Nothing Frightening About Microneedling – A Guide

In the month of ghouls and goblins, some of us are wrestling with different fears so that we can look our best throughout the holiday season. Trypanophobia—or the fear of medical procedures involving needles—can hold us back from some of the latest skin rejuvenation treatments on the market today. Even without a diagnosable fear of needles, a simple mention of them can have us running for the hills.  

But some hot treatment options, like microneedling and RF microneedling, have “needles” right there in the name. What are these treatments, and is there anything at all to be afraid of?

At ALo Medical in Eustis, FL, we deploy leading-edge technology in the correction of numerous skin conditions so that you can look and feel your best throughout the holiday season. Here’s everything you need to know about microneedling so that you can combat your fears and make the most of these emerging treatment options.

Is microneedling painful?

Let’s get one thing straight from the start: microneedling is seldom described as “painful” by the patients who know and love it. After all, that word “micro” isn’t just for show. These needles are extremely fine and short—unlike the syringe needles some people fear the most.

Microneedles are .5 mm in length (on average). There are 25.4 mm in every inch. That means you would have to stack 51 microneedles from end to end before they grew to even an inch long. If you’re still uncomfortable at the thought of needles, a number of topical anesthetics and numbing gels can be applied to make the procedure even more comfortable.

At the end of the day, microneedles can afford to be so short because penetration is not the point. But if microneedles aren’t injecting anything, what are they doing?

How does microneedling work? 

Microneedling and RF microneedling are both forms of collagen induction—a kind of treatment that inspires your body to produce more of what your skin needs. Collagen is a kind of structural protein that your body manufactures on its own. But as we age, the body slows its collagen factories. Like you, your body doesn’t always want to work long hours, making and directing collagen to areas where you need it most. This is where microneedling comes in.

By creating microchannels in the skin, microneedling inspires a localized uptick in collagen production. Collagen then gets to work by repairing new and old scars (even acne scars), tightening skin, repairing damaged cells (age spots, sun damage), and supporting hydration. 

Ultimately, microneedling provides smoother skin, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and near-total skin rejuvenation—all in a 30-minute treatment window.

What’s the difference between microneedling & RF microneedling?

Microneedling relies on microneedles alone to supercharge your skin. RF (radiofrequency) microneedling takes the process one step further by introducing energy into your lower skin layers for even greater collagen production.

On its own, radiofrequency energy would have a tough time making it through your skin effectively. At a micro level, your skin is thicker than it appears. You have three distinct skin layers: the outer layer (epidermis), the middle layer (dermis), and the lower layer (hypodermis). 

The RF microneedling procedure begins by creating those same microchannels we talked about earlier. Then, RF energy is sent down through these channels so that it can reach your hypodermis (lowest skin layer). Once here, that RF energy turns into heat, which causes further collagen production for even greater results.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Simply put, microneedling treatments wouldn’t be as popular as they are today without the comprehensive results they provide. Because collagen can repair a number of unwanted skin conditions, microneedling treatments offer dozens of benefits, including:

• Reduces wrinkles
• Reduces fine lines
• Tightens loose skin
• Repairs new & old acne scars
• Reduces stretch marks
• Corrects uneven texture
• Reduces/eliminates some common blemishes

Better still, microneedling results can last upwards of six months, while RF microneedling results can last a whole year. That’s 365 days of boosted collagen production, not only improving your skin, but keeping it that way too.

Who’s Afraid of Microneedling?

At ALo Medical, we’re scientists and cosmetic professionals first and foremost. While we understand your concerns, we wouldn’t offer a procedure that frightened or harmed patients more than it helped. 

Microneedling—or any mention of needles—can put some of us on edge. But for a stark majority of patients, these procedures are entirely comfortable and beneficial to a point that some even fall asleep during the treatment.

To learn more about microneedling or RF microneedling, text us at (352) 290-6200. You can also call us at (352) 306-2838 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have. At ALo Medical in Eustis, FL, science meets art and art meets science!

Don’t let the word “needles” keep you from tighter, younger-looking skin!

Microneedling & RF microneedling have taken the cosmetic world by storm. Among collagen induction therapies, these treatments are leading the way in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques. To put on your best face before meeting friends and family throughout the holiday season, schedule your appointment at ALo Medical today. To learn more about our treatment options or to schedule your appointment, contact us!