You’ve heard about microneedling and the benefits the procedure can have on your skin. You’re interested in trying it out to see if you can get younger-looking, healthier skin. You could be looking for the best med spa in St. Cloud, MN, or New York City. But there are many considerations before deciding whether microneedling is right for you. Read on to learn how to understand whether microneedling is right for you.
Figure out your goals
Microneedling offers an array of cosmetic benefits for different types of skin. There are different microneedling treatments and several devices with effects that differ from patient to patient.
Traditional microneedling is geared more toward people looking for a conventional skincare experience. It is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, stretch marks, acne scarring, and more.
But if you want a more intense, targeted treatment, radiofrequency microneedling may be the better bet. This treatment adds heat to the microneedling process and is safe for all skin tones. Adding heat can further increase the body’s ability to produce collagen, improving your skin-tightening results even more.
And if your goal is more focused on blemishes such as deep scarring, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma may be best. With this process, the doctor draws blood and places it in a centrifuge to separate it into layers. Then, the microneedling process resumes, which is particularly effective at fading scars and especially effective in patients with darker skin tones.
Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks. The most important thing is the goal you’re looking to achieve.
Consider the price
Microneedling is a med spa process that often requires multiple follow-up visits, and the costs associated with these appointments can snowball. Healthline pegs a single microneedling appointment between $100 and $700. For someone who needs up to five treatments, the final cost could be almost $5,000.
If you’re not ready or able to drop $5,000 – or even $1,000 – microneedling may not be wise now. Taking care of your skin at home is not cheap, but you have more say over what you spend. Continue your at-home regimen until you’ve saved enough to consider getting multiple microneedling appointments seriously.
Think about your health and pain tolerance
The microneedling process is not for everyone. If you have conditions that impact your skin, such as diabetes or eczema, or if you are immunocompromised, speak with a healthcare professional to determine if microneedling is safe. Remember that the med spa will likely use a numbing topical agent, so mention any allergies or sensitivities to these lotions to your provider. Microneedling can also cause bleeding. If you have a clotting or bleeding disorder, understand that microneedling may not be safe.
The process can also be painful. While technology has advanced enough to make it relatively comfortable for most patients, pain tolerance always varies. Application of the topical numbing agent will make for a primarily pain-free procedure. But needles puncture your skin, and post-appointment swelling or irritation could increase your discomfort. Make sure you know how microneedling could cause pain before committing to an appointment.
Can you properly handle pre-appointment and post-care activities?
Your microneedling appointment involves more than showing up on the scheduled day. You should take preparation seriously, making sure to avoid harsh skin products in the lead-up to the procedure. Also, consider avoiding sunlight, shaving, and excessive skin care. These steps will make the treatment more tolerable and effective.
Post-treatment care is also important. Follow all postoperative instructions from your med spa professional and keep your skin away from aggravating factors. Avoid washing your face with hot water, and don’t use makeup in the days following your appointment. And unsurprisingly, it is just as important to avoid sunlight after your appointment as it is to avoid it beforehand.
If you can’t commit to preparation and aftercare, you may not be ready for microneedling.
Am I ready for microneedling?
Only you can answer this question. If you have researched the procedure, know your goals, understand the risks and price, and can handle pain and pre- and post-appointment skincare, microneedling is right for you. Otherwise, holding off until you are completely ready for this commitment may be smart. When looking for microneedling near you, evaluate your options and make the best decision for your goals.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
