Superficial microneedling is a procedure used to turn over the epidermis, the top layer of skin cells, with a handheld surgical instrument that has 12 fiberoptic needles going in and out of the skin surface at 800 rpm.
During the procedure multiple passes are made over the face and pinpoint bleeding occurs on the skin surface. Think of it as aerating your lawn or placing micro holes in the skin surface. These micro holes in the skin lead to turn over of old cells and a renewal of the skin surface cells. The result is smoother skin that more efficiently absorbs skin products.
Microneedling is an exfoliation of skin that can reduce fine lines, reduce pore size, and improve skin texture.
Microneedling does not create a more toned or tighter face, as it does not improve the elasticity of the face. Instead, microneedling improves surface aging by turning over cells and mildly improving collagen, giving a smoother or slightly plumper surface.
Deep microneedling can be used to treat Scars and Stretchmarks. The deeper the microneedling, the greater the risk for the patient. Medical law prohibits aestheticians and mid-levels (PAs, RNs, NPs) from performing deep microneedling. There are protocols for microneedling to be used for deeper problems such as boxcar or ice pick acne scarring as well as for stretch marks. However, entering the deepest tissue planes carries a higher risk of skin infection. By law, higher-level microneedling must be performed by a physician. Shiloh Medical Clinic offers both basic and deep tissue micro-needling.
