How long do the effects of microneedling Last? How often is maintenance required?

Micro-needling(aka Collagen Induction Therapy) is great for stimulating collagen and overall rejuvenation of the skin(as is laser resurfacing), but given the skin continues to age, we must continue to rejuvenate AND MAINTAIN no matter the modality. A series of 4-6 micro-needling treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended to achieve an optimal result.  Once you have completed your series, your clinician can determine what maintenance regimen will best suit you based on your overall skin care goals. It most likely will include micro-needling maintenance treatments at some point, but if you continue to maintain an effective home care regimen, in addition to, regular skin care treatments you should be "sitting pretty," for 6 months to a year before you need a maintenance treatment. For all you do to stimulate collagen, it is continually being broken down. This is the ugly truth.This is why maintenance is key. As we age, we do not produce collagen as readily as we did in our youth. And no matter how much we do to slow down the aging process, we cannot stop it in its entirety. The aging that we experience in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, & tactile roughness can all be attributed to the natural break down of collagen over time, in addition to, a drastic decrease in cellular turnover. When you factor in lifestyle habits such as over exposure to sun, tanning beds, smoking, etc.  you aid in expediting the aging process. 

Thank you for your question in regards to microneedling. Typically a series of three treatments of microneedling, spaced 6-8 weeks apart are suggested, then maintenance treatments will follow. Most patients are happy with getting treated a few times a year to maintain and help boost collagen production. In combination, PRP can be used to get optimal results. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Thanks for your question. While the results you get from microneedling are essentially ‘permanent’, your skin continues to age (just like everything else!) and therefore must be maintained. While microneedling is a great treatment to build collagen, there is a constant turnover of collagen in our bodies.. Therefore, we recommend a series of 4-6 treatments depending on your aesthetic goal, and then a treatment every 6 or 12 months depending on your results. Additionally, regular use of sunscreen, retinoids and medical grade skin care will help the longevity of your results. Hope that helps

Microneedling is a great solution to even skin tone and improve overall skin texture. When coupled with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), the combination of treatments is an all-natural solution to rejuvenate skin.
Using the CosmoPen, microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin through which PRF, an advanced form of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) that contains a greater concentration of fibrin, white blood cells, platelets and stem cells, penetrates for the advanced reparation of the skin.

Microneedling can be used on the face and body to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and hyperpigmentation, soften stretch marks, reduce enlarged pores and even skin tone and promote the production of collagen and elastin.

For optimal results, proceed with a series of 3-6 treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve your desired results. Results vary patient-to-patient and can last between six months to a year. Consult with your aesthetic provider or nurse for further details about your customized treatment plan. Thank you. Dr. Kian Karimi

Unlike fillers which we commonly use to address wrinkles,
creases and contour irregularities, the effects of needling are permanent. This
is because needling creates new collagen and elastin. Micro-needling generally
refers to needles that are .1 mm long. This indeed can be performed
without topical anesthesia. It creates small holes in the stratum corneum, the
topmost layer of the skin and allows for better absorption of cosmeceuticals
such as Vitamin A, C and E. I prefer the term medical needling for longer
needles which are generally performed in the office under topical anesthesia.
These needles are usually a millimeter long. These puncture the full layer of
the skin and create micro bleeding underneath the skin. It is the release of
this blood under the skin that triggers a natural healing reaction to call
fibroblasts into the region which create collagen, especially type 1 collagen
which promotes scarless healing. Longer needles such as 3 mm can be used as
surgical needling. This requires regional anesthesia and may be combined with
surgical procedures for optimal skin tightening.

As with any treatment, results will fade after time and maintenance will be required.  As we continue to age and accumulate photo-damage, our skin needs continued attention.  After a series of 2 microneedling treatments (usually with PRP) each about one month apart, I usually recommend another series 6 months later. Everyone will have a different idea of when they need another treatment, but 6 months seems to work well for most of my patients. Overall, microneedling is a safe and natural way to help stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of your skin. 

Microneedling doesn't "wear off" but it also does not stop the clock permanently. At our office, we start our patients with a series of 3 procedures unless we are treating scaring, hyperpigmentation or deeper wrinkles we will do 4-6 procedures. After the procedure series we then discuss the best maintenance regimen for each individual patient depending on their skin type. I tell all my patients that taking care of your skin is like going to the gym... Once you stop, your body will eventually lose the results you once worked for. 

Hello Anna07,Thanks for your question.All minimally invasive treatments for the face only reset the clock.You continue to age therefore you need to continue with keeping up your treatments.  Just like a car that gets no maintenance falls apart faster, a face with no maintenance will also age faster.The cost and recovery from micro needling is fairly minimal therefore it's an easy maintenance treatment.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Thanks for asking. It all depends upon the depth and type of scars, the skin condition and age of the patient. The average which we recommend at the clinic is 6-8 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart and then maintenance 2-3 times in an year. Each session helps to build elastin and collagen improving the look of the scars and making them less obvious, as it is a mild procedure with minimal down time the results are slow and less as compared to other procedures like Co2 laser resurfacing for acne scars. Hope this help, which you all the best.

Hello and thank you for your question.  When getting microneedling , typically you do need maintenance treatments.  We tell our patients, 3-5 sessions 6 weeks apart,  then maintenance treatments every 6 months if needed.  Unfortunately, we do not stop losing collagen so maintenance treatments are needed.  Laser treatments are more aggressive, with more downtime.  Depending on which level of treatment you are getting, lasers can go much deeper.  At deeper levels, laser results can last a few years. Good luck to you!!