Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is one of the most popular and effective skin treatments today. Through comfortable, minimally invasive sessions, microneedling therapy offers benefits for all skin types, from scar reduction and wrinkle prevention to total skin rejuvenation. Microneedling works with your body’s natural processes, healing the skin from within the dermal structure to provide natural and long-lasting improvements to your complexion.
At Austin Cosmetic MedSpa, our team is proud to offer SkinPen® microneedling, performed with the first FDA-cleared microneedling device for scar treatment and skin rejuvenation. This highly advanced aesthetic tool uses extremely fine needles to create hundreds of micro-channels in your skin, triggering a natural wound-healing response that creates new collagen and elastin. After the procedure, we adopt specific aftercare products and practices that support healing and ensure optimal rejuvenation.
What Does the Skin Need After Microneedling?
As your skin works to heal the controlled micro-injuries within your dermal structure, cells in the dermis known as fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin, forming healthy new skin tissue to replace the damaged tissue. Using the right skincare ingredients during and after your microneedling procedure will boost the healing process, revive the skin, and maximize its restoration to reveal a beautiful and radiant complexion. Key ingredients you should look for include:
- Hyaluronic Acid 🡪 Ideal for hydration and replenishing the skin after microneedling treatment, as micro-channels allow for optimal absorption.
- Vitamin E 🡪 An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that prevents damage to the skin caused by free radicals.
- Vitamin C 🡪 This nutrient supports collagen production but should be used with caution and in small amounts, as it can irritate sensitive skin (patch test suggested).
- Copper Peptides 🡪 Known to have skin remodeling properties that can aid in the production of collagen and elastin.
- Epidermal Growth Factors 🡪 Activates cellular signaling and leads to better skin hydration, pigmentation prevention and improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.
The exact topical that will work best for you depends entirely on your skin concerns at the time of treatment. Our skincare experts Sandy Lanier, PA-C and Katie Bertling, LE can advise our patients on the most beneficial products to them based on skin type and cosmetic goals.
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
Though microneedling can be performed as a single procedure, many patients benefit from combining this treatment with PRP (platelet rich plasma), which is derived from your own blood cells. This “liquid gold” not only accelerates the healing process after a microneedling procedure, but also reverses sun damage and reduces signs of aging. Platelets are a component of your blood rich in restorative properties. They can be applied both during the procedure, allowing the needles to deliver growth factors deep into the dermal structure, as well as after a microneedling treatment to stimulate the repair process and amplify the rejuvenation effect. When paired, the two treatments provide a safe and highly effective way to speed up recovery and enrich the skin’s tone and texture.
#NoFilter Microneedling
At our medspa in Austin, our team is committed to using specialized techniques and state-of-the-art technology for naturally beautiful results. Our office is among the first in Austin to offer patients an advanced microneedling treatment, designed to leave you with a healthy, natural glow so you can live filter-free. Our #NoFilter Microneedling treatment combines BOTOX®, dermal filler and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth imperfections and reverse signs of aging. The result is a balanced and refreshed complexion that can truly transform your appearance.
Delivering BOTOX® to the skin instead of into your muscles results in welcome benefits, such as reducing pore size, redness resulting from rosacea, and even oil and sebum production in the skin. Applying Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler to the same level of the skin enhances hydration, plumpness and firmness in your complexion. Combined with PRP, this cocktail is the best topical that can be applied to the skin to enhance the effects of a microneedling procedure.
Using the Right Skincare Products
After your treatment session, we will provide you with the best evidence-based skincare products to use as your skin recovers from the therapy. Avoid using any topical products not supplied or approved by your skincare professional, as this could compromise your skin’s restoration. Using our hand-selected, clinically tested regimen will help your skin heal and continue to improve over the next few months.
On the first day of treatment, we will provide you with SkinPen®’s Rescue Calming Complex, a hydrating gel that soothes and protects the skin. This complex will help to reduce inflammation after your SkinPen® procedure, forming a breathable yet protective barrier that prevents your skin from losing moisture. Ingredients include Niacinamide and Vitamin E, which will support your skin’s healing process by repairing damaged tissue and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
Before starting your microneedling treatment, we will apply a clean, non-cytotoxic hydrogel called LIFT to your face. This lightweight, water-based gel provides the smooth glide required to comfortably perform the treatment without blocking the cartridge or leaving the skin sticky. You will continue to use the hydrogel after treatment, as it works to support the wound-healing environment while hydrating the skin and balancing pH levels.
Why is Aftercare Important?
While there is little to no downtime after microneedling therapy, proper aftercare is a crucial part of the treatment process. Studies suggest that the micro-channels created during the procedure remain open for as many as 20-plus hours after treatment. During this time, trans-epidermal water loss increases, hydrophilic and large molecular substances can travel further into the skin, and harmful substances such as bacteria and damaging skincare ingredients can penetrate the skin more easily. Proper skincare during this period will prevent toxic substances from disrupting the healing process and encourage a higher-quality result.
If you are interested in learning more about the microneedling treatments we offer, or you would like to explore your treatment options, contact our centrally located Austin Cosmetic MedSpa today at 512-815-0123 or schedule your consultation online.
Christine Fisher MD
