Microneedling

Microneedling involves running a pen-shaped medical device over your skin to break down old scar tissue and prompt the growth and proliferation of new skin cells. The device slides over the skin during the course of treatment, penetrating at depths of up to 2 mm.

The skin responds to the “micro wounds” produced by the microneedling device by creating new collagen and elastin to regenerate itself, resulting in overall improved skin health and reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes. Over the course of the procedure, the device exfoliates the skin, stimulates blood flow, and cleans out pores. Depending on the size and state of the treatment area, a single session may take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour to complete.

Just as the duration of a treatment can vary depending on the patient’s unique needs, the number of treatments required to achieve optimal results varies as well. Most patients require a minimum of three sessions to achieve ideal results, but the beauty of a microneedling treatment for Dallas patients is that the skin does all the work, naturally healing itself. Microneedling has been approved for the face, neck, body, and scalp.

There are several microneedling devices being sold for home use. However, dermatologists advise that the procedure should be performed by a medical professional due to the risk of infection and scarring if applied in an environment that is not appropriately sterile.

Microneedling is best utilized by Dallas patients looking to resolve the following issues:

Microneedling works particularly well on pigment problems, such as melasma or hyperpigmentation. Since it isn’t a laser, it doesn’t generate heat, so it’s ideal for all skin types, including darker complexions, at any time of the year.

Microneedling is not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of certain types of scars and wounds healing poorly, have a skin infection or condition including herpes in the treatment area, have received radiation treatment to that area of the skin within the last year, have open wounds, or have utilized Accutane^® within the last few months.

SkinPen^® is a microneedling device that makes use of very small needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back. These natural components of the skin work to repair damage and refresh areas where they are found in abundance, which can improve the appearance of a variety of marks, making SkinPen^® microneedling useful for acne scar treatment, stretch marks, and more. This microneedling device can also reduce hyperpigmentation, large pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.

SkinPen^® is only available from medical professionals, such as a licensed dermatologist. The device works by needling the skin, creating hundreds of tiny areas where increased healing will improve the look and texture of the treatment site by promoting natural collagen reproduction and healing similar to fractional laser treatments, laser resurfacing, and IPL (intense pulsed light). Unlike these energy-based procedures that use heat, however, SkinPen^® uses sterile, disposable needle cartridges at adjustable depths to allow for increased effectiveness for your unique skin needs.

This allows SkinPen^® to be used for a wider range of patient types, including patients with darker skin types, and it carries virtually no risk or down time. SkinPen^® microneedling is an excellent option for acne scar treatment, stretch mark reduction, hyperpigmentation reduction, and improvement of overall skin texture.

Microneedling with radiofrequency (sometimes referred to as RF microneedling or microRF) is a multiple modality treatment: Microneedling is performed along with the addition of RF energy pulses through the small needles used to create micro injuries in the skin.

Along with the benefits that traditional microneedling would deliver, the RF energy travels from the needles to the deeper dermis layer of the skin to generate heat that further enhances skin tightening and scar reduction. The heat also further stimulates the skin’s production of collagen (the good kind) and elastin for longer-lasting results.

As part of our commitment to stay ahead of the curve and offer patients the latest (but well-tested) treatment options, our practice was one of the first in the region to offer Secret™ RF, the first FDA-cleared 2 Mhz RF microneedling system.

Want to choose something other than more aggressive treatments that require more extensive downtime? Dr. Ellen Turner and her staff provide the recently introduced, award-winning Secret™ RF in the Dallas area for patients to enjoy more refreshed, youthful skin by stimulating collagen production.

Due to the way it’s designed with fractional radiofrequency microneedling technology, FDA-cleared Secret™ RF is believed to be more effective and provides more consistent results than other traditional, energy-based skin rejuvenation options. Secret™ RF offers a precise level of control and can amplify the effects of topical treatments, since the micro injuries created by the device can serve as channels for topical products to penetrate the skin more deeply.

Secret™ RF from Cutera is a minimally invasive deep skin revitalization treatment used to reduce a large range of common signs of damage on the face and body, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as changes to tone and texture, including stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, loose or sagging skin, sun damage, enlarged pores, acne scars, and other types of scars. This microneedling treatment helps patients to grow healthy, new skin.

Secret™ RF can be thought of as an “upgraded” version of microneedling that offers all of the benefits of standard collagen induction therapy treatment with the addition of radiofrequency for better and faster results. Unlike lasers, which are light based, the heat that is given off in radiofrequency microneedling treatments comes from electricity.

As your skin ages, the cells naturally produce less collagen, the protein that provides the framework for the skin and keeps it strong. The Secret™ RF tissue coagulation system works by triggering the regeneration and remodelling of collagen below the surface of the skin to improve its condition while minimizing damage to the skin’s outer surface. Secret™ RF has dual benefits: Patients can improve the appearance of the superficial layer of skin and build collagen within the inner layers at the same time. Radiofrequency microneedling treatments also promote the creation of elastin and capillaries in addition to collagen.

