A device with small needles is used in microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure, to induce controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This encourages the formation of collagen and starts the body’s natural mending process. Many skin issues, such as fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture, can be successfully treated with microneedling.
But how many microneedling sessions do you need to achieve optimal results? The answer may vary depending on your specific skin concerns and goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors determining the number of microneedling sessions required and what you can expect from the treatment.
What is Microneedling?
At The Best Injector, we use SkinPen Microneedling, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. SkinPen is a minimally invasive treatment designed to rejuvenate and enhance the skin’s overall appearance. During microneedling, the SkinPen utilizes fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface.
This process produces new collagen and elastin, which sets off the body’s natural healing reaction. Because of this, microneedling effectively reduces the visibility of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. Additionally, by improving skincare product absorption, the controlled micro-injuries increase the efficacy of the products.
What happens during a microneedling session?
Here’s what typically happens during a microneedling session at The Best Injector:
Before the Treatment
Your provider will properly cleanse your face to remove makeup, oils, or pollutants before your microneedling treatment. A topical numbing medication may be used to lessen pain during the procedure.
During the Treatment
Once your skin is properly prepared, your provider will use the SkinPen microneedling device to create controlled micro-injuries in the treatment area. The SkinPen is equipped with tiny needles that vertically penetrate the skin at a specific depth, creating microscopic channels.
As the SkinPen is moved across your skin, these micro-channels stimulate your body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen and elastin production. The depth of the needles can be changed to target particular skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation.
The treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. Minor discomfort or a pricking sensation may occur during the process, but most patients find it tolerable.
After the Treatment
Once the microneedling procedure is complete, your provider will apply a soothing serum or hydrating mask to calm and nourish your skin. After the procedure, you may experience some redness and swelling, but these should go away in a few days.
Post-care instructions, such as avoiding direct sunlight and using gentle skincare products, will be provided to ensure proper healing and maximize the treatment’s benefits.
How many microneedling sessions do you need?
While the number of sessions can vary, here’s a general guideline for the typical number of microneedling sessions needed:
- Mild Skin Concerns (hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, fine lines): Typically 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Moderate Concerns (mild acne scars, early signs of aging): Usually 5-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Severe Concerns (deep acne scars, advanced aging): May require 6-8 or more sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart
It is generally recommended to start with 3-4 sessions, then assess the results and determine if additional sessions are needed. Some individuals may see significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others with more stubborn concerns may require the full 6-8 sessions or more.
Maintenance sessions every 6-12 months can also prolong and enhance the results achieved through the initial treatment series. The best way to develop a customized microneedling plan is to consult with an experienced provider like those at The Best Injector. They can evaluate your specific skin and develop the ideal treatment protocol.
Factors Affecting the Number of Sessions
The number of microneedling sessions needed to achieve optimal results depends on several factors, including:
- Skin issues: The number of sessions needed depends largely on the severity of your skin troubles. For example, more sessions may be necessary for deep wrinkles and acne scars than for modest texture concerns or hyperpigmentation.
- Skin Type: Those with more resilient or thicker skin might need fewer sessions than those with more sensitive or thinner skin.
- Treatment Area: The required sessions may vary depending on the area’s size and location. For instance, more sessions can be needed to treat larger areas like the face and neck than smaller areas like the hands or décolletage.
- Treatment Depth: The depth of the microneedling treatment can also affect the number of sessions required. Deeper treatments, which target deeper layers of the skin, may necessitate more sessions than superficial treatments.
- Individual Response: Every person’s skin reacts differently to microneedling. After only a few sessions, some people might see noticeable improvements, while others might need more sessions to get the desired outcomes.
How do you prolong your microneedling results?
Here are some tips to help prolong your microneedling results:
- Observe Post-Treatment Instructions: Following each microneedling session, pay close attention to your provider’s post-treatment guidelines. These usually entail staying hydrated, applying mild skincare products, and avoiding direct sun exposure.
- Use Medical-Grade Skincare Products: To optimize and prolong your outcomes, include the medical-grade skincare products your provider suggests in your daily routine. Seek goods with potent components that can increase collagen production, such as growth factors, vitamin C, and retinoids.
- Defend Your Skin from Sun Damage: Some of the advantages of microneedling can be reversed by sun exposure, which breaks down collagen and elastin. Make sure you wear protective clothes outside and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can all contribute to better skin health and prolong the effects of your microneedling treatments.
- Schedule Maintenance Treatments: While the initial series of microneedling sessions will provide significant improvement, the results are only partially permanent. Schedule maintenance treatments every 6-12 months as your provider recommends to maintain your refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.
By following these tips and working closely with your provider at The Best Injector, you can maximize the longevity of your microneedling outcomes and enjoy smoother, more youthful-looking skin for an extended period.
Conclusion
A less invasive and highly effective method of treating a variety of skin issues, including hyperpigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, is microneedling with a SkinPen. While the number of sessions required can vary based on your individual needs and goals, the experienced providers at The Best Injector are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t settle for anything less than optimal results. Schedule a consultation with our team of experts to take the first step towards achieving your best skin yet. During your consultation, we’ll carefully evaluate your skin and develop a customized microneedling treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Unlock the power of microneedling and experience the rejuvenating effects of this cutting-edge treatment. Contact The Best Injector today and let us help you achieve the smooth, radiant, and youthful complexion you deserve.
