Microneedling therapy is a technique that activates your skin’s natural rejuvenation potential. The way microneedling treatment works can seem somewhat counterintuitive. The technique works via hormesis – a technical word for positive stress response. Capital Laser & Skin Care dermatologists Drs. Elizabeth Tanzi, Geeta Shah, and Tania Peters use a special medical-grade device with needles to make tiny holes in the skin’s surface. This damage causes cells to enter a state of stress, which sends them into “repair mode,” inducing collagen and elastin production.
Immediately following treatment, the skin looks red and inflamed. Healing is very quick and over time, fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced, and the skin rejuvenates.
Types of Microneedling
Traditional Microneedling
Traditional microneedling is a purely mechanical procedure that involves delivering microscopic needles over target areas to induce the rejuvenation process. During the treatment, our Board-certified dermatologists use a device called the Collagen P.I.N to apply micro-injuries to the dermis, stimulating the skin’s natural healing response.
Radiofrequency Microneedling
RF microneedling is different because it adds radiofrequency to the mix, enhancing the results.
Radiofrequency microneedling is more potent than regular microneedling because it penetrates deeper into the skin and adds heat to stimulate more collagen. Cells in the lower layers of the dermis receive just as much stimulation from the radiofrequency wavelengths as those at the top, inducing additional collagen production.
Microneedling: How it Works
Microneedling works by hijacking the skin’s latent rejuvenation potential. When the tiny needles penetrate skin cells, they cause positive stress, which sends them into repair mode. At first, the skin looks red and blotchy from the application of the radiofrequency and microneedles. But over time, it starts to appear fresher as new cells form and function more youthfully. Eventually, patients notice significant reductions in lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. A series of treatments is needed for the best results.
Benefits of Microneedling
At Capital Laser & Skin Care, we see patients experience multiple benefits from microneedling treatments. These include:
Fast results
You should start seeing benefits in the first week after receiving microneedling treatment. You may notice that your skin appears plumped, thanks to the increased skin cell turnover.
Minimal downtime
Because both microneedling and RF microneedling are minimally-invasive procedures, there is minimal (if any) downtime. You’re free to continue with your regular schedule immediately following treatment.
Reduce the appearance of large pores’
Microneedling helps to reduce the appearance of pores and makes skin appear fresher and more youthful.
Deal with multiple skin complaints simultaneously
Microneedling is proven effective against scars, sun damage, stretch marks, dark spots, acne, and reduced skin elasticity. You can address all these skin issues in a single treatment.
Candidate for Microneedling
Because microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure, almost anyone can benefit from it. If you have stubborn acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, brown spots, or just want to look younger, then both RF and regular microneedling can help.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning more about microneedling? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.
