The world of medicine has rapidly evolved over the years. However, one fact that remains constant is that results matter - probably more than anything else. This is especially the case for the field of dermatology, where beauty enthusiasts yearn for efficient treatments that produce the best results.
After all, most cosmetic procedures are arduous, and no one would want to go through a wearing skin-rejuvenating procedure like microneedling all for nothing!
A microneedling procedure is minimally invasive, safe, and efficient. However, if you're considering it as your preferred skin care treatment, it is only right to ask a lot of questions, and one that stands out is; How long do microneedling results last?
If this is one of your main concerns, here's everything you need to know about the microneedling procedure and its results.
What Does Microneedling Entail?
A microneedling procedure should be performed using a microneedling device, such as a derma roller or derma pen, with thin needles attached to the head. A skin expert rolls the head on the skin surface and needles puncture the outermost part of the skin. This works by stimulating the production of collagen to establish skin firmness, and flexibility, and keep it hydrated.
As the micro-wounds start healing, blood flow around the treated areas increases, kickstarting the redevelopment of new skin tissue.
That is just a summary of the procedure, but a lot goes into making the treatment effective in treating various skin conditions.
The appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks on the skin can be frustrating, but microneedling can help you address all these skin concerns. It has also recently been discovered that it can deal with hair loss by stimulating hair follicles to produce new, healthier hair.
What to Expect
Just as it sounds, microneedling is a delicate procedure. This means that you need to prepare adequately and employ proper aftercare measures to reap the countless benefits of the treatment. However, you don't have to worry; we are here to guide you every step of the way and inform you of what to expect at every stage. So let's get into what you should expect:
Before the Procedure
Microneedling is not your ordinary facial, and there are several things you have to consider, including your previous medical history and current medications. Unfortunately, this is a step that most people skip amidst their excitement to get the procedure done.
If your skin is acne-prone and you're on isotretinoin-based medication, it may make the skin more sensitive and susceptible to infections. You should also avoid blood-thinning medication three days before and after the procedure to avoid hindering the skin's ability to heal.
You may also have to modify your skincare routine a few days before undergoing the microneedling procedure, especially if you use abrasive skincare products. If you're not sure which medication you need to quit, consult a dermatologist or cosmetician so that they can help you create a tailored microneedling plan that will work for you.
On the D-Day
On the day of your microneedling appointment, there are a few things to note. First, ensure that you have not applied any makeup or even sunscreen. This will minimize the chances of any foreign substances contaminating the microneedling device or entering the skin.
Before the procedure, your dermatologist will administer an injectable anesthetic or apply a thick layer of numbing cream on the skin to ensure that you feel very little to no pain as the needles pierce your skin. The anesthetic can take effect in a few minutes but the numbing cream has to be applied at least 30 minutes before the procedure to ensure complete numbing.
If the numbing is done well, most people don't even feel a pinch during the procedure, which should last about 15-20 minutes.
After Microneedling
Unless your cosmetician used an anesthetic, you should be fine to drive yourself home or back to work immediately after the microneedling procedure. This means that there is no downtime after treatment, and you can simply slot your microneedling session in between appointments or during your lunch break!
Can Microneedling Be Mixed With Other Skin Treatments?
Before microneedling, you have to research and consult extensively to discover the factors that affect the efficiency of microneedling as a skin treatment. One of the main factors is combining the procedure with other skin medication and skincare routines knowingly or unknowingly.
Luckily, not all treatments and routines are harmful when performed alongside microneedling. Some of them combine well with the procedure to achieve better, long-lasting results. The most popular combinations include;
Microneedling and Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency microneedling is one of the most effective skin treatment combinations. It makes use of radiofrequency energy to generate heat during the regular microneedling procedure. This is the perfect procedure if you want to treat skin sagging as the heat encourages the development of more tissue and tightening of the skin.
Microneedling With Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for lack of adequate collagen in the skin. During the procedure, a skincare expert injects plasma from your own blood under the skin to stimulate collagen production. However, when performed alongside microneedling, it is a potent remedy for different types of hair loss, including alopecia aerata and androgenetic alopecia.
Microneedling and Facials
The use of facials is the oldest and most popular skin treatment thanks to its non-invasive nature. It involves the use of skin care products such as serums, lotions, and facial masks to rejuvenate the skin.
However, facials are often ineffective in treating concerns such as scarring, but you can combine them with microneedling to achieve the desired results. After all, the products will penetrate the skin faster through the needle punctures created during microneedling.
PDO Threads and Microneedling
PDO threads are among the most effective treatments for skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. They work by providing a beautiful lifting effect to restore the skin's youthful look. But they can still use an additional boost, and microneedling offers just that. This combination gets rid of old and new scars while leaving the skin smoother and more elastic.
