Microneedling

Name: Microneedling
Brand: Zenn Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.9 (154 reviews)

Harness your body’s own healing powers to revitalize your skin under the expert care of Tara Cypher, RN, MSN, CANS.

Tara Cypher wit her hand on a chair smiling

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is an FDA-approved skin-enhancing treatment modeled on the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Whenever skin encounters physical injury such as cuts, burns, and other abrasions, a reparative process is triggered that promotes the generation of new collagen and skin tissue. Microneedling helps to reduce fine lines, expression lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, as well as acne scars. The goal is to rejuvenate the skin and improve its texture and tone.

What Happens During A Microneedling Session?

During your microneedling in Raleigh, Tara uses an electronic fractional device. This microneedling device moves across the skin and makes tiny pinpoint punctures to create very minor micro-“injuries.” In response to the perceived “injury,” the human body then releases a cascade of growth factors. This repair process ultimately triggers new collagen synthesis.

What Are The Benefits Of Microneedling?

Microneedling has two major benefits: first, it effectively stimulates collagen formation, and second, it provides a clear channel for topical serums to be absorbed through the surface of the skin. By persistently triggering this healing process with a series of microneedling treatments, the body keeps repairing the skin incrementally.

Over time, the benefits are similar to those of fractional laser treatments or chemical peels, but without side effects and extended downtime. Patients achieve smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin. Once the desired result has been achieved, it is important to maintain collagen stimulation by returning for quarterly maintenance treatments.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

Since every patient has different needs, treatment timelines vary. Tara Cypher, RN, MSN, CANS, creates a tailored beauty plan for each patient that includes a suggested amount of sessions. Broadly speaking, for the best results in acne scars, pore size, and anti-aging, we recommend 3-6 sessions, each about 4 weeks apart. In the case of surgical scars and stretch marks on the body, we recommend usually 8-10 sessions each 5-6 weeks apart.

What Areas Of The Body Can I Treat?

While most commonly used on the face, microneedling can also restore and regenerate the skin on the neck, chest, and hands. microneedling is safe for all colors of skin and all types of skin.

What Does The Microneedling Procedure Entail?

We perform microneedling in Brier Creek in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile, disposable tip that allows effective treatment to hard-to-reach places (e.g. around the eyes, nose, and lips). Prior to the procedure, technicians may apply topical anesthetic cream for patient comfort. The basic microneedling treatment includes the application of healing gels and serums during the procedure.

What Will I Look Like After The Procedure?

Immediately following the procedure the skin will feel tight, dry, swollen, and sensitive to the touch. It’ll also look and feel sunburned. The sensitivity and redness will diminish significantly within 24 hours. Other common short-term side effects include itching, discomfort, pinpoint bleeding or bruising, scabbing, and darkening of the treated area. Additionally, the skin may look and feel like sandpaper; these effects generally last 2-7 days as the old skin sheds and new tissue replaces it.

Expert Care For Your Skin Rejuvenation

At Zenn Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina, our head of non-surgical procedures, Tara Cypher RN, MSN, CANS, has over twenty years of experience in facial rejuvenation and countless happy patients. Much of her success stems from her consistently excellent results and down-to-earth personality. To schedule a consultation with Tara to discuss microneedling in Raleigh, contact our office today.

Is Microneedling Painful?

The sensation of microneedling is typically only mildly uncomfortable (described as a stinging sensation), particularly in areas of bony prominence and where the skin is thinner such as the neck and around the eyes. At Zenn Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina, we are happy to use a topical anesthetic for those patients who request it.

What Are The Risks?

Adverse reactions to microneedling are extremely rare. Possible temporary side effects include but are not limited to infection, scarring, herpes simplex outbreak (cold sores), hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). Darkening or lightening of the skin usually fades within 6 months, but in rare cases, could be permanent.

This reaction is more common in patients who are tan or who have darker skin tones. Because of this, microneedling recipients should be wary of exposing areas of treatment to the sun. The best way to minimize this risk is to avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks before and after treatment. Additionally, adhering to pre and post-treatment instructions is a must.

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How Is The Treatment With PRP Different?

During a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial, microneedling is administered. During this procedure, we extract and utilize the patient’s own blood-derived growth factors and PRP. On average, the entire procedure lasts about 30-45 minutes. Each patient is unique, which means the specific treatment modality and the anatomical site of treatment will vary. New healthy skin appears about 4 weeks after treatment and continues to generate collagen for up to 4-6 months.

What Are The Risks For PRP?

As PRP involves using a person’s own platelets, they do not usually experience any adverse reactions to the injections. However, it is possible that a person may have irritation, pain, or bleeding related to the injection site. Advanced aesthetic nurse Tara Cypher, RN, MSN, CANS, carefully examines a patient’s skin and medical history, taking a conservative approach to treatment to ensure a smooth and safe process.