By Melissa Brady

Microneedling is a fan favorite at Skin Synthesis in Seattle, and for a good reason. Over the past decade, microneedling has gained loads of popularity due to the noticeable improvement in skin rejuvenation, and limited healing time.

During a microneedling treatment, the device gently glides across the surface of the skin and uses stainless-steel needles to create micro-injuries. This stimulates the skin’s natural wound healing response, triggering the creation of collagen and elastin. This process is important because beginning around 25, the human body’s collagen and elastin begin to decline in volume every year. Collagen is what gives skin structural support and firmness, while elastin gives skin its resilience and ability to “bounce”. When these fibrous proteins begin to deplete, skin naturally begins to present with more fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Over the course of 6 to 9 months, one treatment of microneedling can stimulate collagen and elastin by up to 400%. Truly making it the gift that keeps on giving.

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that targets a variety of popular skin concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Pore size
• Texture
• Tone

Many patients notice a brighter, smoother, and more radiant complexion after just a single treatment. However, a series of three treatments is highly recommended for targeting common skin concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, pores, texture, and tone. For optimal results, it is recommended to space these treatments 4-6 weeks apart. Once the treatment series is complete, patients typically transition to quarterly treatments for maintenance.

Skin Synthesis proudly offers multiple enhancements to boost microneedling results:

• Microneedling with Exosomes - An exosome serum is applied topically 24 hours post treatment. Exosomes are derived from human platelets and act like text messages to senescent cells (aka “zombie cells”). The exosomes send messages to these senescent cells that signal them to regenerate. This aids in wound healing, decreases inflammation, increases collagen and elastin, tightens pores, brightens pigment, and increases hydration. A bottle of our Plated CALM exosomes typically lasts patients 4-6 weeks for continued benefits.
• PDGF Microneedling - PDGF (platelet derived growth factors) are applied topically on the skin during the microneedling session. PDGF has 300,000-400,000 more growth factors than our body’s own platelet rich plasma (PRP). Using a syringe of PDGF stimulates collagen type 1 by 250% and hyaluronic acid by 800%. The growth factors assist in regenerating skin and wound healing, and the additional hyaluronic acid delivers the PDGF deep into the skin to help stimulate collagen and elastin.

Our favorite treatment is using both PDGF and exosomes. We consistently hear from patients that treatments with PDGF and exosomes caused their skin to heal 50% faster and appear brighter, smoother, and plumper post recovery. Utilizing both PDGF and exosomes for a microneedling treatment is an absolute game changer for patients.

Between microneedling appointments, we also recommend receiving a Deluxe Diamond Glow facial with dermaplaning. During the healing journey, the skin can feel very dehydrated. Receiving a Diamond Glow facial 1-2 weeks post microneedling is the perfect way to exfoliate the dead cells and rehydrate the skin barrier with brightening and soothing serums. Dermaplaning further helps the penetration of ingredients into the skin and reveals a brighter and smoother complexion. Additionally, the combination of this treatment further enhances your microneedling and medical grade skincare results.

FAQ
What does microneedling do?
Microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing process by creating micro-injuries in the skin. This begins the stimulation of collagen and elastin.

What are the results from microneedling?
Microneedling targets and improves concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, texture, tone, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and acne scarring.

Do I need more than one/multiple microneedling treatments?
A series of three treatments of microneedling is recommended to aggressively target skin concerns for optimal results. Typically, patients see an improvement in texture and tone after their first treatment, and stronger results after a full series.

Can I do my own microneedling at home?
At-home microneedling has become much more popular on Instagram and Tik Tok. Unfortunately, most over the counter devices are not FDA approved and lack proper needle depth. Skin Synthesis uses medical grade disinfectants to prep the skin before microneedling treatments. At home, these disinfectants are often not used, which increases the risk of infection, irritation, and complications.

When will I see results from microneedling?
After 7-14 days, you will begin to see an improvement in texture, brightening of the skin, and overall radiance. Collagen and elastin will continue to be produced for approximately 6-9 months after the first treatment. Microneedling is the gift that keeps on giving.

How long does it take to heal from microneedling?
The healing journey varies for everyone. Most patients experience 1-3 days of pink and dry skin. After 1 week, the skin begins to look normal. However, the skin is still healing internally for the next 2-4 weeks.

Does microneedling hurt?
The skin is numbed prior to microneedling, and the majority of our patients say the treatment is easier than they expected. The sensation can feel scratchy with mild pressure. For additional comfort, Skin Synthesis offers the option to use pronox (laughing gas) throughout the microneedling service.

Is microneedling safe?
SkinPen Microneedling is FDA approved with over 90 clinical studies. The skin is sterilized before each treatment, and strict safety protocols are followed throughout. The device has a single-use, sterile needle cartridge to eliminate cross-contamination. SkinPen Microneedling meets the highest safety and regulatory standards. Microneedling is very safe.

How much does microneedling cost?
Skin Synthesis proudly offers a variety of different microneedling treatments with multiple price points. Your provider will happily walk you through all pricing and treatment options. The majority of our patients opt for a microneedling series of three treatments and enjoy 10% off.