Microneedling in Charleston, SC

Microneedling may be the perfect solution if you’re tired of dealing with skin issues like acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, poor skin tone and texture or a number of other annoying skin conditions. Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse, board-certified plastic surgeon of Port City Plastic Surgery offers microneedling treatments to residents living in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling can also be called ‘skin needling’, or when sometimes combined with other treatments, it may be known as ‘collagen induction therapy’ or ‘percutaneous collagen induction’. They all refer to a treatment designed to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, from hyperpigmentation and stretch marks to acne scars, enlarged pores and early signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.

Microneedling is typically performed by moving a handheld device across the top of the skin’s surface. The device is equipped with tiny, extremely fine, sterile needles. As it’s moved across the skin, the needles create hundreds of tiny micro-wounds, stimulating the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which helps eliminate or drastically diminish many skin issues.

How Much Does Microneedling Cost in Charleston?

Like many cosmetic procedures, cost varies from person to person, depending on the size and number of areas treated, and will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation. Cosmetic procedures of this type are not usually covered by insurance, so we offer financing to assist our patients in covering the cost. We also accept payments by cash, check, and major credit cards.

Benefits of Microneedling

The biggest benefits of microneedling are firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin and long-term results. Some of the other common benefits include:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming
• Diminishes the appearance of scars caused by acne or surgery
• Improves the appearance of stretch marks
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Reduces the size of enlarged pores
• Diminishes the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Microneedling?

If you’re a healthy adult, dealing with concerns about skin issues such as loose skin, poor texture, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks or some other skin condition, you’re likely a great candidate for the results you can get from microneedling.

What Should I Do Before Microneedling?

You should stop using self-tanning products 48 hours before your microneedling procedure, as well as anything containing retinol or vitamin A. It’s also best to avoid any sun exposure for that same 48 hour period.

If you’ve used or taken any isotretinoin (used to treat severe acne), you must postpone microneedling for six months, as the isotretinoin may interfere with the healing process and could increase the risk of scarring.

How Long Does It Take to Perform Microneedling?

Most sessions take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on what skin issue you’re trying to resolve and the size and numbers of areas being treated. For optimal results, multiple sessions may be recommended.

What to Expect After Microneedling?

The initial inflammatory appearance following microneedling is very short and typically fades within a few hours. You may experience some residual redness and tenderness for a few days.

Three to five days after the procedure, your skin may start to peel, which is a normal occurrence after microneedling. You may also be advised to avoid exposing the skin to the sun for a specified length of time.

You’ll be given specific instructions for post-procedure care based on your individual needs.

Will I Have Scars After Microneedling?

Scars are not typically caused by microneedling. However, the procedure is not usually recommended for keloid scars, as it could make them worse.

When Will I See Results from Microneedling?

It takes two to three days before there’s an increase in collagen, so it can take about four weeks before visible results can be seen.

What Are Possible Complications of Microneedling?

Risk of complications from microneedling is very low, especially if you avoid undergoing treatment during an active acne breakout or any other type of skin infection, inflammation or irritation.

How Long Will the Results of Microneedling Last?

Once the new collagen has been produced, it will last for several years. Long-lasting results is one of the reasons microneedling has become such a popular treatment.