Also Serving Microneedling Patients in Everett & Bellingham
Microneedling is one of the most sought-out minimally invasive skin procedures in the United States. The treatment promotes collagen and elastin production within your body, providing a natural way to restore your skin and reduce signs of aging. At Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics, our highly trained team of aesthetics specialists offers the industry’s leading microneedling device, SkinPen, in our Mt Vernon, WA, office.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the skin and improve its overall appearance.
Using the SkinPen, microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, stimulating your body’s natural healing process. This encourages the production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Improving skin texture and tone
- Reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
- Enhancing absorption of skincare products
- Promoting youthful, glowing skin
This procedure provides natural-looking results with minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for those seeking skin rejuvenation.
Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe and effective procedure for people of all skin tones and types. Patients who are young, old, light-complexioned and dark-complexioned can all see improvement to their skin. Best of all, microneedling poses a very low risk for hyperpigmentation.
It can help if you have concerns such as:
- Fine Lines
- Wrinkles
- Lax Skin
- Acne Scars
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Sun Damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Crepey Skin
However, some conditions require caution, including active acne, rosacea, or skin infections. Our experienced team assesses your skin during a consultation to ensure microneedling is safe and effective for your needs.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have recently undergone radiation for cancer, or who scar easily may not be good candidates for microneedling. Please discuss your medical history with our team at Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics during a consultation to determine if microneedling or an alternative treatment is the right choice for you.
Microneedling for Different Areas of the Body
Microneedling is versatile and can be used on multiple areas, including the face, the neck, and the backs of the hands. In addition, it can help rejuvenate and restore youthful skin on the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is performed using the SkinPen, a precise device equipped with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries.
While these puncture marks don’t cause any lasting damage, they are sufficient to activate the body’s natural healing process. They also increase production of elastin and collagen in the body, which helps to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. These proteins thicken the skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
The Microneedling Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Preparation: Your skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream is applied for comfort.
- Treatment: The SkinPen glides over the target area, rapidly poking the skin in a targeted area to create 1600 microchannels per second in the skin.
- Aftercare: After the session, soothing products are applied to reduce redness and promote healing.
Treatment sessions typically last 30-60 minutes from start to finish, depending on the size of the area. For optimal results, most patients undergo three to six treatments total, each one scheduled a month to a month and a half apart.
Recovery and Aftercare
Microneedling has minimal downtime, with most patients returning to their regular activities within a day or two. Aftercare includes using gentle, hydrating skincare products, avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and steering clear of harsh exfoliants or irritants for a few days. Following these guidelines helps maximize your results and protect your skin during the healing process.
Results and Longevity
You may notice smoother, more radiant skin just a few weeks of your first treatment, but full results typically develop over time as your collagen and elastin production increases. Results can last for as long as six months.
Microneedling Costs
The cost of microneedling depends on factors like the area being treated, the number of sessions required, and whether additional treatments like PRP are included. During your consultation, our team will provide a personalized estimate based on your goals.
Home Microneedling vs. Professional Treatment
Professional microneedling offers several advantages over at-home devices, including deeper penetration for more effective results, precise, safe techniques performed by trained professionals, and reduced risk of complications like infection or scarring.
While at-home rollers may seem convenient, they lack the efficacy and safety of professional-grade treatments.
Microneedling FAQs
What is microneedling, and how does it work?
Microneedling uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
How does microneedling help with acne scars?
By promoting collagen production, microneedling helps rebuild the support structures beneath your skin and smooths the surface to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Does microneedling hurt?
We apply a numbing cream before the procedure, so most patients experience minimal discomfort.
How many sessions are needed for optimal results?
We recommend 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, though the number may vary based on your goals.
How long does it take to see results from microneedling?
You may notice an improvement within weeks, with full results developing over several months.
Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it pairs well with customized serums for enhanced results.
Is there any downtime after microneedling?
Most patients can resume normal activities right away. Some mild redness and swelling is common and resolves within a day or two. You can apply makeup to conceal redness if desired.
What should I avoid after a microneedling session?
Avoid sun exposure, harsh products, and vigorous exercise for a few days. Our team provides specific instructions.
Is microneedling safe for all skin types?
Yes, microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones when performed by a professional.
Are there any risks or side effects of microneedling?
Temporary redness, swelling, or minor irritation are common but resolve quickly.
How does professional microneedling differ from at-home devices?
Professional microneedling penetrates deeper, offering better results with less risk.
Can microneedling treat hyperpigmentation or sun damage?
Yes, it can reduce pigmentation and improve sun-damaged skin.
How long do the effects of microneedling last?
Results can last for up to six months with proper maintenance and skincare.
Microneedling in Western Washington: Call Our Mt Vernon Office
Call our Mt Vernon office at 360-336-1947 to learn more about SkinPen microneedling and how it can bring out your unique natural beauty.
