The Ultimate Collagen Boost with Microneedling
Lasers are being given a serious run for their money by the new generation microneedling treatments available today. Not only is this procedure an excellent way to stimulate collagen production in all skin types but it also enhances the absorption of active ingredients in skin care products, chemical peels and Platelet Rich Plasma to beautifully rejuvenate the skin.
First things first, what is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure, also known as collagen induction therapy. It is performed using a device that contains tiny and fine needles to puncture the skin in order to create a controlled skin injury. Jabbing the skin with needles may sound counterintuitive, but microneedling is based on the same concept as a fractional laser – create a controlled skin injury and the surrounding skin will swoop in to repair. The result is fresh, new collagen production with improvements in skin texture and firmness and a reduction in scars, pore size and stretch marks.
The benefits of microneedling range from youthful contours to diminished acne scars, reduction in fine lines and pore refinement. Collagen production gradually increases in the following months and most patients see a visible improvement by the second treatment. I suggest a series of three to six treatments on average. Post-treatment expectations should include mild swelling and redness for about 24 hours. The huge benefit of microneedling especially here in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a large Asian population, is that microneedling is safer on darker skin tones than a lot of lasers. Microneedling also allows professionals to address delicate areas of the face like crepiness beneath the eyes and lip lines, which lasers cannot always easily treat.
My favourite benefit of microneedling treatments is the potential for better product penetration. Because tiny channels are created in the skin by these micro-punctures the skin essentially becomes a sponge for powerful anti-aging ingredients. I like to infuse the skin with various products depending on the needs of my patients. For anti-aging treatments I combine microneedling with Hyaluronic Acid infusions, acid and plant-based Growth Factor infusions and chemical peels. To target pigmented areas or melasma I will combine microneedling with hydroquinone and retinoic acid infusion therapy. Acne and acne scarring responds beautifully to microneedling treatments combined with topical salicylic acid.
I like incorporating microneedling with Plateret Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. The benefits of PRP have been discussed in an earlier blog of mine: PRP therapy – the fountain of youth? The very important fact that sets PRP treatments apart from each other is the concentration of Platelet Rich Plasma. Many clinics and practitioners use systems that may double the concentration of PRP and use it for aesthetic purposes. This is, in fact, Platelet Poor Plasma, as the concentration is not far above baseline. I believe in using a system that increases the platelet concentration to 5-7 times above baseline. This is the PRP that I inject into the skin for facial rejuvenation, followed by my signature PRP infusion using the remaining plasma and microneedling it into the skin. The amount of plasma that remains after the microneedling treatment is given to my patients to apply at home to enhance their treatment.
Whether you would like to address concerns of skin aging, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scars, large pores or fine lines and wrinkles, consider microneedling, in the capable hands of an experienced aesthetic physician, as a safe and effective treatment to address these concerns.
Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Christopher Pavlou to decide if microneedling collagen induction is the treatment for you.