• Home
• Nonsurgical
• Microneedling

Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the safest and quickest forms of collagen induction therapy (CIT). These treatments use tiny micro-traumas to stimulate the production of brand new collagen in the skin. Multiplied by the thousands, each tiny micro-trauma stimulates the skin to release a wave of healing proteins, all which build new collagen. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Szachowicz performs “prejuvenation” by combining CIT skin treatments such as microneedling at his Edina plastic surgery practice near Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, with a medical grade skin care program, BOTOX^® Cosmetic, and dermal fillers. The goal of prejuvenation is to maximize what you can currently do to look your best without surgery.

How is microneedling done?

A topical gel is applied to clean skin, in most cases, your practitioner will use sterile saline. This is a lubricating product the helps the MicroPen glide across your skin creating superficial micro-injuries designed to ultimately improve your skin condition upon re-epithelialization.

Microneedling can safely be used on the face, neck, and chest for all skin types. Every microneedling treatment begins with a skin analysis and photographs to document your progress. Microneedling is an office treatment which starts with the application of a numbing cream on the skin. After thorough cleansing, a gliding lubricant made of hyaluronic acid is placed onto the skin. The automated micro-pen applicator has 12 tiny needles at the tip, which can be adjusted for the depth of penetration into the skin; depending on the thickness of the skin being treated (the eyelid would be shallower than the forehead skin). Multiple passes are done across each area to obtain a thorough and even coverage.

Problem areas, such as acne scars, can be treated more aggressively, if needed. Small dots of bleeding may occur, but are temporary. Redness and slight swelling may be present immediately after the treatment, but quickly fades by the next day.

The collagen stimulation occurs over the following 3 to 4 weeks as the skin releases a healing cascade of proteins. Sunscreen and makeup can be applied the next day.

What is microneedling combined with PRP?

Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.

The microneedling makes the skin temporarily more porous or open after the treatment. You can maximize the healing by using your own blood to amplify the healing proteins and also speed the healing after your treatment. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood which is processed while you are having your microneedling treatment. Platelets from your blood are concentrated into a serum (PRP) which is painted onto your skin after your micro-needling, and then penetrates into the skin. The PRP enhances the collagen production after the microneedling.

Is microneedling painful?

Barely. The numbing cream is very effective as an anesthetic to the skin’s surface. After your treatment, you will notice a mild wind-burn sensation to the skin, which fades over the next several hours. Most people use a moisturizer overnight and can use their makeup the following day. Some minor flaking may be possible as new skin elements form.

What is the difference between microneedling and Fraxel^® laser treatments?

The microneedling technique does not involve heat or light. This may be important to people who have pigmentary problems or have pigment reactions to the sun or any light-based treatment. The Fraxel laser is also an effective collagen induction therapy (CIT). Because it is a light-based treatment, the Fraxel laser can penetrate more deeply into the skin than microneedling and is often more helpful for sun freckles and spots, and for more important lines and wrinkles. For this reason, Fraxel laser treatments may require a few days of downtime.

Dr. Edward Szachowicz

(Sack-o-which)

Your face can reflect the way you feel inside through a facelift or another surgical procedure by Dr. Szachowicz.

Meet Dr. Szachowicz

How often should I schedule microneedling treatments?

Dr. Szachowicz recommends collagen induction therapy at least 3 times a year. You may have a microneedling treatment as often as every 4 to 6 weeks. Your results will be best if you use a medically supervised skin care program along with your microneedling treatments.

Who is a good candidate for microneedling and what are some of the risks?

Microneedling is especially good for people who have pigment problems with light treatments, such as IPL and laser. Microneedling also works best for those who follow a medical skin care regimen.

If you are prone to fever blisters or cold sores around your mouth, microneedling may stimulate the virus that causes cold sores. Dr. Szachowicz can prescribe and anti-viral medicine to take prior to your treatments. People who heal from needle injections with abnormal scars should not have this treatment.

Also, microneedling should be delayed if you have any breakouts or skin infections. At home needle roller systems can become contaminated and become dull after repeated treatments.