However, unlike most skincare treatment combinations, the two procedures cannot be performed simultaneously, so it's advisable to perform microneedling 2-4 weeks before or after a PDO thread lift procedure.
Number and Frequency of Microneedling Sessions
When it comes to the safety and efficiency of skin treatments, you can never ask too many questions. This also applies to microneedling, as it is crucial to understand every aspect of the procedure. One question that you must have in mind when considering microneedling is; how often should I go for microneedling sessions?
The amount and frequency of microneedling sessions depends on various factors, including the skin condition you're treating, the results you would like to achieve, and how fast your skin heals after every session.
However experts advise that you start out with 3-4 treatments spread out over the course of 4 to 6 weekss. This frequency gives your skin enough time to recover and also guarantees you enough time to observe the results of the procedure.
Consistency is key when it comes to skin treatment, but you can always switch it up and increase the frequency of your microneedling sessions when your skin gets used to it.
How Long Until Results Show?
Most people choose microneedling for their skin treatment because of how fast the results of the procedure manifest. After all, who doesn't want to get their skin looking smoother, firmer, and more even almost immediately?
Some of microneedling's results, such as pore reduction and tightening of the skin start showing immediately after the procedure. However, the average time for the final results is between 4 to 6 weeks. At this time, the skin has fully recovered, the body is producing more collagen, and the skin starts reaping the full benefits of microneedling so you can walk with your head held high as you flaunt more gorgeous, glowing skin.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
It's one thing to reap the benefits of a well-performed cosmetic procedure, and another for the results to stick. When it comes to microneedling, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the popular question of how long the results of a procedure last. However, most people report that they enjoy the results for 4 to 6 weeks after the first microneedling session.
Microneedling is not a one-time treatment, and you have to book additional sessions to keep enjoying the results again and again. However, you also have a part to play in ensuring that the results last long. Here are the factors that affect the longevity of microneedling results and what you have to do to make them stick for as long as possible. The question, how long do microneedling results last, is relevant to the following factors.
1. Lifestyle
Various lifestyle factors can play a positive or negative role in the longevity of microneedling results. For instance, a balanced diet loaded with antioxidants and vitamins can improve skin health before and after microneedling, enhancing the longevity of sessions. On the other hand, unhealthy habits such as smoking affect overall body health as well as skin health. This slows down the production of collagen and reduces the efficiency of microneedling results.
Luckily, these factors are not out of your control. You can quit bad habits that make the microneedling results last for shorter periods and embrace those that increase the results' longevity so you can enjoy the fruits of your dedication to improving your skin's elegance.
2. Skin Type and Condition
When choosing skin treatments, your skin type is one of the first things you consider, and you're not wrong for it. Most treatments only favor certain skin types, but microneedling produces almost similar results for all skin types. Only oily skin may affect the longevity of microneedling results, but you can combine microneedling sessions with other treatments to ensure that its results stick.
Furthermore, certain skin conditions may also affect the longevity of microneedling results. If you have deep acne scars, you have to perform regular microneedling and attend follow-up sessions to ensure that the results of the procedure last for as long as possible.
3. Skincare
Skincare products come in many varieties. However, it is important to choose wisely when combining them with microneedling. Generally, ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in skincare products increase the longevity of microneedling procedures by enhancing cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production.
Before a microneedling session, you can use mild cleansers and moisturizers to prepare the skin, but avoid them after the procedure as they may reduce the efficiency and longevity of microneedling results.
4. Suncare
Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun is a leading cause of skin aging, irritation, and dark spots, and even more so after microneedling treatment. This may significantly affect how long the results of the treatment last, but you can use sunscreen to ensure that collagen is not easily depleted and you can reap the benefits of microneedling for a longer while.
5. Hydration
If you're a skincare enthusiast, you must know that drinking a lot of water can do wonders for the skin. It is even more crucial after microneedling to ensure the results last as long as possible. After the treatment, drinking plenty of water hydrates the skin from the outside and promotes blood and nutrient flow. This means that the skin will heal faster and the results of the procedure will last longer. Keeping hydration will make your microneedling results longer.
Are The Results Worth It?
How long do microneedling results last? and are the results worth it? These are two important questions for people who are planning to do microneedling. Numerous skincare products and treatments have been proven to achieve and maintain the required skin treatment results. However, if you're yearning for that youthful glow and gorgeous skin that regular products can't achieve, microneedling is the way to go.
Microneedling is safer and more efficient, and even though it may take a while for the results to show, the benefits are worth the wait.
Additionally, the results may last 4-6 weeks, but you can perform follow-up procedures and follow skincare best practices to continue enjoying healthier skin.
At Diaminy, we provide you with state-of-the-art microneedling equipment such as our renowned derma pen and derma roller. These come in handy in performing effective microneedling procedures and touch-up sessions to prolong microneedling results.
