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.
Microneedling FAQs
What does microneedling do to your skin?
Microneedling is a treatment we typically recommend to patients who wish to rejuvenate their skin and give it a collagen boost. During your microneedling treatment, the micro-needles that are pressed into the skin create small punctures we like to call micro-channels. These micro-channels trigger the body’s healing processes and boost natural collagen production. They also make it easier for your skin to better absorb nutrients in medical-grade skincare products.
How long does it take to heal from microneedling?
Because microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, there is no formal downtime or recovery period associated with each treatment session. That being said, it may take up to 24 hours for the skin to fully heal from your microneedling treatment. Because of this, we may ask that you avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours following your microneedling appointment.
How often should I do microneedling?
Our expert aestheticians generally recommend patients receive microneedling treatments no more than once every four to six weeks. Spacing out your microneedling treatments gives the skin time to heal and produce collagen for the smooth, healthy glow you desire.
Is microneedling painful?
No, microneedling is not painful. Before your treatment begins, a topical anesthetic will be applied to your entire treatment area to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. Following your appointment, your skin may be red and sensitive to the touch similar to the sensation of a sunburn for up to 48 hours.
How long is my face red after microneedling?
Our patients find their skin remains red and sensitive for up to two days following their microneedling procedures. After this 48-hour period, patients see their skin begin to heal and look more radiant than ever before.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss how microneedling may help with your skin issues, contact us at Port City Plastic Surgery. Our offices proudly serve Charleston residents as well as those living in Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and neighboring communities in South Carolina.