Services Dermatology Cosmetic Dermatology Microneedling

Microneedling

Hattiesburg Clinic’s team of dermatologists are skilled in performing microneedling to improve skin texture.

Microneedling Overview

Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic dermatology procedure in which controlled micro-injuries are made to targeted treatment areas using the FDA-approved SkinPen®. The procedure stimulates the body’s natural production of new collagen and elastin while minimizing cell damage.

Collagen is an essential protein that rejuvenates the skin and helps maintain a youthful and smooth appearance. Collagen levels naturally decrease with age, which can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Collagen loss also occurs following injuries or skin damage, such as scarring or stretch marks. Microneedling’s stimulation of collagen production results in improved skin texture and firmness.

What skin conditions does microneedling treat?
How is microneedling performed?
How long does a microneedling procedure take?
Am I a good candidate for microneedling?
What are typical microneedling results? How long does microneedling last?
What can I expect after a microneedling procedure?
What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?
Differences between microneedling and microdermabrasion
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

What skin conditions does microneedling treat?

Microneedling is used to help with:

Alopecia (microneedling with platelet-rich plasma therapy)
Enlarged pores
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Rosacea
Scarring
Stretch marks
Wrinkles and fine lines

How is microneedling performed?

Before the microneedling procedure begins, patients have the option to have numbing cream applied. Patients who decide they would like numbing cream will have it applied to the treatment areas. After applying the numbing cream, a trained medical professional will remove a designated section of numbing cream and leave the rest of the cream in place. Then, microneedling will begin as the SkinPen is used on the exposed area. The process will be repeated until the entire designated area has been treated. A soothing gel will be applied post-procedure to cool your skin and prevent any dryness.

How long does a microneedling procedure take?

The length of the procedure varies depending on the treatment area but typically takes no more than 20 minutes.

Am I a good candidate for microneedling?

Microneedling is a great option for patients who desire a smoother skin texture. While microneedling is generally safe for most skin types, you may not be a candidate if you have:

A bleeding disorder or been taking blood thinners
Active acne
Active skin infections
Keloid or hypertrophic scars
Open wounds or cuts on the skin
Received radiation treatment on the skin in the last year
Used Accutane in the past six months

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to avoid microneedling treatments.

During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your medical history to make sure you are suitable for the procedure.

What are typical microneedling results? How long does microneedling last?

Patients generally see the full effects of microneedling within four to six weeks of treatment. Your body takes roughly this amount of time to create new collagen.

The number of treatments needed depends on both the condition you are treating as well as the current state of your skin. During your consultation, your doctor will create an individualized treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.

What can I expect after a microneedling procedure?

Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure including redness, darkness, swelling, burning or sensitivity. These reactions are normal and typically disappear within a few days. To soothe any discomfort, we recommend applying a post-treatment cream.

During the initial healing process (2-3 days), we recommend avoiding being outdoors from the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., as well as avoiding skin care products with acidic ingredients, retinol or glycolic acid. Makeup should be avoided in the first 24 hours after treatment.

Post-treatment, using a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 35 is recommended as part of your daily skin care routine.

What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical method of skin rejuvenation that uses the patient’s blood to improve the appearance of facial tissue. PRP therapy is also used to help with hair restoration.

PRP therapy is typically combined with microneedling for optimal results.

Differences between microneedling and microdermabrasion

Both microneedling and microdermabrasion are effective cosmetic dermatology treatments for improving skin texture. Each procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes to perform and is suitable for most skin types. For optimal results, our skin care specialists recommend a series of treatments for both procedures.

However, microdermabrasion is recommended for surface-level skin issues, while microneedling is recommended for deeper and advanced issues. Microdermabrasion typically produces faster results than microneedling, because deeper skin issues take longer to address. Microneedling requires more post-treatment maintenance than microdermabrasion but is still fairly minimal.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with microneedling. Schedule a consultation to discuss your desired outcomes and design a treatment plan customized to your needs.