The Dangers of Microneedling at Home - FFA

At first, microneedling or derma-rolling can sound counterintuitive — it involves picking the skin with tiny needles to create microscopic tears. However, these tears stimulate the body’s production of collagen and elastin, contributing to cell turnover. The result is stronger, smoother skin that minimizes the look of acne, scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and other blemishes.

This form of skincare has become exceedingly popular in recent years, with celebrities and medical practitioners alike lauding its uses. In fact, it has become so widespread that you can find at-home microneedling pens and kits online or in stores that sell skincare products. The question is, should you use them? The answer — just because you can complete microneedling at home doesn’t mean you should.

Is Microneedling at Home Safe?

Microneedling can be a safe, effective skin treatment when done by a professional. If you attempt it on your own, you might face a range of complications. You may think microneedling at home can save you some money in the long run, but in this case, you truly get what you pay for.

Some of the dangers of microneedling at home include:

• Deep wounds: Microneedling is only supposed to penetrate a few millimeters into the skin. Without proper guidance, most people either don’t go deep enough to stimulate meaningful collagen production or go too deep and cause wounds that scar and damage their skin.
• Irritation: While irritation can occur regardless of the setting, it’s less likely when professionals manage your care. Skilled experts can monitor your skin and determine whether the irritation is normal or indicative of an issue that may require medical attention.
• Infection: Although the lesions that come with microneedling are microscopic, they are still open wounds that can let in dirt and bacteria. An unregulated environment can invite dangerous particles into your system that can cause infections and, at worst, make you sick and leave long-lasting scars.
• Hyperpigmentation: When microneedling at home, it’s easy to misjudge when to let your skin heal. Overdoing your treatments can result in the same skin issues you’re trying to avoid, including inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling at home versus professionally at a medspa opens you up to more injuries. The chance of adverse effects is likely, and your skin will most likely take longer to heal as you have no training. Furthermore, the equipment in professional practices is far superior to what you find in store. Over-the-counter tools usually have shorter, duller needles that produce inferior results. Plus, there’s no guarantee that they are safe for the skin.

The Benefits of Professional Microneedling

When you choose microneedling treatment at a medspa like Face Forward Aesthetics, you’re receiving an FDA-approved procedure in a safe, sanitary location with professional equipment performed by experienced, board-certified nurse practitioners.  All our providers have spent years studying and practicing aesthetic treatments. When receiving microneedling treatment from an expert provider, the risk of injury is virtually obsolete which means your skin can start healing sooner and you’ll see better results, faster.

Professional microneedling significantly reduces the chance of injury, irritation, or scarring. It provides the following benefits:

• Youthful appearance: Microneedling boosts collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. As you age, your skin loses elasticity and vibrance, but microneedling can help. The tiny wounds it creates and the subsequent buildup of collagen improves sagging and dull skin.
• Reduced contamination risk: Professionals work in a sanitary environment and prepare your skin for the procedure. They have the skills and experience to distinguish between normal and abnormal reactions. They will also monitor your skin carefully for signs of irritation.
• Sun damage and scar treatment: Microneedling effectively addresses acne and other scars. It also reduces the appearance of sun damage, including age spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Shrunken pores: Microneedling makes pores appear significantly smaller. Treatments plump the skin around each pore, visibly reducing the size of your pores.
• Effective topical products: After a professional microneedling treatment, it is the perfect time to apply topical skin treatments. Your nurse practitioners have created microchannels at precisely the right depth into the dermis, allowing your skin to receive these products deeper and more effectively.
• Minimal to no pain: Microneedling at home leaves many things to chance, including your pain levels. In contrast, professionals use FDA-approved technology, numbing cream, and their vast expertise to minimize pain during your microneedling facial treatment.

What You Need to Know About Professional Microneedling

When you choose professionals for your microneedling appointment, knowing what to expect can give you peace of mind. Here’s a breakdown of what your appointment and aftercare will look like:

Before Your Appointment

Your nurse practitioner will provide a skin consultation, examining your skin and discussing your goals for the procedure. It’s a good time to ask any questions about your treatment.

During Your Appointment

Your skincare practitioner will apply a numbing cream to your skin and use a professional tool to complete the microneedling procedure. Needles range in size depending on your needs, so you might feel warmth, scratching or a little pain during the procedure. The process takes around 30 minutes to complete.

After Your Appointment

You can resume your normal activities as soon as your appointment is complete. However, it’s best to avoid swimming, hot tubs, workouts, and touching your face. You might have red and swollen skin for a few days, but most people see a visible improvement in their skin within a week. Microneedling is a temporary treatment, so it’s best to schedule maintenance appointments once every three months.

Trust the Trained Professionals at Face Forward Aesthetics With Your Microneedling Treatments

Professional microneedling can save you from excess pain and more serious medical complications. When it comes to your skin and whole body health, leave your care in the hands of the experts at Face Forward Aesthetics. Our board-certified nurse practitioners will be happy to discuss radio frequency (RF) and traditional microneedling options or any other treatment in our services menu with you. Put your skin first and avoid the unknown. Book an appointment with us today!