Microneedling

Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive and nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment that reverses the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation and more.

While the idea of using needles to treat your skin may seem intimidating, these gentle microneedles work to stimulate collagen and elastin production in your treatment areas by utilizing your body’s natural wound-healing response. In just a few short treatments, microneedling can refresh your complexion with skin that is more youthful, supple and even in tone and texture. At South Shore Plastic Surgery in Voorhees, NJ, we offer microneedling as a personalized treatment to help you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses a device with rows of fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the surface of your skin. This process stimulates your body’s natural healing response, which can encourage new collagen and elastin production. You can choose microneedling to improve skin texture, soften the look of fine lines, or reduce the appearance of scars.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen— a pivotal protein that helps the skin maintain its structure and smooth texture. As the skin ages, its production of this protein, along with elastin, begins to naturally decrease over time, causing fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin to occur.

Microneedling procedures use tiny pinpricks to create a slight injury to the skin’s surface. Your skin responds to these microchannels by making new collagen-rich tissue that heals firmer and more even in tone and texture for a younger-looking and blemish-free complexion.

During your microneedling procedure, Dr. Vasisht may use a topical anesthetic to reduce any risk of discomfort. Very fine, short needles will be used to prick the skin on your designated treatment areas. These pricks are so small that they will not be noticeable after your treatment. The microneedling portion of the procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of your treatment areas.

Why Choose Microneedling?

As our bodies go through the natural aging process, our skin begins to experience degradation. Most noticeably, age affects the elasticity of our tissue structure as the proteins in our bodies, responsible for keeping skin taut, begin to lose production efficiency. Collagen is the most abundant of these proteins, and it is estimated that we lose 1% of its production every year after the age of 20.

But other factors are environmental, such as UV damage from the sun, free radical exposure and being exposed to other pollutants in the air. These factors can contribute to the decline of skin tightness, wrinkles and fine lines, but they can also cause uneven skin tone and texture.

Other causes of facial complexion concerns are simply genetic; acne, acne scars and even pore size are largely based on your genetics. And unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to change your genetic makeup.

But this is where microneedling comes in. For most facial complexion issues, microneedling is a powerful universal tool. It can be used to treat any of the aforementioned conditions — a unique feat in the aesthetic market. Very few other nonsurgical treatments can contend with its results.

What Concerns Can Microneedling Treat?

Microneedling is a versatile anti-aging and rejuvenating treatment that can be beneficial to all skin types, textures and colors. After a series of treatments, microneedling can significantly reduce the appearance of some of the most common skin concerns and blemishes, such as:

• Acne scars and active acne
• Age spots or sun spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Large pores
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Uneven skin tone and texture

In addition to facial skin concerns, microneedling can also be an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks on other areas of the body. While microneedling is an optimal solution for a wide range of skin types and concerns, patients who are pregnant or have skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema may not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

What Areas Can Microneedling Treat? 

Microneedling is versatile and can be used on several areas of the body where skin could benefit from a smoother texture and improved tone. The most common treatment zones are the face, including the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, and along the jawline. It can also be used on the neck and décolletage to soften visible lines and sun damage. Some patients choose microneedling for areas like the hands, arms, or even stretch marks on the body, since the treatment can help create a more even, refreshed appearance.

How Can I Prepare for Microneedling?

As a noninvasive procedure, there is no extensive preparation you need to do in order to be ready for your microneedling treatment. Usually, all we ask is that you avoid excessive sun exposure and sunburns since it can reduce the efficacy of your treatment and cause more discomfort than necessary. The same goes for chemical peels and other treatments.

What to Expect From Microneedling Treatments? 

During a microneedling session, we begin by cleansing your skin and applying a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable. We then use a handheld device with fine needles on one small section of your skin at a time. Once we have treated all of the skin in the desired area, we may apply soothing serums to nourish and protect the area. Common sensations during microneedling treatments are prickling, scratching, or the feeling of sandpaper on the skin. 

Microneedling Recovery and Results

As a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, recovery time after microneedling is minimal for most patients. Virtually zero downtime is required after your procedure, and you may return to your normal daily activities almost immediately if you feel comfortable enough to do so. Treated skin may appear irritated or red for the first few days following your treatment, but this will dissipate within a few days.

After your microneedling treatment, your skin will work relatively quickly to begin rejuvenating new tissue and collagen. Most patients will start to notice the results of their procedure within a couple of weeks, with skin appearing smoother, firmer, and more radiant. To maintain the results of your microneedling, a series of about four spaced-out treatments is recommended, but Dr. Vasisht will work with you to create a custom treatment plan based on your individual goals and concerns.

Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

If you are dealing with any of the conditions that microneedling can treat, then you are likely going to be a good candidate for this procedure. Microneedling works on any skin type or tone, and very few medical conditions will prevent this from being a viable treatment for you.

As always, the only way to know for sure if you are a candidate or not is to schedule a consultation with our office. In the event that microneedling is not a good fit, we will make sure to find an alternative treatment that will achieve your aesthetic goals.

Can Microneedling Be Combined With Other Treatments? 

Microneedling often pairs well with other skin rejuvenation treatments, especially those that complement its collagen-stimulating effects. Combining treatments can target multiple skin concerns at once and may give you a more comprehensive result. At South Shore Plastic Surgery in Voorhees, NJ, we may recommend pairing microneedling with one of the following options, depending on your skin needs and goals:

• Microdermabrasion: Gently exfoliates the surface of your skin to remove dull cells, helping your complexion look brighter and more even.
• Hydrafacial®: Delivers cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration in one session, leaving skin refreshed and nourished.
• Chemical Peels: Use safe solutions to shed damaged outer layers and reveal clearer, smoother skin beneath.

FAQs About Microneedling

How Many Microneedling Sessions Will I Need?

The number of microneedling sessions depends on your skin goals and the concerns you want to address. Some people see noticeable changes after a single visit, but a series of treatments often provides the most consistent improvements. When we treat concerns like uneven texture, sun damage, or microneedling for acne scars, we usually recommend several sessions spaced a few weeks apart to allow your skin time to heal and rebuild between treatments.

Is Microneedling Suitable for All Skin Types?

We can safely perform microneedling on almost all skin types because it does not rely on heat or harsh chemicals. You may notice that microneedling results vary depending on your skin’s natural ability to heal and how consistently you follow aftercare, but most people tolerate it very well.

How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?

Results can last several months, but the exact duration depends on factors like your age, skin condition, and how well you care for your skin after treatment. Many people choose maintenance sessions to prolong their improvements and keep their skin looking smooth and refreshed. Using professional skincare products and protecting your skin from sun exposure also helps extend your outcome.

Can I Wear Makeup After Microneedling?

We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup so your skin has time to recover. The tiny channels created during treatment need to close fully before you use products that could cause irritation. Allowing your skin to heal before resuming your routine gives you the best chance for clear, healthy-looking results from your microneedling services.

Improve Your Complexion in Voorhees, NJ

If you are ready to discover what microneedling can do for your skin, give South Shore Plastic Surgery a call today at 856-322-8100. You can also fill out this online form to book your initial consultation or have a member of our team reach out to you at a more convenient time.

We know you need a partner you can trust through this process, and we are happy to be the team you need to get you feeling confident about your skin.