Microneedling in Seattle

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, may be the hottest new skin care trend today. Hailed by some as the next big thing in anti-aging, this minimally-invasive treatment is an effective way to stimulate the body’s natural healing process to help ward off and even reverse the signs of aging.

Although microneedling home devices are available, this treatment should be performed by a medical professional to maximize results and reduce the risk of infection and scarring. At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, we offer microneedling treatments along with a full suite of non-surgical cosmetic procedures for the face and skin.

In a microneedling procedure, a medical device covered with fine, shallow needles is used to make hundreds of tiny, invisible punctures in the surface of the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s wound healing response, increasing cell turnover and production of collagen and elastin – to keep the skin resilient, soft, and youthful.

Collagen is the protein present in all our organs and tissues that provides integrity, elasticity, and firmness and helps keep the skin supple. Increased collagen production resulting from microneedling treatments can help fill in fine lines, plump the skin, and create a more youthful appearance.

Acne Scars

For patients with acne scars, research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown that microneedling therapy can produce a remarkable improvement in the visibility of scarring. As longer needles may be used to achieve maximum results for severe acne scars, treatment should be performed by a skilled medical professional.

Dr. Sajan - Patient

Scars After Surgery

Surgical scars fade with time, but for some people, they remain visible, darker in color, sunken or raised. If you are unhappy with the appearance of surgical scars, Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery also offers advanced scar removal treatments. For surgical scar removal that produces visible improvement in the appearance of surgical scars, Dr. Sajan performs microneedling treatments to restore healthier skin over the incision sites, improving the tone and texture of scarred skin. This treatment is available to speed healing or reduce the appearance of existing scars.

How does it work, and how many treatments are needed?

Professional grade microneedling devices can use needles as long as 3 mm for maximum effectiveness in treating deep scars below the surface of the skin. Researchers in a study published in Dermatologic Surgery compared fractional laser treatments to microneedling for effectiveness in resolving scars. Both treatments were found to be effective and comparable, although microneedling has fewer side effects, and less downtime.

The number of treatments you will need can vary, but generally a series of six microneedling scar treatments, scheduled four weeks apart is often needed to produce optimal results.

Microneedling is a virtually painless procedure, performed in sessions typically lasting less than 60 minutes. An anesthetic cream will be applied to your skin so you are comfortable during treatment. A layer of water may also be applied for lubrication so the microneedling device will glide more smoothly. The device is then rolled over your skin to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin surface.

Your skin may appear somewhat red after treatment, appearing and feeling like a mild sunburn. The appearance of the skin will return to normal within a few days, and results become visible gradually. The natural growth of collagen stimulated by the treatment continues in the weeks and months following your microneedling sessions.

It takes more than one treatment to achieve optimal results with microneedling. Depending on the areas treated and your cosmetic goals, you may need 3 to 6 microneedling sessions to arrive at the maximum results. If you are treating deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, stretchmarks, or scarring, you may require 6 sessions or more. Treatments are generally spaced 3 weeks to a month apart for greater safety.

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, we understand that not everyone is ready to undergo surgery to achieve their cosmetic goals. We offer our patients a variety of non-surgical options for the face and skin, including microneedling treatments.

Our practice was founded by Dr. Javad Sajan, a leading Seattle plastic surgeon who has more than a thousand satisfied patients. We perform advanced treatments with a high level of care in a discreet, comfortable, and friendly environment. Our dedicated team is fully committed to helping you achieve your individual cosmetic goals.

Sources:

• NIH: Microneedling Therapy in Atrophic Facial Scars: An Objective Assessment
• Dermatologic Surgery: Comparison of Non-Ablative Fractional Erbium Laser 1,340 nm and Microneedling for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma, which is a potent source of your body's natural healing agents. PRP is taken from a small sample of your blood which is separated out with a centrifuge into the various cell types found in your blood. The platelets help your body to heal as they contain growth factors which assist the body with its various healing functions. When PRP is combined with microneedling, the PRP aids in the healing process that is stimulated by the micro-damage caused by the tiny needles. This also allows the PRP to access the deeper layers of your skin for superior results.

Benefits of PRP

As the PRP accesses the deeper dermal layers of your face, healing is enhanced from within. The treatment triggers the regenerative processes of your body for very natural-looking result. Your skin will become firmer, smoother, and healthier sooner, stimulated by the healing boost delivered the PRP. Other added benefits include:

• Smoother looking skin
• More even skin tone
• Enhanced reduction of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun spots
• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

PRP boosts the healing processes of your body in the areas where it is applied. When used in combination with microneedling, the PRP stimulates your skin to heal, restore, and rejuvenate with the application of the growth factors to enhance the benefits of a microneedling treatment.

Risks or side effects?

The risks are minimal as PRP is taken from your own body, so there is no chance of an adverse reaction to being exposed to your own cells. There is a minor potential for infection or bruising from the microneedling treatment itself, as well as some redness or inflammation, but these side effects are minor. Any of the side effects such as bruising, or minor redness typically disappear within the first couple of days. Redness or inflammation can be alleviated by treating your face gently, avoiding any exfoliation treatments, and staying out of direct sunlight after treatment, along with applying soothing creams or serums recommended by our team at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery.

Microneedling treatments that can be performed at home involve the use of microneedling devices that have significantly shorter needles. These shorter micro-needles ensure higher safety for the untrained user, but also limit the effectiveness of the treatment.

Professional microneedling performed at our luxury Seattle clinic guarantees the highest efficacy and safety with treatment, with the added benefit of PRP for enhanced results. This means that you'll experience tighter, firmer skin, and greater satisfaction from your microneedling treatment. Having professional application guarantees even and thorough treatment and a procedure performed with the most stringent patient health and safety protocols.

Our team at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle is here to help you look and feel your best. Call or book online for a consultation find out more about undergoing this groundbreaking skin renewal treatment – our patients have been astounded with the overall improvement in skin quality.