For patients looking for a practical, non-invasive way to reverse the visible effects of aging, an increasingly popular option is microneedling. Also known as collagen-induction therapy (CIT), Microneedling is used to tighten, lift, and rejuvenate the skin, producing an overall more youthful appearance. This procedure has advanced considerably just in the last few years and there has been an increase in its efficacy. Contact us for the best Microneedling Charlotte NC experience!
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
The Skin Center by CPS is excited to offer our patients the opportunity to rejuvenate their skin with minimal downtime and expense. This procedure is done in a series of three to five treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. A handheld needling device (also known as SkinPen) is used to make tiny punctures in the skin, creating a micro-injury that encourages the body’s healing ability to produce new, healthy skin. Microneedling using SkinPen in Charlotte, NC works for all skin types, and many of our patients have seen great results from it. It is a great treatment if you are looking for options on how to take care of your skin in your 30s.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MICRONEEDLING
Thorough preparation is essential for your microneedling session in Charlotte to yield the best outcomes in enhancing skin appearance, such as reducing acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Emphasize the importance of cautious planning to ensure a successful and comfortable experience.
In the beginning, before microneedling, the goal is to maintain skin tranquility for a successful procedure. Limit harsh product use, such as those with retinol, antibiotics, or AHAs, to avoid skin barrier disruption. Limit these types of products to around a week or two before your treatment.
Simplify your skincare routine before treatment by using fewer products and focusing on gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid harsh or abrasive products that can strip the skin’s natural oils or cause discomfort.
In addition to the pre-microneedling skincare regimen, you should start applying sunscreen to your routine at least two weeks before your visit. Sunscreen protects your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin irritation, and an increased risk of post-treatment pigmentation disorders.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a lightweight scarf helps shield your skin from UV rays during and after your microneedling appointment. These items serve as physical barriers, limiting direct UV light exposure and preventing adverse responses before the treatment.
During the week coming up to your microneedling appointment, avoid shaving, waxing, or using any hair removal products on the areas that will be treated. Hair removal treatments can irritate the skin, induce inflammation, and undermine its integrity, increasing the likelihood of discomfort and difficulties during microneedling Charlotte NC.
MICRONEEDLING AFTERCARE
After microneedling, good aftercare is essential for attaining the best results and avoiding problems. The microneedling operation creates small cuts that must be properly cared for during healing.
On the day of your microneedling procedure, your skin may feel dry, and tight, and have a little burning sensation. These feelings are a normal response to the process, which creates small micro-channels in the skin to stimulate collagen formation and revitalize the complexion.
WHY IS MICRONEEDLING AFTERCARE NECESSARY
After microneedling, avoid touching your face excessively or using regular skincare products immediately due to the small micro-channels created in the skin. This precaution is crucial as unprotected skin contact can introduce bacteria, dirt, or irritants, increasing the risk of reactions like irritation, inflammation, or infection.
AFTERCARE DO’S
Use moderate and calming skincare products designed for post-microneedling care. Look for formulas that include relaxing components such as aloe vera, chamomile, or colloidal oatmeal, which can help relieve irritation, reduce redness, and support the skin’s natural healing mechanisms.
Additionally, keeping sanitary surroundings is necessary for reducing the risk of infection. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and do not use pre-used towels or cloths. Remember to use clean items and materials that come in touch with your skin, such as pillowcases, bedding, or makeup brushes, to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup.
Along with cleanliness, sufficient hydration is critical for the skin’s healing following microneedling. Hydrated skin supports optimal healing and collagen formation, resulting in a smoother, youthful-looking complexion.
AFTERCARE DON’TS
For several days after microneedling, avoid intense activities that cause excessive sweating to prevent pore obstruction, infection, or breakouts. This includes avoiding saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and high-temperature showers to reduce skin sensitivity and irritation.
During the healing phase, you will need to protect your skin from direct sunlight, just as you did during the preparatory period. Most of our patients frequently ask: can I be in the sun after microneedling? We recommend you avoid sun exposure at all costs. However, if sun exposure is unavoidable, use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and apply a high-SPF sunscreen with hydrating ingredients.
After microneedling, wait a few days before putting on makeup to avoid transmitting debris and bacteria that could cause skin irritation or infection. Allow your skin to heal naturally without wearing makeup during this time.
Finally, since microneedling relies on the body’s inflammatory response to heal, it’s best to avoid taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) throughout the recovery period. These drugs can disrupt the natural healing process and impair the desired results of microneedling. The same goes for medications that thin the blood flow, such as aspirin.
THE BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING
There are a number of cosmetic effects that clients can anticipate from microneedling. Charlotte Microneedling can:
- Tighten, lift, and rejuvenate skin
- Reduce the visibility of acne scars, surgical scars, and other scars
- Minimize wrinkles and fine lines
- Mask or reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Improve overall texture especially for aged or damaged skin
Included with each treatment is a complimentary skin health consultation where a customized program is designed specifically for your needs and concerns. Our skin care Microneedling Charlotte NC specialists will work with you to ensure a treatment that addresses your particular needs and goals.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING?
One of the ways in which microneedling has advanced in recent years is by transforming fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, skin hyperpigmentation, and many other concerns associated with aging skin. Microneedling does so by microscopically damaging the top layer of skin causing your skin to produce more collagen to repair the damage. This technique as mentioned previously has many benefits and below are a number of skin concerns it can correct over time.
Microneedling can be used for a number of concerns, including:
- Large pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Age spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma
- Crepey or rough skin texture
As you consider microneedling, here is what you might expect from the process.
- Your face is numbed with a topical numbing cream so that you’re completely comfortable
- A serum is applied topically to your skin during and after your microneedling treatment
- The SkinPen microneedling tool is then ran over the skin 3 to 4 time per section of skin until the entire region has been treated
- Your skin may feel tight afterwards and be red to pink for 1 to 3 days
IS MICRONEEDLING RIGHT FOR YOU?
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to meet with a provider to discuss whether it’s a good option for you. During this consultation, you’ll get to speak directly and privately with one of our skilled providers in a relaxed, comfortable setting. We’ll explain the process, answer all your microneedling questions you may have, and ensure that the proper expectations are set. If microneedling isn’t the best option for meeting your goals, we may recommend some alternative solutions as well.
Another key aspect of the consultation is that it allows us to ensure you are in good health before this procedure. While the risks of microneedling are minimal, patient safety is still our top priority.
Now that you know what microneedling is and how to prepare for it, you can decide if it’s suitable for you. Take control of your skincare routine today by scheduling a consultation at The Skin Center by Charlotte Plastic Surgery and experiencing the transformative benefits of microneedling Charlotte NC.