a selection of proven medical-grade skincare products here in our Fort Worth office. Your provider would be happy to assist you in choosing the ideal products for your skin's needs.
For How Long Should I Avoid Direct Sunlight After the Procedure?
Ideally, you should avoid excessive sun exposure for one to two weeks after your microneedling treatment. The ultraviolet light in sunshine degrades the collagen in your skin, so we suggest making sun protection a daily practice. In addition to avoiding purposeful sun exposure like tanning, it is beneficial to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day. When you will be outdoors for a longer period, wear a hat that prevents too much sun exposure on your face or another treatment area like the neck or chest.
How Long Does the Procedure Usually Take?
Microneedling is safe, effective, and quick! Your treatment may take about half an hour. That said, you may be in the office for close to an hour. This gives us time to apply a topical numbing product to your skin and for the product to take effect.
What Skin Issues Does Micro-Needling Improve?
At Dr. Kunkel’s, we use micro-needling on all skin tones and it doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation. It can be used anywhere on the body, but the face, neck, and décolletage are the typical targets.
Here are skin conditions we treat with micro-needling:
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Stretch marks
Does Micro-Needling Hurt?
Because we apply a topical anesthetic prior to your session, micro-needling doesn’t hurt. Most of our Fort Worth patients equate the feeling to that of a piece of light sandpaper being lightly dragged across the treatment areas.
Is There Recovery After A Micro-Needling Session?
Immediately following your session, your skin will appear red and flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. The degree of redness correlates to how many passes are made over the area and the depth of the needle penetration. This redness usually passes by the next day. You may have some slight swelling, and your skin will feel a little tight for a day or so. If you can arrange it, it’s a good idea to have your micro-needling session as an after-work procedure. That way, your skin can calm down overnight.
What Our Patients Have To Say
- Kristen C
When Will I See Results And How Long Will They Last?
There is an immediate “glow” after your treatment session, but the true results from micro-needling build over time. This is because your collagen and elastin production ramps up and continues. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.
How long your results will last is variable between patients. Your body will have produced new collagen and elastin and that isn’t going anywhere. Still, your collagen production does continue to decline with age. That’s why we recommend 4 to 6 micro-needling sessions over the course of the year. This keeps your skin constantly renewing itself. Sessions need to be spaced at least six weeks apart.
Schedule A Consultation
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Micro-Needling procedures, contact us today at 817.335.5200. Our practice serves Fort Worth, TX and surrounding areas.
