If you've been looking for ways to revitalize your skin or heal inconsistencies like acne scars, you might have come across microneedling. This procedure is becoming more and more common in plastic surgery and aesthetic offices as a way to help people restore youthful, healthy skin. Some liken the process to acupuncture, but in fact, it's very different.

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How It Works

Microneedling is based on stimulating the body's natural healing process. The needles are incredibly tiny and, when used for skin repair, only penetrate the very top layer of skin. When the needles puncture the skin they create microtraumas (tiny injuries). This alerts the body that it needs to heal the area. Your body will send extra blood, rich with collagen and oxygen, to heal the area. This rush of blood is what helps to heal inconsistencies, even and tighten the skin and restore your youthful glow.

Types of Microneedling

There are two common types of microneedling treatments. If you're looking at RF microneedling packages, then practitioners will couple the microneedling procedure with radiofrequency waves. These waves can help to stimulate your healing process by encouraging the growth of new skin cells. This type of microneedling is usually used to help resolve acne scars or smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. 

The second type of microneedling uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat the skin. Microneedling with PRP uses the patient's own blood as an extra stimulus for skin cells. Practitioners will draw a vial of blood before they start needling, separate the blood particles from the platelets, and then rub the platelets over the skin after applying a microneedle roller. The platelets provide an extra boost to the healing process and can help to resolve wrinkles, fine lines or heal more serious conditions with continued sessions.

Microneedling is a safe way to smooth your skin and see meaningful results.