Microneedling 101: Everything you need to know about the popular “all-in-one” treatment

Microneedling 101: Everything you need to know about the popular “all-in-one” treatment.

By Emily Ruse, Front of House Manager

In recent years, there has been a rise in aesthetic procedures as consumers begin to look for more and more ways to look and stay younger. Newer medical devices and techniques have continued to push the limits of what was before thought to be impossible. The technology and skills that we now possess today, have allowed us to push the boundaries further outwards in medical aesthetics.

RF microneedling is having a major moment in the skincare industry, which is hardly surprising as this “all-in-one’ skin-rejuvenating treatment seems to be the conclusion for many skin related problems. Though simple in theory, microneedling can significantly improve a number of skin issues including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks and overall skin texture.

The procedure was first popularised in the 1990s by a Canadian plastic surgeon after he found he could fade surgical scars with an inkless tattoo gun. This idea led to the development of microneedling which is now used to treat all kinds of textual woes, from acne scars to enlarged pores. The needles create wounds that trigger the same natural healing process that occurs when scar tissue is formed after a minor skin injury, such as a scraped knee. But because the needles are so short (0.3mm-3mm), the process is very controlled. A 2015 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed “a noticeable enhancement in skin appearance, post-acne scars and patient satisfaction” in all 10 of its patients after six bimonthly sessions.

RF microneedling is a process that’s exactly what it sounds like – a number of tiny needles penetrating the skin hundreds of times, usually at the hands of a wand-wielding licensed aesthetic practitioner. The science behind this procedure has converted many loyal followers. It is performed through a microneedle unit consisting of tiny insulated needles used to create microscopic injuries in the skin. As these tiny needles penetrate the skin, short bursts of Radio Frequency (RF) energy are then discharged to the underlayers of the skin (the dermis), heating the tissue to promote the growth of new collagen and stimulating the skin to heal itself from the inside out. It is this healing cycle that leads to profound results, especially for the treatment of scars, stretch marks and skin tightening.

Of all the reasons for which people seek skin treatments, fine lines and wrinkles, are near the top of the list. These problems begin to develop after the skin loses volume as we age, a result of the levels of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin beginning to decline. Since collagen is the substance that keeps the skin plump, tight and strong in structure, less of it causes the skin to loosen which eventually results in sagging. When this happens, lines and wrinkles will begin to form due to the slack that is now present in the skin. When RF microneedling is performed, the heat produced through the insulated needles stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and may continue to increase their levels over the months following the procedure. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles will appear reduced and promote a more youthful appearance.

The actual RF Microneedling procedure is very well-tolerated by most patients. A topical anaesthetic or numbing cream is applied to the surface of the skin beforehand. Some patients may

experience a sense of pressure during the procedure, while most have no pain at all. Following the procedure, there will be redness of the treated area for 1-2 days with small brown dots where the tiny needles have entered. The limited downtime is just another major benefit of this treatment. Visible results may take up to a few weeks, while optimum results will require a few treatments following this time period.

New technology will only continue to push the boundaries in aesthetics. RF microneedling is offering profound results to patients with minimal downtime. This procedure will only continue to become increasingly popular as both practitioners and patients continue to witness the results that can be achieved.

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