Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that activates the natural restoration process of the skin and stimulates the body to make more collagen. This is why it is also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). Collagen and elastin are responsible for the texture, firmness and youthful tone of the skin. Part of the aging process is the decrease of collagen production, which results in sagging skin, lines, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity.

Microneedling at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica location is an effective treatment to reduce signs of aging and restore your skin’s fresh, youthful appearance. Its restorative effect improves fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation spots, acne scars, sagging skin, stretch marks and enlarged pores. Dr. Daniel Behroozan, a highly skilled and experienced dermatologist and dermatological surgeon based in Los Angeles, is pleased to offer this innovative, minimally invasive treatment to provide patients with the best rejuvenating skin results.

Many patients like to combine Microneedling with PRP for the popular Blood Facial, also commonly known as the Vampire Facial.

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How Microneedling Works

Microneedling therapy is a straightforward procedure that uses shallow needles to make tiny punctures on the outer layer of the skin. The hand-held microneedling pen creates minute, controlled skin wounds that stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. As the new collagen is produced, it refreshes the appearance of the skin by smoothing out fine lines and improving the texture and firmness of the skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, rejuvenating your skin’s overall appearance. Each microneedling in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills takes approximately 30 minutes.

Microneedling to treat acne scarring

Acne scarring usually draws unwanted attention and can negatively impact a first impression. The severe inflammatory response of acne sometimes results in textural changes in the skin. This can lead to superficial or deeper post-acne scarring. Post-acne atrophic scars can be divided into three main types: icepick, rolling, and boxcar scar. Each scar type has its own ideal method for treatment.

An effective treatment for boxcar acne scars and rolling acne scars is microneedling. A lack of collagen plays a big role in the presence of these scars, preventing the body to replace and restore the tissue that was lost in the face during the period of acne. Microneedling stimulates the production of new collagen and it activates the body to restore the affected areas. Microneedling provides great results with acne scars and can reduce the severity of acne scarring by several grades.

After a Microneedling Treatment

After a microneedling procedure your skin may look slightly red and feel dry, like a mild sunburn. This redness and dryness usually dissipates within a few days after the treatment. As the natural restorative process is activated, the production of new collagen happens gradually over weeks and months. Your skin will continue to improve over a longer period of time as well. Therefore, microneedling is not a quick fix procedure, but a treatment that provides long lasting results over time. A series of microneedling treatments gives remarkable results of skin rejuvenation.

How many treatments are needed for best results?

The number of treatments entirely depends on the results the patient is looking for and on the area of the body that is being treated. Typically 4 to 8 sessions are recommended for the reduction of wrinkles or stretch marks in order to attain maximum results. The number of needed treatments also depends on the severity of the skin issue that is being treated. Treatments are generally separated 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin to rest between procedures.

Frequently asked questions about microneedling

Am I a candidate for microneedling?
Microneedling is an effective treatment for many unwanted skin defects and signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles or sagging skin. A microneedling treatment can provide great results as well with acne scars, pigment spots and rough pores. The treatment is safe for all skin types and skin colors and can even be applied to sensitive areas that cannot be treated as easily with other procedures.

In which cases is microneedling not suitable?
Skin treatment with microneedling is not recommended in certain cases such as skin infection, open wounds, or herpes. In cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if someone suffers from poor wound healing or takes certain medications, such as Isotretinoin, she or he is unlikely to be a good candidate for the treatment. During a consultation at our Dermatology Institute offices in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills we will determine if microneedling is the best treatment in your specific case. Should it not be recommended, a member of our expert skin care team will suggest other options.

What is the downtime of microneedling?
A microneedling treatment has almost no downtime. It is possible to return to daily activities within a day of the procedure, although your skin does need some time to heal. Directly after the procedure the treated area can look pink or red. It will look like you have a sunburn in the first 24-48 hours after the treatment and sometimes the small pin shots can be visible. It is possible to camouflage this with an appropriate makeup product. Additionally, the skin should be protected with sunscreen. Usually it takes 3-5 days for the skin to recuperate and the first rejuvenating effects to become visible.

Is microneedling painful?
The treatment is quite painless. To prevent any unnecessary discomfort, a numbing cream is applied before the treatment. Most patients experience a tingling, vibrating sensation that can be compared with a deep facial. After the treatment, the skin can feel a bit sore and dry. It may look and feel like a sunburn. This sensation will pass in about 3-4 days.

What should I do after a microneedling treatment?
After a microneedling treatment you can experience some sensitivity in your skin. It is important to take the guidelines for aftercare into account. In the first period you should avoid direct exposure to the sun, use sunscreen that is appropriate for your sensitive skin, avoid applying irritating skin care products or make up and try not to touch or scratch your face. We will discuss these guidelines during the consultation.

Why Choose Dermatology Institute of Southern California?

While aging is a natural process, it does not mean we have to look like we are getting older. Dr. Daniel Behroozan and his expert LA medical team are proud to offer patients the opportunity to look younger, healthier and feel better with microneedling treatments. Microneedling is a safe and chemical free technique used to activate the production of new collagen and rejuvenate your skin. It will leave you looking refreshed and more youthful. Book an appointment at our Santa Monica or Beverly Hills office today.