With some encouragement, your skin can practically heal itself.
With some encouragement, your skin can practically heal itself. Address texture and tone, fine wrinkles, surface scarring, and more with the incredible effectiveness of microneedling. Often seen in different forms, microneedling can be a simple, straightforward procedure that involves no surgery, no lasers, and no downtime. Skin repair and restoration are within reach with the versatility of microneedling. Read on to learn more about the many ways that microneedling can make positive changes in the look and feel of your skin.
Dr. Nissan Pilest and the whole team at Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA, are highly conscientious about ensuring that patients receive top-level, well-rounded care for their bodies and minds. They are ready to help guide you through your aesthetic options, from consultation to follow-up. At Total Dermatology, we strive to deliver the best microneedling Irvine has to offer.
Microneedling uses very tiny needles to create micro-channels, or micro-lesions, in the skin in a process sometimes referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy. This process stimulates the skin’s ability to heal itself naturally. It produces collagen and elastin, which trigger restorative changes in the skin cells to enhance the overall appearance of your skin. This repair process begins almost immediately and results in a thicker dermis and softened wrinkles or scars. The articles below provide even more detailed information on the revolutionary microneedling method.
Read this Wall Street Journal Article
Far from a fleeting, fad treatment, microneedling has been used for decades throughout Europe, eventually gaining popularity in the United States due to its effectiveness. Originally with blocked stamps and hand rollers, the technology has developed and grown into newer automated pens that refine the process making it faster, more consistent, and generally much more comfortable. In more recent years, the wonders of microneedling have spread beyond the niche aesthetic world to physicians and the general public. We’re continuing to discover that a micro-wound delivered without heat or other irritating effects can heal and restore the skin.
While microneedling and laser treatments both offer skin resurfacing options, there are some clear differences. Many laser treatments can be customized to produce specific results for specific skin types. However, if a technician is not adequately trained or a machine is too complex, this can ultimately be detrimental. Microneedling is straightforward with little variation. Microneedling also goes deeper, while laser treatments typically only work to correct issues on the skin's surface.
For optimal microneedling results and a comfortable procedure, we frequently use the SkinPen. The SkinPen is the most advanced microneedling tool on the market. SkinPen breaks up pigment mechanically instead of with light (light equals heat) and remodels the collagen via a heat-free approach. Removing heat from the equation makes for a safer, more comfortable treatment with a very low complication rate.
The SkinPen is considered an automated microneedling device which means it moves in a vertical direction when treating the skin.
This offers better precision than vertical rollers, and since it also uses no heat, it is an outstanding choice for safe, effective treatment. The benefits of the SkinPen include:
For those with more intense skin problems, we offer Intensif Microneedling, which includes the added component of radio frequency. Sometimes with harsher scars, cellulite, or the need for face lifting, a more intensive treatment option can be considered. For an in-depth look at Intensif, visit this page: Learn about Intensif.
Another amazing effect of microneedling is that it's an outstanding product absorption booster. The superficial micro-channels created by microneedling allow topical gels, creams, and serums to be absorbed more effectively into the skin. Certain types of treatment products can be selected to achieve accelerated and optimized results. We'll utilize various high-quality topical products depending on your needs. These might include:
PRP treatment, platelet-rich plasma, has a wide variety of applications and can also be used along with microneedling. Topical PRP therapy helps to advance the healing of your resurfacing treatment and boosts the clarity of the skin for a heightened improvement of skin texture and tone. Click here for more About PRP Therapy.
Another new option that's available to pair with microneedling is the use of regenerative exosomes. Exosomes are messenger particles that tell your body's cells what to do. They can increase collagen 6x more than microneedling alone, increase elastin by 300%, and help to thoroughly heal your skin. Exosomes are derived from stem cells and contain dynamic growth factors, coenzymes, peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This rich formula can be applied along with microneedling to repair and rejuvenate the skin deeply.
