Microneedling is a category of cosmetic rejuvenation treatment that involves pricking the skin with fine needles in order to stimulate the body’s production of collagen and elastin.
Microneedling has become quite popular recently for its effectiveness and accessibility—while it does involve tiny needles, it doesn’t involve injections or lengthy downtime.
While they all use similar mechanisms, there are several different types of microneedling that can accomplish slightly different goals.
Let’s talk more about what microneedling is and discuss the different results each type of microneedling can provide.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes referred to as “collagen inductions therapy”, involves the use of tools with fine needles to create “micro-injuries” to the surface of the skin.
These micro-injuries force the skin to begin a healing response, which involves collagen and elastin production.
Since these very fine needles don’t actually penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin, there is no scarring.
Collagen is a common protein found in the skin that provides structure and support while elastin allows the skin to maintain and return to its original shape after each movement. Together, these two fibers create a fleshy mesh that gives our skin its soft and durable quality.
As we age, our skin produces less and less collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, drooping, and fine lines.
Different Types of Microneedling
When it comes to microneedling, there are a few different main types that differ slightly.
- Traditional Microneedling
- Radiofrequency Microneedling (RF)
- Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Nano-Needling
- Derma Rollers
Traditional Microneedling
Let’s start with the most traditional form of microneedling. Traditional microneedling uses a device tipped with very sharp, very tiny needles. The device works with a rolling motion to target the layer of skin that produces collagen and elastin. A provider will move the needle across the face or target areas in a slow, methodical pattern.
Benefits of Traditional Microneedling
This method is great for:
- improving overall skin texture
- minimizing pores
- reducing the appearance of fine lines
- acne scars
Things to Consider:
Traditional Microneedling is incredibly effective and suitable for most skin types. It does involve a few days of healing and downtime after the treatment.
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
RF Microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radio-frequency energy. The radio-frequencies are delivered through the needles, creating heat and providing an additional collagen stimulation and skin tightening properties.
Benefits of RF Microneedling
RF Microneedling is ideal for:
- Tightening skin
- Deep wrinkles and lines
- More advanced signs of aging
- Stretch Marks
Things to Consider:
Because of the added radio-frequencies and heat, RF microneedling is more intensive and may require a longer downtime than traditional microneedling. However, it provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results.
Microneedling with Plasma
Often referred to as the “vampire facial,” this method of microneedling involves applying plasma derived from a patient’s own blood to the skin during microneedling. This plasma contains platelets that enhance the healing process and promote additional collagen production.
Benefits of Microneedling with Plasma
This method is ideal for:
- Advanced healing
- Boosting collagen production
- Reducing fine lines
- Improving overall texture
Things to Consider:
The addition of plasma can significantly enhance the results of traditional microneedling, making it a great option for those looking to maximize their treatment outcomes. However, it involves a blood draw, which some people may find uncomfortable.
Nano-Needling
As the name implies, nano-needling invovles the use of much smaller needles than traditional microneedling. These smaller needles are much gentler, and only targets the outermost layer of skin, meaning there’s no downtime involved. However, the results are much more subtle than any other type of microneedling treatment.
Benefits of Nano-Needling:
Because it’s much less intense, nano-needling is great for:
- Sensitive skin
- Smoothing out skin texture
- Aiding with skin product absorption
- Quick maintenance
- Subtle results
Things to consider:
Because nano-needling is less invasive, it is ideal for those who want a gentler treatment with no downtime. However, it doesn’t provide the same dramatic results as traditional or RF microneedling.
Derma Rollers
Derma rollers are handheld devices with a roller covered in tiny needles. They can be used at home to achieve similar benefits to professional microneedling, though with less intensity.
Benefits of Derma Rollers:
Derma rollers have a few perks:
- Can be purchased and used at home
- Can subtly help smooth skin texture
- Aids with skin product absorption
Things to consider:
While derma rollers are convenient for at-home use, they are nowhere near as effective as professional treatments. Additionally, if derma rollers aren’t used properly they can cause serious skin conditions or damage.
If you do decide you’d like to try out derma rollers, please ask a dermatologist or skin expert first!
How to Choose the Right Microneedling Treatment
Before you choose the right microneedling treatment, you should weight your options and think about what your ultimate goals are.
Think About your Goals:
Each microneedling treatment can help you accomplish slightly different goals. For deep wrinkles and significant skin tightening, RF microneedling will most likely be the best option. A vampire facial will provide better healing while still improving fine lines and collagen production.
For overall texture improvement and pore reduction, traditional microneedling works like a charm. Those with sensitive skin or mild concerns will likely be directed towards nano-needling. And lastly, derma rollers can be a convenient tool for at-home maintenance.
Think About Downtime:
A treatment with lengthy downtime can involve a bit of logistics Traditional and RF microneedling require some downtime for healing, so you’ll want to plan around work or vacations.
Nano-needling and derma rollers are more convenient, requiring little to no downtime, making them more suitable for those with busy schedules.
Think about Results and Cost
Professional treatments like traditional microneedling and RF microneedling provide more significant results but come at a higher cost. They also may require multiple sessions.
At-home options like derma rollers are more affordable but require consistent and careful use.
Think about Personal Comfort:
Traditional and RF microneedling involve a bit more discomfort during the treatment and have a healing period that can be painful or annoying. However, it may be worth it for the amazing results.
Schedule a Consultation to Choose the Right Microneedling Treatment
Ultimately, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a skincare expert like the ones here at DermaBlue before making a decision. We can discuss your goals, explore your medical history, and help you determine which microneedling treatment is best for your skin.
We are highly skilled with both traditional microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling and can guide you towards the right solution.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our microneedling experts to get started.
FAQ
Traditional microneedling is good for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, acne scarring, and minimizing pores.
RF microneedling is better for deep lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and tightening skin.
Microneedling results can last between 6-12 months, but it depends heavily on lifestyle factors and skincare as well.
Things like smoking, diet, and sun exposure can affect the longevity of microneedling results.
You’ll want to ask your provider how to maximize your results.
Microneedling produces great results, but can require several appointments and can require downtime.
The number of microneedling sessions needed largely depends on your goals and individual skin conditions. For light textural changes, you may only need one or two treatments to see a difference. If you’re treating more severe skin concerns like stretch marks or deep acne scars, you might need several treatments.
