Google searches for “microneedling near West Fargo” have skyrocketed in the last few years—and it’s easy to see why. This powerful, skin-rejuvenating treatment has gained popularity for its ability to minimize fine lines, fade away acne scars, and leave you with a radiant, youthful glow.
But as microneedling surged in popularity, so did the amount of information available about it. With pages of search results, finding clear and reliable details about how this treatment works can feel overwhelming. Plus, not all sources have your skin’s best interest at heart!
At Total Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics, we understand the important role of expert advice from trusted professionals for your skin health. That’s why our team has assembled the ultimate guide to microneedling, covering everything from your initial consultation to your ultimate results.
Ready to learn more about how microneedling can transform your complexion? Let’s dive in!
Understanding Microneedling
Microneedling, a regenerative treatment, involves dozens of ultra-fine needles creating tiny channels in the skin. These channels—or controlled “micro-injuries”—trigger the skin’s natural healing response.
By stimulating the skin’s healing abilities, we can increase your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Both these proteins act as the building blocks of healthy skin, and by ramping up their production, you enjoy firmer, plumper, smoother skin.
Types of Microneedling
At Total Skin, we offer a few popular microneedling methods to match you with a treatment that aligns with your skin concerns and goals. Our microneedling options include:
- SkinPen Microneedling near West Fargo: This FDA-approved microneedling device comes equipped with single-use needle cartridges that ensure a safe and sterile treatment process. It effectively treats neck wrinkles, acne scarring, and other skin concerns.
- Microneedling with PRP: Microneedling coupled with PRP is a match made in heaven. By adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments to your microneedling sessions, we can infuse additional growth factors from your blood directly into your skin. This helps to improve and intensify your microneedling results.
- RF Microneedling: This treatment enhances your microneedling results by adding radiofrequency (RF) energy into the mix. The RF energy is able to penetrate further into the skin, and it intensifies the body’s natural healing response. Depending on the severity of your skin concern, a provider may recommend RF microneedling over traditional microneedling to enhance your results.
If you want to explore further skin care options at Total Skin, look at our guide on med spas near Horace for a closer look at our top treatments!
Benefits of Microneedling
All microneedling treatments work safely and effectively for various skin concerns. Some of the key benefits of microneedling include reducing scarring, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture.
Reducing Scarring
From the remnants of acne to surgical scarring, microneedling near West Fargo can effectively reduce the appearance of scarring. This treatment targets both rolling and boxcar scars for most skin tones and types.
If you’re interested in scar treatments at Total Skin, particularly acne scar treatments, we’ve got you covered. Check out our myth-debunking guide on acne scar treatment in Fargo for more information.
Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles come with time as part of the natural aging process, but they can sometimes make us feel older than we truly are. Microneedling helps reduce these signs of aging by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
By enhancing the production of these proteins, the treatment smooths fine lines and wrinkles and helps the mirror reflect the energy we feel inside.
Reducing Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
By triggering the skin’s natural healing process, microneedling can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. This improves your overall skin texture once the healing process finishes.
Microneedling also improves skin tone, especially in the weeks after treatment, as collagen and elastin production increase. This allows you to enjoy a brighter, more radiant complexion.
From Consultation to Results: The Microneedling Process
Microneedling near West Fargo is a simple yet effective treatment. It’s important to know what you can expect from start to finish to make the experience even better. In this section, we walk you through each step of the microneedling process, so you can feel confident and prepared when you step through the front doors for your first treatment!
The Consultation
You always start your microneedling journey with a one-on-one consultation with an expert provider on our team. This consultation helps us get to know you, your skin, and your concerns better.
We understand that there’s no universal solution to skin care, and you deserve a personalized approach. This consultation allows us to craft a treatment plan based on your unique needs and skin type, while recommending treatments that align with your personal skin concerns.
Let your provider know if you have used Accutane within the last 6 months, as recent use can cause healing complications. Along with this, mention any keloid scarring you may have. This will help your provider better curate the treatment plan for your needs.
Also mention if you have a history of cold sores. We may recommend medication to help prevent breakouts leading up to your appointment! If you are pregnant, mention this to your provider as well!
Pre-Appointment Tips
We ask you to take a few steps before your microneedling appointment, so you can experience the best results. Our team recommends:
- Avoid excess sun exposure (or tanning): For at least a day leading up to your appointment, try to avoid tanning and use proper SPF protection anytime you go outside. Harmful UV rays irritate your skin and negatively affect your microneedling treatment.
- Avoid using retinol skincare products: For at least a day before your treatment, discontinue any use of products containing retinol. Retinol can cause additional irritation in the skin, leading to increased risk of redness, peeling, and discomfort after your microneedling treatment.
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin: On the day of your appointment for microneedling near West Fargo, show up to Total Skin with cleansed, makeup-free skin. Also, avoid applying lotions and deodorants in the treatment area.
The Microneedling Treatment
Depending on your treatment area, the microneedling process can take up to 75 minutes.
When you arrive, a member of our team guides you to our private and relaxing treatment room. Depending on your treatment area, you may lie face down or face up.
Next, your provider cleanses and prepares your treatment area, making your skin as clean as possible. Once you are properly cleansed, we begin the microneedling treatment.
Your provider gently passes the pen-like applicator over the treatment area, creating micro-injuries. The depth of these micro-injuries depends on the specific skin concern you choose to treat.
After the microneedling process ends, your provider applies a soothing serum to the treatment area to help cool the skin and promote further healing. From there, we will provide detailed after-care steps, and you can return home.
Post-Treatment Tips
The downtime for microneedling varies depending on your individual skin type and sensitivity. Most of our patients experience some redness, swelling, or sensitivity for around 24 hours after their microneedling session. This fades away on its own.
Just like before your appointment, we recommend you take several steps after your microneedling sessions to promote healing. These steps include:
- Avoid washing the treatment area: For at least 12 hours after your appointment (or until the following morning), we recommend you refrain from washing the treated skin. This helps reduce irritation and risk of infection.
- Avoid excess sun exposure and intense exercise: For at least 3 days after your microneedling appointment, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities that may cause excess sweating, since this can irritate your healing skin. Along with that, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear an SPF 30 or greater sunscreen anytime you go outside. You should not wear sunscreen for at least 24 hours post treatment.
- Avoid hard cleanser and exfoliants: Until the sensitivity in your skin has resolved itself, avoid using cleaning brushes and facial washes with exfoliants in them. Also avoid cleansers that contain retinol, Retin-A, or AHAs/BHAs. These can all create extra irritation in your treated skin.
Many of our patients can return to their normal daily routines shortly after treatment, since microneedling near West Fargo has minimal downtime. This makes it a convenient option compared to more invasive procedures that offer similar results.
The Microneedling Results
You may see improved skin texture and tone immediately after the treatment. Many of our patients notice slight improvements within a few days of their initial treatment.
Results will appear over a few weeks as your body’s collagen production increases. Your skin may continue to improve in the weeks and months after treatment as your skin creates more new and healthy cells.
Depending on the severity of your skin concerns, we may recommend a series of treatments to help you reach your goals. Most patients benefit from a treatment schedule of 3 to 6 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
Discover the Benefits of Microneedling
Near West Fargo, glowing skin is just a microneedling session away! At Total Skin, we commit to supporting our patients every step of the way, from the first consultation to your final glow. We want you to feel confident and cared for throughout your journey!
Ready to see the results yourself? Request an appointment and let us help you achieve the radiant skin you deserve!
