Introduction to Microneedling
What is microneedling? Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures or micro-injuries in the top layer of the skin. This process stimulates the body's natural wound-healing response, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain the skin's strength, elasticity, and smoothness. The result is an overall improvement in skin appearance, making microneedling a popular choice for those seeking skin rejuvenation.
Benefits of Microneedling
The Microneedling Procedure
How does microneedling work? During a microneedling session, a device—often a dermaroller or a pen-like tool with a disposable needle tip—is rolled or pressed across the skin. The procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. A topical anesthetic is often applied before the procedure to minimize discomfort.
Discovery & History of Microneedling: Microneedling has evolved significantly since its inception in the early 1990s. Dr. Andre Camirand, a Canadian plastic surgeon, first noticed the benefits of needling while improving the appearance of scars using fine needles without ink. Dr. Desmond Fernandes, a South African plastic surgeon, later pioneered the modern microneedling technique, using hypodermic needles to stimulate collagen production in patients with facial scars and wrinkles. By the early 2000s, the first microneedling devices, known as dermarollers, were developed, standardizing the procedure and making it more effective. Today, microneedling is a widely accepted treatment for various skin concerns, often combined with other therapies for enhanced results.
Cosmetic Microneedling vs. Medical Microneedling
Microneedling procedures can be categorized into cosmetic and medical microneedling, each differing in needle penetration depth, intended outcomes, and professional oversight.
Combining Microneedling with Radiofrequency (RF)
Can Microneedling be Combined with Radiofrequency? Yes! Radiofrequency heats the dermal layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production as well. The heat energy tightens skin and causes remodeling of collagen fibers to further improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. It also targets deeper levels of the skin that the microneedles do not reach on their own, helping address issues like laxity and deep wrinkles.
The synergistic effect of radiofrequency and microneedling yields far greater results than any one treatment would on its own. Microneedling prepares the skin and improves RF energy penetration, while RF energy maximizes the benefits of microneedling. By stimulating both surface and deeper layers of the skin, RF microneedling maximizes collagen and elastin production, improves skin texture and firmness, and targets a wider range of skin concerns.
What to Expect After Microneedling
After a microneedling session, it is normal to experience redness, swelling, and sensitivity, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects typically subside within a few days. During the short-term recovery (1-7 days), the skin may peel or flake, feel rough, or appear bronzed as it heals. Long-term results, such as improved skin texture and tone, generally become visible within two to six weeks as collagen production continues.
Aftercare Recommendations:
Return on Investment with Microneedling
Offering microneedling, particularly when combined with RF technology, can provide a substantial return on investment for aesthetic practices. The national average price for a standard microneedling session in the United States ranges from $200 to $700, with RF microneedling costing between $500 and $1,500 per session. Acquiring just a few clients who purchase packages of multiple sessions can quickly recoup the initial costs of the equipment, making microneedling a profitable addition to any practice.
Microneedling at Glownar Aesthetics
At Glownar Aesthetics, we take pride in offering only the highest-quality equipment to ensure the best possible results for our clients while maintaining the utmost standards of hygiene and safety. Investing in superior equipment is essential not only for achieving outstanding results but also for providing safe and sanitary treatments. That's why we offer two exceptional FDA-cleared and approved devices: the Goldskin Elite RF Microneedling System and the Velvet Microneedling Pen:
The Goldskin Elite is a professional-grade device that features dual modalities combined into one convenient, easy-to-use handpiece, offering both minimally invasive RF microneedling and noninvasive fractional RF for the face and body. Our device minimizes discomfort with its ultra-thin 0.02 mm needle tips, which are significantly thinner than those of other manufacturers. The microneedling electrodes feature insulated gold-plated needles to prevent epidermal heat damage, while the fractional RF electrodes target the skin's epidermis noninvasively.
The Velvet Microneedling Pen is a lightweight, portable device perfect for delivering professional-grade skin rejuvenation treatments. By choosing Glownar's microneedling systems, you are selecting advanced, safe, and effective tools that elevate your practice and provide exceptional results for your clients.
Conclusion
Microneedling, whether performed on its own or combined with RF technology, is a versatile, minimally invasive procedure that offers significant benefits for various skin concerns. With proper aftercare and professional oversight, microneedling can provide excellent results, making it a valuable addition to any aesthetic practice.