Microneedling in Denver: Is It Right for You? The Risks and Benefits
A Safe, Effective Way to Look Younger Naturally
What comes to mind when you hear the word 'facelift'? Botox? Juvederm? Or, an invasive, painful, expensive surgical procedure that comes with risks, such as infection and scarring? For so long, these were the only available options for those seeking to look younger naturally. Then came microneedling.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, microneedling is believed to date back to ancient China and Egypt. And, when you see the results, it becomes clear that the most ancient beauty rituals have withstood the test of time for very good reasons.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin without damaging the epidermis (1). These tiny wounds prompt the body's red blood cells to rush in and begin collagen and elastin production. Thereafter, new skin cells begin to grow over the existing tissue (2). Like a star fish’s ability to regenerate a limb, the skin’s ability to stop bleeding, produce collagen, and self-heal is miraculous.
Why Does Microneedling Make You Look Younger naturally?
To understand how microneedling works, it helps to understand the nature of collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that give our skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less of them, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a dull complexion. Microneedling helps to reverse this process by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin (3).
What's the Difference Between Acupuncture and Microneedling?
Microneedling and acupuncture may appear to be similar at first sight, but there are several key differences. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that has been in use for millennia to cure a variety of ailments. It comprises the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to elicit a systemic physiological response. It can also be used as a cosmetic procedure. More on this here.
Microneedling, on the other hand, is a purely cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to improve the appearance of the skin. These punctures kick-start the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.
Microneedling
Requires less treatments
Treats wrinkles, age spots, skin tone, scars and acne
Greatly increases the absorption of skin products used during an after treatment
Acupuncture
Better at lifting, firming, tightening
Treats both the root cause and problem areas
Treats the whole body including other health concerns
The two are not mutually exclusive but are best used in combination for enhanced results.
Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Technology
At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, our in-depth knowledge of acupuncture makes us uniquely qualified to perform microneedling. Combining this ancient Chinese medicine with the latest microneedling technology drastically improves health, beauty, and wellness from the inside out.
Microneedling in Denver. Is it Right For You?
Microneedling is a safe and beneficial treatment for all skin types and complexions. If you're considering microneedling in Denver, schedule a free consultation. From there, we can determine your individual skincare concerns and answer any questions you may have.
What can Microneedling treat?
Hair Loss
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation
Scars
Age Spots
Acne
Stretch Marks
Areas: Face, Chest, Decolté, Hands, Body
What Happens During a Microneedling Treatment?
A microneedling treatment usually takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
If desired, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
Once the numbing cream has taken effect,the microneedling device is passed over the skin. During this time red light therapy is often applied.
The skin in thoroughly cleansed and to remove the numbing cream
Hyaluronic acid is applied to areas prior to needling.
The acu pen creates tiny punctures under high oscillation into the middle layer of the skin (dermis), which increases blood flow and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
After the treatment, of the area Apple Stem Cell serum and a cooling aloe mask is applied
Our Microneedling Packages includes a patient aftercare kit to accelerate your recovery and maximize the results.
Why are Hyaluronic Acid and Apple Stem Cells used during treatment?
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a substance found naturally in our skin that holds a thousand times it’s weight in water. By retaining this water and preventing it from evaporating, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated and plump.
Apple Stem Cells
Apple Stem Cells promote the reproduction of facial cells under the epidermis. Taken from the Uttwiller Spätlauber trees of Switzerland, Scientists at Mibelle Biochemistry concluded that at a concentration of only 0.1%, an extract of Uttwiller Spätlauber stem cells stimulated the proliferation of human stem cells by an astounding 80%.
What Happens After a Microneedling Treatment?
Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that does not require downtime. After your treatment, you can resume your regular routine without restriction. However, we do advise:
Keeping the treated skin clean but unwashed until the next day.
Taking a break from social activities that evening.
Avoid make-up or skincare treatments for 24 hours following treatment.
Avoid any exercise the day of treatment.
