The wound healing response in the human body is quite miraculous. Whether those “wounds” are perceived (as with various skin rejuvenation procedures) or real, the body responds by producing new supplies of collagen and elastin, along with new skin cells, to heal the wounds.
In the case of microneedling at Dr. Barrera’s hundreds of microscopic punctures through the epidermis into the dermis trigger a healing response that actually lasts for weeks. This despite the fact that the microscopic punctures fully heal in just a few hours.
Dr. Barrera offers microneedling, adding platelet-rich plasma if desired, for his Houston patients. Be sure to dial (713) 468-5200 today for your personalized Microneedling consultation to learn whether you are a candidate for treatment!
What Is Microneedling?
We use the SkinPen for our microneedling. It has nine tiny needles that move up and down as the pen is moved across the treatment areas. We can vary the penetration of the needles up to 2mm depending on the area being treated. For instance, the forehead has thinner skin, so we shorten the penetration depth. These microscopic punctures begin to heal almost immediately, but the body perceives these as wounds and responds by increasing collagen and elastin production and improving the skin.
What Skin Problems Can Microneedling Improve?
One nice thing about microneedling, as compared to various laser resurfacing procedures, is that it doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation, so it can be used on all skin types and tones. At Dr. Barrera’s, we perform microneedling most often on the face, neck, and décolletage.
These are skin problems microneedling can improve:
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Stretch marks
- Acne Scars
- Large Pores
How Is Microneedling Done?
First, we clean your skin on the treatment areas. Then we apply topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Next, your aesthetician holds the SkinPen and slowly moves it across the treatment area. Its nine microneedles rise and fall, puncturing the skin hundreds of times. Overlapping passes will be made over the treatment areas.
Patient Testimonial
“Thank you so much for the fine care you gave me on my recent surgery. Even though it was minor by your standards, you treated me like your most important patient. The results made me very happy and I look forward to a lifelong relationship with you. Thanks to your fine staff also.”
– Patsy B.
“There are no words quite right to thank you enough for the kindness and care you have given me as your patient. Thank you so much for guiding me through this difficult time. God Bless you and your family.”
– Teri
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Because we apply a topical anesthetic prior to your session, microneedling doesn’t hurt. Most patients equate the feeling to that of a piece of light sandpaper being lightly dragged across the treatment areas.
How Often Should I Have Microneedling?
These procedures provide some immediate rejuvenation of the skin, mostly due to the quick recovery of the microscopic skin punctures. But the real results occur as the body builds new collagen, elastin, and skin cells. This takes some time, so we like to allow 4 weeks between these treatments. Our patients like to schedule microneedling in a series of 3 treatments. This provides great skin firming and improved texture. After that, patients may come as needed for additional treatments.
Is There Downtime After A Microneedling Session?
There really isn’t a true Downtime ( “recovery” time) after our microneedling sessions. Immediately following your session, your skin will appear red and flushed, as if you have a mild sunburn. The degree of redness correlates to how many passes are made over the area and the depth of the needle penetration. This redness usually passes by the next day. You may have some slight swelling, and your skin will feel a little tight for a day or so. If you can arrange it, it’s a good idea to have your microneedling session as an after-work procedure. That way, your skin can calm down overnight.
Speak With Dr. Barrera For Microneedling In houston!
If you’re interested in learning more about Microneedling in Houston, TX, please contact us at (713) 468-5200 to schedule a consultation with our practice. You can also fill out the form in our contact page to book your one-on-one meeting with the experienced Dr. Alfonso Barrera.