RF microneedling at our practice can be performed on both the face and the body. Secret™ RF is a motorized system that comes with two distinct cartridges: The smaller one can be used for areas that require great care and precision (such as for fine lines around the eyes and lips), and the larger one is a more efficient option for more expansive areas of the body. In addition to the benefits of traditional microneedling, RF microneedling can reduce pore size, brighten the skin, and address wrinkles on the hands or other parts of the body.

The Secret™ RF microneedling device, in particular, is different from many other RF microneedling devices, because it comes with the option to choose between using insulated or non-insulated micro needle sets. Non-insulated needles can lift and tighten skin more effectively, while insulated ones will create channels to facilitate better penetration (and thus effectiveness) of topical treatments, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and corticosteroids (such as Kenalog^®). Scar revision with RF microneedling can also be enhanced using Secret™ RF’s insulated needles in conjunction with PRP or the dermal filler Sculptra^®.

Secret™ RF is safe for all skin types and can be ideal for any patient who wants to dramatically enhance the appearance of their skin. There is virtually no risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. The best candidates are in a good state of health, experiencing the earliest signs of aging, and maintain realistic expectations. Secret™ RF may not be suited for patients who have active cold sores or skin infections, skin diseases, are pregnant, have been taking anticoagulants, or have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scarring, or poor wound healing.

Sweat and odor glands are known to be sensitive to heat. With the use of fine needles to apply RF energy deeper into the skin, the heat generated has been shown in clinical trials to damage these glands to significantly reduce axillary hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive underarm sweating). Results from this type of microneedling can last a year or longer, and if necessary, follow-up treatments are safe to perform.

Patients very quickly start to see positive changes in the skin, which should begin to look smoother and more radiant, but the full results won’t materialize for several months. The reason for the delayed result is that microneedling prompts the skin to naturally heal itself, stimulating the growth of collagen, which helps heal and improve skin’s appearance over time. As the microneedling breaks down scar tissue, the skin responds by creating new cells, resulting in new layers of elastin and collagen fibers.

While multiple sessions are recommended to achieve optimal results from SkinPen^® microneedling, noticeable results are typically seen just one week following treatment and gradually improve as the body’s healing process promotes the production of healthy, new cells and extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid). Patients with an uneven skin tone and fine lines may see a result after just one microneedling treatment, while those looking to soften the appearance of acne scars may require several treatments.

The duration and effectiveness of microneedling also depends on the number of treatments. The microneedling procedure can safely be repeated every month or so, and the number of recommended microneedling treatments depends on a variety of factors including how well the patient responds and the severity of the scars or skin damage being treated. Many patients opt for a minimum of three microneedling sessions to reduce the appearance of scars, for example. However, each patient has unique needs, and we will work with you to develop a distinct microneedling treatment plan to address your unique concerns and needs.

For Dallas-area patients concerned about possible pain or discomfort, our staff can apply a topical numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort during microneedling. We recommend an application of hyaluronic acid after the procedure to help heal and hydrate the skin, as well as maximizing sun protection measures.

It is important to note that most patients will experience redness, tenderness, and swelling for the first one to two days following microneedling, along with the possibility of light bruising. However, these effects should be mild, and patients should begin to notice smoother skin within one to two weeks—though the full effects will take longer to materialize as collagen and elastin production continues. Patients can expect no significant downtime with SkinPen^®. After just one day, patients may return to normal activities and are able to conceal most of the signs of treatment with makeup. Within days, there will be no evidence that any treatment was performed at all.

Sometimes, small brown dots may be present at the entry points of each RF micro needle. These typically last for two to three days before resolving on their own. If RF microneedling is performed on the underarms, it is normal for there to be some swelling and minor skin irritation for one to two weeks.

The cost of microneedling will depend largely on the number and duration of treatments a patient requires to achieve the best possible results. Microneedling consultations are available from our medical estheticians serving the Dallas area, trained to evaluate a patient’s specific skincare needs and help figure out the best way to address those needs.

Since microneedling is an elective procedure, financing is available through CareCredit, which allows patients to cover the cost of their treatment, then pay it off over time. Patients who would like to learn more about their options for financing assistance can contact CareCredit either by applying online or asking our staff for additional information. Once approved, CareCredit allows patients to set up a regular system of payment for cosmetic procedures and treatments.

Dr. Ellen Turner prides herself on outstanding patient care. She is very diligent about choosing appropriate candidates for each procedure, and you can expect your consultation with her or a member of her team to be comfortable, informative, and respectful. They will listen to your concerns and carefully evaluate you for microneedling and/or other appropriate interventions based on your clinical needs and personal preferences.

Along with Secret™ RF and other types of microneedling, laser and light-based cosmetic techniques are also available for improving the appearance of the skin. These include IPL (photorejuvenation) as a milder, light-based option that lightens red and dark spots on the skin at the same time or reduces scars; laser skin resurfacing that involves using a targeted wavelength of energy to reduce specific skin concerns, the hybrid fractional laser treatment Sciton^® Halo™; and the light-based PICOCARE 450 device.

Candidates for microneedling may also be interested in other scar treatments, such as laser scar removal and laser acne treatment. Ultherapy^® is a non-invasive skin tightening option that uses ultrasound energy to target the deep tissues on the face, neck, and body by encouraging collagen regeneration as a way of addressing loose and sagging skin.