Microneedling is a treatment that has been gaining popularity in the past few years, but what exactly is it and why choose it over traditional skin care products?
Skin Care Products Can Be Disappointing
Have you ever wondered how much money you spend on skin care products? The Huffington Post reported an answer to this question in March 2017 when it printed the results of a study conducted by the retailer SkinStore. The retail giant surveyed 3,000 American women between the ages of 16 and 75.
What they discovered is that the average woman spends $2,300 annually or $8 per day on skin care products. Most of the women in this survey reported feeling disappointed with the results of store-bought products to improve the health and appearance of their skin. Unfortunately, their response is not unusual. American women everywhere are looking for higher quality skin care products and procedures that offer longer lasting results.
The Growing Popularity of Microneedling
Dissatisfaction with currently available skin care products has led to a huge uptick in the number of women seeking microneedling services. Microneedling is one of many skin care procedures offered by The Lett Center in Tennessee.
The process of microneedling involves using small, sterilized needles to create several openings on the area of skin you want treated. The small wounds cause your body to produce additional elastin and collagen to help your skin appear healthier and younger. Some patients and practitioners refer to microneedling Mt Juliet as collagen induction therapy. Some of the most common reasons patients request microneedling services at The Lett Center include:
- Acne
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Hyperpigmentation (dark patches or spots on the skin)
- Lack of skin elasticity
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Uneven skin tones
- Wrinkles and fine lines
Another reason that microneedling Mt Juliet is so popular is that it is much less expensive than laser skin care treatments. People appreciate the fact that microneedling does not involve heat transfer that can affect the pigmentation of their skin.
What to Expect with Your Professional Microneedling Procedure
When researching options for skin care Mt Juliet, you might run across do-it-yourself microneedling kits at the drugstore or online. You should know that using one of these kits is risky. Most people do not have a good way to sterilize needles at home and using unsterilized needles can cause a serious infection. You also run the risk of permanently damaging your skin.
Dr. Dewayne Lett or an assistant will provide you with numbing anesthesia at the start of each microneedling session. The anesthesia is in the form of a cream, and it allows you not to feel the prick of each tiny needle.
The next step involves moving a pen-shaped rolling tool with small needles attached across your face. You will experience slight bleeding when the needles make small cuts, which is perfectly normal. Your provider may spread serum or cream across your face at this point in the process.
Your body forms new elastic and collagen in response to the small cuts on your face. Collagen is especially useful for smoothing the skin and eliminating wrinkles. The entire microneedling procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Most patients require four to six sessions to see the maximum benefit. Although the face is the most common area of the body for microneedling, we are open to treating other areas as well.
Tips for After Your Microneedling Procedure
Yet another benefit of microneedling compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures is that you have no downtime afterwards. Many patients take the afternoon off work and then return the next day with no issues. However, it is important to have realistic expectations after an appointment and understand that healing takes time. Here are some things to watch for in the first several days after a microneedling session:
- Peeling and flaking skin
- Skin redness
- Minor discomfort in the treated area
- Minor bruising
Patients typically do not experience these issues beyond the first week, and non-prescription pain relievers are adequate for any discomfort. If these side effects persist, please do not hesitate to contact our office for further guidance.
Since microneedling makes your skin more sensitive to the sun for a while, it is important to wear sunscreen anytime you go outside. You can apply darker make-up if you feel self-conscious of skin redness or other minor problems until your body fully heals from the procedure.
People with Certain Risk Factors or Conditions Should Not Undergo Microneedling
We do not recommend this type of skin care Lebanon if you are pregnant. You should also avoid microneedling if you have any of the following issues:
- Eczema
- History of skin scars
- Open wounds on your skin
- Psoriasis
- Recent completion of radiation therapy
If you have one of these conditions and would still like some type of skin procedure, we are happy to recommend alternatives that would work better for your circumstances.
Cosmetic Procedure Payment Options
Health insurance does not cover any of the cost of microneedling because it is a cosmetic procedure. Here at The Lett Center, we understand that may raise some concerns about paying for your microneedling appointments. We are happy to let you know that we accept CareCredit and work directly with Prosper Financing to help patients pay their account balance over time.
CareCredit is a credit card specifically for out-of-pocket medical expenses, including cosmetic treatments. The company offers several options that allow you to repay the balance in six months, 12 months, or longer. Shorter programs offer zero percent interest while longer programs offer low interest financing and convenient repayment options.
If you choose to work with Prosper Financing, you can submit a loan application directly from our website. You will receive an instant decision for any loan amount less than $35,000. You also have the option to choose longer payment terms for a lower monthly interest rate.
Have Additional Questions? Take Advantage of Our Free 30-Minute Consultation
Maybe you are leaning towards scheduling a microneedling session but would feel more comfortable meeting with a staff member first. You are welcome to schedule a consultation up to 30 minutes at no charge. Should your consultation run longer, our charge is $30 for each additional 30 minutes. We can provide you with a detailed price quote and provide more information about financing options at your consultation as well.
Are you ready for younger-looking, more vibrant skin? Request a consultation today at our Mt Juliet or Lebanon skin care practice.