In short: This post corrects three common microneedling myths: that at-home devices work as well as professional treatment, that the procedure is painful and unsafe, and that it leaves visible holes in the skin. Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness explains how professional needles, numbing cream, and microscopic healing set clinical microneedling apart.
Over the last few years, microneedling has become one of the most popular skincare treatments for its ability to enhance skin texture, reduce scars, and stimulate collagen production. However, you may have heard some facts about microneedling that are closer to myths. Microneedling is an easily misunderstood procedure, so here are three of the biggest misconceptions we see about it here at Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness.
Myth 1: Professional Microneedling and At-Home Microneedling Are the Same
It’s easy to see professional microneedling as a waste of time and money if you can do the same thing at home. However, this isn’t the case!
Many people make the mistake of believing that professional microneedling, performed by a licensed and trained aesthetic provider, is just as good as at-home microneedling. However, there are significant differences between these two things.
Professional microneedling, typically performed at a reputable medical spa, uses needles up to 2 mm long. Although this may seem small, these needles can reach deep into the skin to boost collagen. This method often includes radiofrequency energy, which generates gentle heat in the deeper layers of the skin and tightens the tissues. The longer needles and the addition of radiofrequency make professional microneedling a more intensive and effective treatment for severe skin issues like deep scars and wrinkles.
On the other hand, at-home microneedling devices generally have much shorter needles – only around 0.2 mm in length. These generally don’t reach far enough down to produce meaningful collagen production and can result in wasted money.
Myth 2: Microneedling Is Painful and Unsafe
It’s common for people to associate the word “needles” with pain. That alone may drive patients away, but it’s worth noting that microneedling is nothing like getting a tattoo. Professional microneedling, because of its longer needles, can be more uncomfortable, but you’ll be given a numbing cream before the procedure – as such, you won’t feel more than some slight pressure.
As for safety, when performed by a licensed professional, medical microneedling is exceedingly safe, with the most common side effect being temporary redness or minor irritation. Before your treatment, you’ll discuss your health history with our team to ensure microneedling will be safe and effective for you and your goals.
Myth 3: Microneedling Creates Holes in the Skin
This myth is technically true, but not in the way many people think. The goal of microneedling is to generate microscopic wounds in the skin to jumpstart collagen production. These wounds also allow better penetration of active skincare ingredients. So, while “holes” may be created in your skin, they’re invisible to the naked eye and rarely cause any bleeding. This is a testament to just how tiny the microneedles are! These “holes” heal within a few hours of treatment, and the only sign that you’ve had a procedure is some slight redness.
Microneedling in Tulsa, OK
Microneedling offers many benefits, and it’s important to learn more about what you can expect from our knowledgeable aesthetics team. To get started, contact our office today by calling or filling out our online form.
This article is general education from Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness and not a substitute for an evaluation by a licensed provider. Individual results vary. Treatments described are available only after a consultation.
