What Is A Microneedling Facial?

Infinity Laser Spa is mostly famous in the New York metropolitan area for providing laser hair removal services. However, we also do offer laser tattoo removal as well as some facial treatments that treat diverse skin conditions or just for a skin refresh. Our facial treatments are great at helping clients achieve a healthy glowing skin, even as winter hits out and contributes to both dullness and dryness of the skin. One of our most famous facial treatments is a microneedling facial or vampire facial.

Whether we provide facial or hair removal services, our mission remains the same. Infinity Laser Spa wants you to feel good in your skin, in your body, in your mind and in general about yourself. We know how busy life gets and how a dull skin impacts your self-confidence. While sometimes a quick lunch facial is enough to boost to your skin, other times, you need something more. A microneedling facial belongs to that category of facials that is more complete and also great at helping with boosting your skin!

A Microneedling facial and what it entails

1. What is a microneedling facial?

Microneedling is a procedure that uses a bunch of tiny needles to puncture the very first layer of your skin. The procedure causes physical trauma to the skin. This process works to rejuvenate your skin by boosting collagen production. This will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and elevates the overall texture of your skin. The facial uses a dermaroller.

The purpose of a microneedling treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Dermagologists, skincare specialists and aestheticians use microneedling to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles, scarring, acne, alopecia, skin pigmentation issues, stretch marks, rosacea, loose skin, such as after weight loss or liposuction.

A microneedling treatment is a great alternative to other more expensive facial treatments such as fractional CO2 laser. Microneedling is also safer than CO2 laser for women of color since high melanin rates can interfere with the laser. Microneedling or vampire facial remains a serious procedure that should not be taken lightly. However, you do not need a consultation prior to coming in for the facial.

2. What are the benefits?

Microneedling has a lot of great benefits for your skin. The needles incur a lot of small wounds to the skin and force it regenerate. The skin will create new cells and boost collagen, which makes the skin looks youthful. One great benefit of a vampire facial is to remove early signs of aging. Other benefits include:

3. What to expect from the procedure?

A microneedling facial starts with applying a numbing cream to anesthetize the treated area for 45 minutes to one hour. When the area is ready for treatment, needling using the dermaroller is administered in horizontal, vertical and oblique directions. The procedure is followed up with a soothing serum and hydrating face mask.

Due to the numbing cream, the procedure is not painful. It may not be pleasant nor comfortable but it will not incur pain. The treatment lasts between twenty and thirty minutes depending on the size of the area and the intensity of the therapy. Pin-point bleeding may occur but it is easily controllable. Micro-wounds from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. They are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.

A microneedling session has little to no downtime. There may be redness and a tiny bit of pinpoint bleeding but those will not last. Patients will be able to get back into their normal routine the next day. Although, it is always safe to protect your skin from the sun as it will be quite sensitive for a time. However, please be advised that you should not drink alcohol, wear makeup, workout or take a hot shower before at least 72 hours after the procedure.

4. Are there any side effects?

Like any other cosmetic procedure, a microneedling facial may have side-effects. Normal side-effects of the procedure are skin redness and a bit of bleeding. Both should be gone within an hour after the treatment. The sensitivity of the patient's skin might also impact how long it takes for redness to fade. Other side effects can include:

• swelling
• discomfort at the site
• bruising
• dryness
• flaking of the skin

Bleeding, although uncommon and easily fixable, is a risk for people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications. It is important to disclose this information to the technician before receiving this treatment. Some more serious side effects include infection, skin pigment changes and reaction to numbing cream during the treatment.

Furthermore, some people are not good candidates for microneedling treatment. Such is the case for people with an active skin infection, active acne, keloid scarring and an unstable skin type.

5. What are the aftercare requirements?

A microneedling facial has little to no downtime, thus aftercare is also minimal. Since the skin will be left sensitive after the treatment, it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun immediately after the session. If you apply any SPF or sunblock, ensure it is physical, organic and natural without any aggressive chemical components. Avoid wearing makeup in the 24 to 72 hours after the treatment.

When cleaning your skin, we recommend that you use a gentle cleanser and tepid water to cleanse the face for 72 hours post-treatment, and gently dry the skin. Use serum antioxidants post-treatment, as its properties are ideal to help heal the skin by soothing and lessening irritation. Make sure you hydrate your skin.

To ensure the proper healing environment, refrain from using any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) scrubs or anything perceived as “active” skincare for one week post-treatment. Avoid using powered cleansing brushes as well and tanning beds. Wait at least 72 hours before going swimming or exercising as sweating and gym environments in general are harmful and filled with bacteria, which may cause adverse reactions in your skin.

6. Can I do microneedling at home?

Microneedling has become so popular due to early endorsement by celebrities such as Kim Kadarshian that a lot of people started to get the facial. It is also now possible to have a microneedling facial at home, using a home device. However, even if doing the facial at home provide with some benefits like a lower cost, it is too serious of a procedure to be safe done at home.

We wrote an extensive blog post about the risks and benefits of microneedling at home and do not advise to try it out at home. You risk infections, wounds and as well as a poorly done facial which may leave you with scars. Going to a spa is safer.

Why not check out our other facial treatment such as our BB Glow Facial or our Skin Renewal package? Should you be looking for some skin advice on our to remove dark spot for your skin or what facials would help you, click here.

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