More Benefits of Microneedling in Denver
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (4)
Anti-aging properties
Improved skin texture
Improves sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Firmer skin
Reduced appearance of scars (including acne and burn scars). (5, 6)
Reduced appearance of stretch marks
Brighter complexion
Tightens and shrinks pores
Microneedling can treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth
Increases transdermal absorption of skin products and serums by up to 2,000 times. (7)
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Microneedling does not usually hurt, but you may feel a slight prickling sensation as the needles penetrate the skin. The high frequency and oscillation of a high-quality professional microneedling pen reduces the level of pain. A numbing cream can be applied beforehand to minimize any discomfort at which time red light therapy can be applied.
Which Microneedling Technology Do We Use?
At DSHM, we use the Aculift Pen which is the key device in a state-of-the-art microneedling system. Low quality devices tend to produce significantly more pain and tearing of the skin vs puncturing.
While at home derma rollers may brighten your complexion by increasing blood flow, they do tear the skin and do not make even tiny punctures. Furthermore, these at home devices come nowhere near the depth to produce any collagen and elastin production or have any effect on improving absorption of skin care products.
How long Before I see The Results of Microneedling?
Many people see results several weeks after just one microneedling treatment However, the real magic will become evident over the course of a few months as new collagen and elastin are produced and results become more profound.
How Long Do The Results of Microneedling Last?
The results of microneedling are long-lasting, but not permanent. You can expect to see results for up to 2 years before a maintenance treatment is required.
How Many Microneedling sessions should I have?
The frequency of microneedling treatments varies from person to person. We recommend starting with a series of 4-6 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart. After that, you can extend the interval between treatments as desired or needed.
What Will Enhance the Effects of My Microneedling Treatments?
Complementary treatments like nano-needling and cosmetic acupuncture can enhance results.
Nano-needling
Nano-needling only penetrates the epidermis within the top .25 mm of skin. The advantages of this therapy include:
Fading pigmentation
Improved cell turnover
Skin rejuvenation
A radiance that lasts immediately with NO downtime
Because of the shallow depth, nano-needling can be used around the eyes to treat:
Saggy skin
Dark circles
Puffiness
Tired looking eyes
Nano-needling only penetrates the epidermis, meaning healing time is quicker. Therefore, this treatment can also be done weekly in between microneedling sessions and is a great compliment to microneedling.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a comprehensive therapy that treats the entire body. What exactly does this phrase imply? Acupuncture can address the underlying source of your facial problems, for example, particular pathways run to the eyes, encircle the mouth, or reach the nasolabial fold.
Acupuncture points are also located around the body's periphery. As a result, these acupuncture points would be used in conjunction with local needling on the face to treat deep and shallow wrinkles, crow's feet, fine lines around the mouth, and sagging jowls. Weekly acupuncture treatments allow for targeted treatment of particular problem regions while also allowing for enhanced relaxation and wellbeing.
What are the Side Effects of Microneedling?
The side effects of microneedling are usually mild, temporary, and usually disappear within a few days. They may include:
Redness (increased blood flow)
Swelling
Bruising (rare)
Dryness (another reason why we use hyaluronic acid)
Peeling skin (usually the stem cell serum, not actual skin)
Note: It is important to avoid sun exposure before and after a microneedling treatment, as the skin will be more susceptible to damage.
Microneedling Contraindications
For the most part, microneedling is an extremely safe procedure. However, microneedling is not recommended for people who have:
Active acne
Open wounds
Recent sunburns
Herpes zoster, psoriasis, or eczema
History of keloid scarring
Active cold sores or herpes simplex virus
Uncontrolled diabetes
Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or psoriasis. (8)
Why Choose Denver Sports And Holistic Medicine For Your Microneedling needs?
Our microneedling treatments are a perfect example of our commitment to whole-person wellness, designed to help you feel and look fantastic. We offer state-of-the-art microneedling technology, administered by a caring, licensed professional who makes sure you are comfortable every step of the way.
Ready to Improve Your Skin, Eliminate Wrinkles, and Look Younger Naturally?
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Microneedling appointment!