One of the great positives about microneedling is that it can be used on any skin type with any texture or pigmentation. It is also safe to use on nearly any area of the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, and arms. If you have an active skin infection or inflammatory skin condition, you will likely not be a good candidate. Anyone looking to address scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and other common skin concerns is likely a great candidate for microneedling. Microneedling can treat:
At your consultation, we will go into depth with you and get to know you and your aesthetic goals. A complete medical and aesthetic treatment history will be taken for our Irvine microneedling patients so we can determine if the treatment is right for you, along with any other added treatments. We will then craft a detailed and comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. There are a few things to do in preparation for microneedling, and we will give you a full list and instructions at your consultation. The basics involve avoiding sun exposure and coming to your appointment free of makeup and moisturizer. If you are prone to cold sores, we may prescribe a preventative medicine to take leading up to your treatment.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Our microneedling procedure is performed by Dr. Pilest and our trained registered nurses. At your appointment, your skin will be cleansed, and in some cases, a topical anesthetic will be applied. Since this is minimally invasive, there is no need for general anesthesia or a sedative. With the aid of the topical numbing cream, most patients find the procedure very easy to tolerate. A high-speed motor causes needle penetration to occur very quickly, so it will feel more like a sandpaper sensation than needles. Some of our patients describe it as similar to the feel of a cat's tongue. Scar treatments require longer needles that penetrate "nerve space" and, thus, may produce more sensation and deeper pressure. The length of the procedure depends on what area is treated and how large the area is. Small scars can take only 10-15 minutes, while larger, general resurfacing treatments can take 30 minutes or more.
You'll most likely look as if you have sunburn immediately following the treatment. Depending on treatment depth, this can last the rest of the day to several days or a week. You will be instructed to be gentle with your skin and refrain from acid-containing products for a week or longer if advised by Dr. Pilest or your nurse. What's excellent about microneedling is that there is no tissue destruction, so the tiny channels in the epidermis close very quickly, and the skin begins a healing response immediately. Depending on the depth of the skin issue, you may see only redness, or you may experience some pinpoint bleeding that stops almost immediately. Results with microneedling are gradual, meaning you will slowly see more and more improvement over time. Our Irvine microneedling patients will likely notice a difference within a few days, but as collagen rebuilds, the positive development will continue for weeks and months.
Dr. Pilest is a highly sought-after, Board Certified Dermatologist, who has been practicing in Orange County since 1979. Dr. Pilest wants to ensure that patients of any age, race, or background feel welcome, that their aesthetic preferences are acknowledged, and that they receive the top quality of care. With decades of experience in cosmetic treatments and patient care, Dr. Pilest and his staff at Total Dermatology are an outstanding choice to assist you with your aesthetic needs.:
We love our patients at Total Dermatology! Read what our satisfied patients have to say about their experiences with Dr. Pilest and our team.
*Individual Results May Vary
To learn more about which Microneedling methods might be right for you, please call our office or chat with us online to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you promptly.
Microneedling can be uncomfortable, but it is usually very well tolerated and not painful. The high-speed motor causes the needle penetration to occur very quickly, which means it will feel more like a sandpaper sensation than needles.
Microneedling side effects can include swelling, redness, and tenderness. More rare risks can include bleeding or hyperpigmentation, but with proper cleansing and a skilled technician, this is very uncommon.
Depending on your initial treatment plan, the results usually last about 12-18 months. After that, we typically recommend follow-up treatments yearly to maintain collagen regeneration.
Yes! We will customize a treatment plan to address each of your specific needs, and combining other methods with microneedling is a common practice.
The cost of microneedling varies depending on how many areas will be treated and how many treatments are needed. Microneedling for the face, neck, chest, or some combination can range from $899-$5400. Adding exosomes to microneedling or other procedures can range anywhere from $199 to $4900, depending on the specific combination. We can discuss all pricing in thorough detail during a consultation. Give us a call today to schedule!
Schedule your consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nissan Pilest at Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA, today by calling (949) 539-0801.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
