A skincare regimen formulated for your specific skin type combined with a healthy lifestyle can improve facial imperfections and slow the superficial signs of aging, but there are limits to what these at-home treatments can achieve. Medical microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that picks up where self-care leaves off. By addressing the underlying causes of aging, acne scarring and other skin concerns, microneedling provides deeper, more effective results by encouraging the skin to repair itself naturally.
Microneedling has gained significant traction in recent years thanks to its popularity with celebrities and social media influencers. As its name suggests, the treatment involves the use of fine, short (‘micro’) needles to create small and evenly-spaced punctures in the skin. This process triggers the body’s innate wound healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production for a fresher and more youthful appearance. Microneedling can be used on the face or body to improve fine lines and wrinkles, reduce scarring, even out skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of pores, reverse sun damage or improve mild to moderate skin laxity.
Microneedling is an attractive option for patients who wish to rejuvenate their skin but do not want to undergo surgery or an ablative laser procedure. Desert Aesthetic and Vein Centre offers an advanced form of this state-of-the-art technique called INFINI radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. Like any cosmetic treatment, there are multiple factors to consider before deciding whether RF microneedling or traditional microneedling is the best choice for you.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is typically performed with a dermaroller or a pen-like device. Before your treatment, a topical anesthetic is often applied to decrease the potential for discomfort. During the procedure, your practitioner will pass the tool evenly over the treatment area to create controlled injuries in the skin. These pinpricks are so small you may not notice them after your session. Minor redness and irritation are common in the first few days after the procedure, but you may return to regular activities immediately.
Microneedling is considered safe for most people who are in good health, regardless of age or skin tone. An ideal candidate for microneedling typically has skin concerns that have not responded to home remedies or cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels. The procedure is not recommended for people who use particular acne medications, people who have certain skin conditions and women who are pregnant.
After microneedling, the skin works quickly to renew tissue in the treated area. Noticeable results are usually visible within a couple of weeks. You may notice a more dewy, glowing complexion and a youthful plumpness to your skin. For the best possible outcome, several sessions spaced evenly apart are recommended. Long-term results can include the reduced appearance of scars or wrinkles, softened stretch marks, reduced sun damage and discoloration, smoother and tighter skin, fewer visible pores, and better penetration of topical skin care products. Microneedling can also be combined with other restorative facial procedures to help achieve your overall aesthetic goals.
What Is INFINI?
Like traditional microneedling, INFINI radiofrequency microneedling technology uses minuscule, medical-grade needles to create controlled injuries to the skin and stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. Topical anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort. After treatment, there is no downtime. Common side effects include skin redness and irritation that last two to three days. Final results are typically visible in about three months, as multiple sessions are recommended to maximize results.
The key difference between INFINI RF microneedling and standard microneedling is that INFINI uses radiofrequency energy emitted from the needles to warm the deeper layers of your skin during the procedure. This highly controlled application of heat energy prompts the skin to produce more collagen and elastin while also providing the benefits of traditional microneedling. INFINI’s insulated needles ensure that the outer layer of your skin is minimally affected so you can heal faster.
Because of its dual approach to treatment, INFINI RF microneedling can provide the most significant amount of improvement with the least amount of downtime. Results typically include collagen formation, tissue tightening, improvement of skin texture, revolumization and improvement of scars or stretch marks. INFINI is safe for all skin tones and types, and may be combined with other aesthetic treatments to complement or enhance your results.
INFINI vs. Microneedling: The Deciding Factors
With so much in common, how do you choose which form of microneedling is right for you? The primary factors to consider are the depth of the punctures, the cost, the downtime and the effectiveness of each option.
Dermarollers are available for at-home microneedling treatments. They are inexpensive and widely available, should be relatively painless, and can increase the penetration of your topical skin care products. However, they are not as effective as professional microneedling, and improper cleaning or application can increase the risk of infection or scarring.
Microneedling at a medical facility is more expensive, but the tradeoff may be worth it. Professional microneedling devices use larger needles that penetrate deeper into the skin for more dramatic and longer lasting results. There is no downtime, though you may notice more redness or swelling from professional microneedling than from at-home microneedling.
RF microneedling is the most powerful form of microneedling currently available. INFINI provides the benefits of traditional microneedling while simultaneously amplifying those results through the application of heat energy into deeper layers of the skin. Side effects like redness and swelling are mild, but will likely take several days to resolve. RF microneedling is typically a pricier but more effective procedure overall.
The best way to decide which microneedling method is right for you is to visit a practitioner who specializes in these procedures.
With decades of experience as a physician and surgeon, board-certified Dr. Ted Fisher is ready to offer you the aesthetic and vein treatments you need with the most modern technology available, unparalleled expertise, and client centered service and care that you will not find at any other practice anywhere! To further show his commitment to excellence in the field, Dr. Fisher is now a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
