Microneedling in Homewood AL

Microneedling, also known as skin needling, is a minimally invasive dermatology treatment that uses very tiny needles to stimulate collagen growth.  The needles are used to create a controlled skin injury. With newly formed collagen and elastin, your skin appears rejuvenated and improved.

This treatment has been used by dermatologists for decades to address some cosmetic conditions on the face like scars. Microneedling has been used to address the following conditions:

• Acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• New and old scars
• Stretch marks

While microneedling is effective as a solo procedure, it can also be used to deliver other treatments. That’s because rolling the needles over the skin creates channels in superficial portions so that medicines or products can be delivered more effectively through the skin. It is not limited to a specific area and can be used all over the head, face, neck and body.

While microneedling is a great solution, there are some concerns that you should consider. There are some things to watch out for when considering microneedling treatment. Microneedling is not recommended if you fall into any of these categories:

• Use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within 3 months
• Have open wounds of the skin
• Had radiation therapy to or through the skin within 1 year (in the area of treatment)
• Recent skin infection, shingles, or HSV (herpes simplex virus) outbreak
• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Have a history of keloid or thick scar formation
• Have a history of poor wound healing

WHY NOT TRY IT AT HOME?

Microneedling is a procedure that should be handled by a professional. The needle has to penetrate the skin to a certain depth for the treatment to be effective, but not harmful. Because of the exactness and the precision required, an inexperienced user will likely struggle to get the needle at just the right depth without causing harm.

Another thing to consider is that microneedling involves open wounds, skin penetration, and blood. This means that there is a risk of infection in an uncontrolled environment. Also, the possibility that you will leave scarring increases if done incorrectly.

Finally, microneedling hurts, especially in a non-clinical environment. When we do it in our office, we can provide prescription-grade numbing creams to the area to ease the pain–but it’s not completely painless.

While microneedling is valuable and effective, it’s safest when done by a trained professional. To learn more about the microneedling procedures offered by Skin Wellness, please call our office at 205-871-7332.