What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a popular, non-surgical skin treatment that can balance skin tone and help reduce pore size, wrinkles and scars. The treatment can be used safely on all skin types, and requires little to no recovery time. The procedure is preformed at Dr. Howard Sobel’s office in NYC and takes about an hour. Within days, you should be able to see overall improved skin appearance as a result of the treatment.
Microneedling also readies the skin for the deep absorption of the product applied during the procedure, which helps boost and accelerate noticeable effects. The superficial micro-channels created allow topical gels, creams and serums to be absorbed more effectively into the skin, including:
- Hyaluronic acid serums
- Skin lightening products
- Vitamin c
How does it work?
Micro-needling, as the name implies, uses ultra fine needles to create micro channels, or tiny holes, in the skin. The process stimulates the skin’s natural ability to heal itself by producing collagen and elastin. The repair process begins almost immediately, and final results can provide thicker skin and softened wrinkles and scars.
The micro-needling tool contains sterile, disposable micro-needles that are gently glided across the area being treated, creating micro-channels of controlled “injury.” this injury stimulates the production of the skin’s own repairing collagen and increases absorption of the skin care products applied as part of the procedure.
Commons areas treated with microneedling
The technology is versatile and can be used to improve skin appearance on many parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolletage, hands and arms. It can be used to help skin look better by reducing and even eliminating acne scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles.
How can I prepare for Microneedling?
It is important for the skin to be in healthy condition for microneedling treatments. We advise patients to:
- Avoid tanning for two weeks prior to microneedling.
- Avoid harsh chemical products like exfoliating acids or depilatory creams for one week prior to treatment.
- Do not shave the day of the procedure.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medication in the 3 days before microneedling. This can interfere with the natural inflammatory response that stimulates collagen production.
Microneedling procedure
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive procedure that is used for skin improvement, and it works on a similar principle to laser skin treatments. The needling device delivers tiny pricks that can stimulate the natural healing process, creating smoother skin by helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars. It’s a quick, simple and pain-free treatment that provides results by stimulating the skin’s own natural production of collagen and elastin, the important building blocks of healthy, radiant and youthful skin.
What does the procedure feel like?
The micro-needling device’s high-speed motor causes needle penetration to occur really quickly, feeling more like a sandpaper sensation than needle sticks. Depending on the areas being treated and the depth of needle penetration, patients may experience stronger sensation. Micro-needling is most often performed after a numbing cream has been applied to reduce or eliminate any possible discomfort or pain.
Is there any recovery involved with Microneedling?
No. Patients may resume normal activities as they feel comfortable. If redness occurs, it is best to avoid excessive heat and strenuous exercise that may worsen its appearance. Patients should also avoid direct sun exposure after their microneedling sessions.
How many sessions do I need for the best results?
Microneedling is an advantageous treatment that assists with natural tissue regeneration. As we age, our skin can use the extra help often. To correct various cosmetic conditions or scarring, a person may benefit from 3 to 5 microneedling treatments at regular intervals. Once the desired improvements have been achieved, microneedling may be performed as a periodic touch-up to maintain ongoing collagen production.
What to expect from your results after treatment
Micro-needling causes no tissue destruction. The micro-channels created in the skin close quickly, and the healing response begins almost immediately. Depending on the depth of the skin defect, you may see only redness after the procedure, or you may experience some pinpoint bleeding, which stops almost immediately.
What will my skin look and feel like right after?
A micro-needling procedure can cause redness (similar to a mild sunburn), light swelling, a stinging sensation and a bit of tenderness. These effects can last a day to several days, depending on treatment depth, and the redness is usually easily camouflaged with make-up. Most patients can return to work and normal activities immediately following the treatment.
Patient Testimonial
“Dr. Sobel has been my dermatologist for over 20 years and my skin has never looked better! It is more radiant and youthful than ever thanks to his genius and care. He is truly the best in the business. Words cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Sobel and the entire staff at Sobel Skin.”
Vivace For Microneedling Scars
How is Vivace Microneedling used to treat scars?
Microneedling is the process of creating tiny channels in the upper layers of the skin to provoke collagen remodeling. Collagen is naturally produced by the body as a wound-healing response but, as we get older, less collagen is made. Microneedling is a technique that stimulates its production. Vivace is an advanced microneedling treatment that also incorporates radiofrequency energy into the process. In this treatment, the microneedles are the pathway for RF to enter into the skin. The result of this combination is a more profound increase in collagen production and remodeling of scar tissue.
How long it can take for Vivace to affect the scars
Collagen remodeling occurs gradually over several weeks or months. Depending on the severity of scarring, multiple Vivace treatments may be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some degree of improvement is often seen a month or so after the initial treatment. From there, subsequent visits continue to remodel the scar tissue to be lighter, softer, and more harmonious with surrounding skin.
Is there any pain when you apply Vivace for scars?
No. Vivace delivers radiofrequency energy beneath the skin via multiple tiny needles. To ensure comfort, the provider applies a topical numbing cream to the skin before the procedure. The cream is left on the skin for approximately 30 minutes to achieve full effect. This enables the patient to tolerate their treatment well. Most describe only a slight sensation of pressure as the applicator is pressed against the skin.
Potential risks and side effects associated with Vivace for scarring
Side effects are very rare. At most, patients usually develop slight redness in the treatment area. This may look like a mild sunburn. Redness should fade within a few days.
Can Vivace be used for other procedures other than Microneedling?
Vivace is an advanced form of microneedling that can be used to address multiple concerns at once. The increase in collagen production after Vivace treatments can smooth lines and wrinkles and improve tissue elasticity and firmness so jowls and sagging are less prominent.
Schedule A Client Consultation
If you are seeking microneedling treatment in NYC, our staff at Sobel Skin offers honest, human, forward-looking care to help you be your best, most refreshed self. Call 212.288.0060 fill out a form in the right-hand column of this page to book an initial treatment consultation with Dr. Sobel.