Microneedling
As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less of the proteins that are responsible for what we consider healthy, youthful skin. This decrease in collagen, which gives skin its structure, and elastin, which allows skin to return to its original shape after stretching, contributes to textured skin, scarring and loose skin.
At MU Health Care, our doctors and nurses have received special training in caring for the skin and offer treatments to help you make positive changes to how you look and feel. One of these treatment options is microneedling.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes called skin remodeling or dermal remodeling, is a procedure which uses a small hand-held device to create thousands of tiny holes in the upper layer of your skin with sterilized needles. Used in a defined area to treat specific skin conditions, microneedling is safe, nonsurgical and can result in firmer, more elastic skin.
It works because the tiny holes created in your skin kicks on the body's natural wound-healing process. This process includes the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn can improve the skin's appearance.
Microneedling is used to treat:
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Stretch marks
- Surgical scars
- Wrinkles
It is most commonly used on the face, neck and upper chest, but microneedling can be used anywhere on the body to treat scars and hyperpigmentation.
Our nurses and aestheticians use topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort. Redness and swelling usually go down within 48 hours.
Microneedling and platelet-rich plasma
For patients who are interested in receiving additional benefit from their microneedling procedures, MU Health Care also offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling. PRP is created by isolating a specific kind of plasma in your blood using a centrifuge and has a very low risk of side effects or complications because it uses your body's own blood.
PRP has been used for decades in sports medicine and is known to stimulate cell production, regeneration and healing. Your plasma is spread on the areas you want to treat and pushed below the surface by microneedling. PRP microneedling is an additional cost, but it can boost your skin's recovery process and production of collagen and elastin.
Am I a candidate for microneedling?
As a noninvasive outpatient procedure, microneedling is generally a safe procedure with low risk of side effects. All MU Health Care aesthetic services come with a complimentary skin evaluation as part of your medical history which helps us offer you personalized recommendations.
Our nurses and aestheticians are trained to put safety first, which means we won't recommend a procedure if it's unsafe. The most common restrictions on microneedling are for women who are pregnant or nursing, and for people with blood disorders. Other rules are based on medications you may take such as retinoids, and any other recent cosmetic procedures.
When you schedule your appointment with us, your nurse or aesthetician will make sure to go over these restrictions and answer any questions you have.
Why choose MU Health Care?
At MU Health Care, the aesthetic and cosmetic services we provide are comprehensive and coordinated to your individual needs. And because our services are seamlessly integrated into our academic health system, our drive to improve current treatments and discover new ones means you have access to the most advanced cosmetic procedures to help you feel your best.