Microneedling

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Microneedling Dr. Patricia Guevara-Channell

Microneedling is a versatile and effective skin treatment. This process creates numerous micropunctures in the treated area, creating a controlled injury that the body responds to by releasing regenerative properties and allowing the production of healthy new skin cells and collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin. (1) The channels created by the tiny, medical-grade needles also allow better penetration of serums and other topical treatments. Microneedling results in tighter skin, fewer fine lines, less visible acne scars, and improved aesthetics on nearly any area of the body. At Channell Wellness and Aesthetics, Dr. Patricia Guevara-Channell performs microneedling as part of comprehensive treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs. If you are interested in learning more, contact our Rancho Cucamonga office today at (909) 483-1236. We are also available via our online contact form.

About Microneedling

Microneedling takes advantage of the human body’s natural regenerative properties and physiology for wound healing.(2\ The procedure uses a specialized device that is placed against the skin to create tiny pinpoint punctures, “tricking” the body into believing that an injury has occurred, so that it initiates the healing process. Even though microneedling doesn’t damage the skin, the body quickly releases several different important growth factors in response. (1)

This causes the production of new cells, and important proteins like collagen, which is what keeps our skin firm and smooth.

Microneedling is also referred to as collagen induction therapy. About 4 to 6 microneedling sessions are recommended to experience optimal results. In fact, one study found that skin treated with four microneedling sessions one month apart showed a 400% increase in collagen and elastin deposits after six months. (1) Collagen and elastin are proteins that the body produces naturally, but in decreasing amounts with age.

Microneedling can improve the appearance of:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Crepey skin

Additionally, microneedling works on darker skin tones, which may experience hyperpigmentation from other skin rejuvenation procedures. (2) This procedure is considered a safe, effective, relatively inexpensive alternative to other skin rejuvenation treatments, and is generally well-tolerated by patients.

Microneedling with Skin Pen

Because microneedling penetrates the skin, it’s important that this treatment is performed by a trained professional in a medical office. There are several different microneedling devices on the market. Dr. Guevara uses SkinPen, which is only available to medical professionals, and has been proven safe and effective in clinical studies. SkinPen features sterile needle cartridges that are discarded after each use, and are attached to a motorized handpiece. This ensures, clean, even applications of the needles for an efficient, comfortable treatment and optimal results. SkinPen also allows Dr. Guevara to customize the depth of the needles. This is important because our skin has various levels of thickness, and certain skin conditions require deeper treatments than others. For example, thicker skin on the nose or cheeks and deep acne scars require a longer needle depth than fine lines in the thinner, more delicate skin around our eyes.

Our Microneedling Treatments

Each application of the microneedling device creates a microchannel that reaches deep into the dermis. This allows topical applications of other products to penetrate deep into the skin, where they can work most effectively.

Microneedling with Sculptra

Sculptra is a dermal filler made with poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic, biocompatible polymer that stimulates the skin’s natural production of firming collagen.

It can be injected into specific areas requiring additional volume. However, it can also be applied to the skin after microneedling, allowing it to be absorbed across a wider area. The combination of these treatments allows for an optimal boost of collagen and long-lasting results.

Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is derived from a patient’s own blood and contains isolated growth factors that stimulate the production of new, healthy cells, so it has a variety of beneficial uses. To create platelet-rich plasma, a small amount of a patient’s blood is drawn from the body. The blood is spun in a centrifuge, which concentrates the platelets and growth factors. Dr. Guevara uses the PurePRP process from Emcyte. This specialized centrifuge creates optimal concentrations of PRP for exceptional results. PRP can be combined with microneedling to accelerate the effects of each treatment. It can be used on the face or body to rejuvenate the skin. These treatments are also a way to counter the effects of hair loss when performed on the scalp. The microchannels created during the microneedling process allow the PRP to penetrate deep into the scalp, boosting circulation and improving the health of hair follicles, which encourages hair growth and density. Patients that come to Channell Wellness for hair restoration with microneedling and PRP are surprised at how comfortable and effective the treatment is, and typically see results after just one session!

Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling offers skin rejuvenation with little to no discomfort and minimal recovery time. Benefits of the procedure include:

  • Smaller pores
  • Improves skin laxity
  • Less pronounced scarring
  • Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
  • Corrects hyperpigmentation
  • Even skin tone and texture
  • Lessens the visibility of stretch marks
  • Improved hair growth and thickness

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for microneedling if you are in good health, and are interested in a minimally invasive treatment for improved skin and hair.

Certain circumstances may prevent some people from being considered for microneedling treatment. You may not be a good candidate for this procedure if you: (2)

  • Are prone to keloids
  • Have an active outbreak of acne, or other inflammatory skin conditions
  • Have recently received Botox in the treatment area, as it can cause it to spread

Personal Consultation

Microneedling Dr. Patricia Guevara-Channell

During your consultation, we will look at your skin and discuss current conditions or challenges, as well as what you hope to achieve with microneedling. We will then determine if this procedure may be able to help. From here, we can craft a personalized treatment plan and get to work! If you are ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance with long-lasting results, contact us today at our Rancho Cucamonga office, at (909) 483-1236, or through our online contact form. And please check out our blog in the meantime to learn more about our life-enhancing procedures!

Preparation

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, but patients should still prepare adequately to experience full results. In preparation, patients should follow these guidelines:

  • Six months before your procedure, avoid Accutane
  • Two weeks before, avoid sun exposure
  • One week before, avoid waxing, depilatory creams, and electrolysis
  • One week before, avoid topical products like retinoids, exfoliants, and antibiotics
  • Three days before, avoid blood thinners and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil

Procedure

The microneedling procedure will take about 45 minutes to an hour. (2)

  • First, the treatment area will be numbed with topical anesthesia.
  • The SkinPen will then be placed onto the treatment for even coverage.
  • The tiny needles will pierce the skin at the necessary depths to create controlled pinpoint bleeding at the treatment site and stimulate the wound healing response.
  • Skin boosting serums, Sculptra, or PRP can then be applied to absorb deep into the dermis

Recovery

You may experience redness, itching, dryness, or tightness after the microneedling procedure, which will subside within one to three days. There’s no downtime required, however, patients should not apply makeup and other products for a few days and avoid sun exposure and other sources of irritation. To avoid the risk of infection, it’s also important to avoid sweating, saunas, and submerging the area until the microchannels have closed and the skin has healed.

Results

Most patients notice an improvement in skin texture and tone about two to three weeks after treatment. Full results generally take shape after three to six months, once collagen and elastin production has occurred. (1) Most patients require several treatments for the best results. The number of treatments you require will depend on the severity of the skin condition that you’d like to treat.

Cost of Microneedling in Rancho Cucamonga

Microneedling is considered a cost-effective alternative to other skin rejuvenation procedures. (2) Pricing will be based on the area to be treated, and the number of sessions required. We will be glad to provide a quote in a personal consultation, where we can draft a potential treatment plan. Please give us a call today at (909) 483-1236 to set up an initial consultation.

References

  1. Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, et al. Microneedling. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/.
  2. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):244-254. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185468