wrinkles Tag

What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?

Microneedling shrinks pores, gets rid of fine lines and wrinkles, and treats uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage, pollution, hormonal changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or a combination of the four. This minimally-invasive procedure can also improve the appearance of scars (including those caused by acne).

The Procedure What is Microneedling?

Some also refer to micro needling as collagen induction therapy because it triggers natural collagen production. This treatment can effectively rejuvenate your skin in just three sessions. Please note, though, that this is the minimum number of sessions, but can go higher depending on the skin’s condition. Scar reduction, for example, requires up to six sessions.

If you are thinking of going to your dermatologist to have this procedure, it’s important to keep in mind that collagen production peaks at two weeks after the treatment. The frequency of this procedure depends on the intensity. Mild micro needling sessions, for example, can be repeated once a month or every two weeks while deeper treatments specific for scar visibility reduction can be repeated every month or every six weeks.

Read “What is Microneedling?“ for a more detailed explanation of the procedure.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Microneedling can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it a great solution for older men and women. In fact, this procedure is often associated specifically with the removal of fine lines although the treatment can do so much more. Microneedling is a simple yet very effective treatment that can benefit people of all ages.

Older individuals who want to get rid of their wrinkles can now have younger-looking skin faster. Many love this treatment because it is more natural since it encourages natural collagen production.

Effective Scar Treatment

Microneedling is an effective way to reduce the visibility of scars and is especially popular as an acne scar treatment. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery supports this claim. The researchers in this study invited participants who have acne scars to undergo micro-needling treatments. After the sessions, almost 100 percent of the participants reported a reduction of scar visibility.

A study published in the “Dermatologic Surgery Journal” in 2016 found that micro-needling is an effective procedure that gets rid of acne-related scarring. The study reports that the recovery time is markedly less and there are fewer side effects compared to other treatments for the same conditions.

Sun Damage and Pigmentation Reversal

Because of the treatment’s ability to encourage natural collagen production, it can reverse discoloration and damage caused by sun exposure. It is even effective in treating hyperpigmentation brought about by melasma. Several studies show that micro-needling has positive effects on blotchy pigmentations on the skin. According to the National Center for Biotechnology and Information (NCBI), the role of micro needling in melasma treatment is promising.

Smaller Pores

It sounds counter-intuitive, but microneedling actually reduces the size of your pores. Due to the amount of collagen produced by the skin after the treatment, the skin tightens and appears plumper than before. Because of this tightening effect, the pores become visibly smaller.

Better Absorption

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, regular microneedling sessions can also help your skin absorb beauty creams and other products better. Under normal circumstances, only 4 to 8 percent of beauty products can penetrate your skin. The tiny punctures on the skin made by the microneedles function as tiny channels that allow your creams and products to penetrate your skin more effectively.

If you would like to find out if microneedling is right for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Benefits of the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Treatments Abound

Currently, there are a lot of effective skin care treatments that reduce signs of aging and improve the condition of the skin. These treatments range from using simple topical creams to actual procedures that can be done to improve the skin’s condition. Laser treatments, in particular, are very popular skin care options and the technology used in the treatments continue to evolve—becoming more sophisticated and effective.

The Value of Healthy Glowing Skin

When it comes to skincare, the aim is always to maintain blemish-free, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. This is especially true for the skin on our face as we age. After all, our face is the first thing others may notice about us, so the skin thereof plays an important part in how we feel about our social interactions with others.

Great-looking skin tends to give us more confidence, while the opposite is also true—blemished or aged skin can negatively affect our self-esteem. Everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and age spots can affect the quality of our skin and our social confidence. It is, therefore, important that we take the steps necessary to take good care of our skin and enjoy the many benefits of proper skin care.

Overview: About the Fractional CO2 Laser Technology

Laser treatments, though more invasive than many topical skin care options are increasingly popular treatments. Laser technology can treat a number of skin conditions. One of the latest options—the fractional CO2 laser—uses the most advanced skin revitalization laser treatment technology and has been shown to produce astounding anti-aging results for skin care patients. In fact, studies prove that the fractional CO2 treatment not only reduces the effects of aging on the skin, but also reverses existing signs of aging, including:

– Acne and other trauma-related scars

– Age Spots

– Wrinkles

– Crow’s feet

– “Smoker’s Lines”

After just one treatment, skin appears significantly healthier, rejuvenated, and smoother than prior to the treatment.    

How It Works

The fractional CO2 laser treatment works by using a pattern of carbon dioxide laser beams to treat the skin below the surface. A doctor sends carbon dioxide beams into the skin. The beams create strategically-placed microscopic holes in the skin that allow the body to start producing more collagen. Collagen is the body’s natural hormone that keeps the skin healthy and youthful.   

The secret to the effectiveness of the fractional CO2 laser technology rests in the fragmented nature of its treatment patterns. This treatment does not allow its laser energy to affect all parts of the skin at once. Instead, it affects a portion of the skin and not the entire skin’s surface. This allows the recovery time to speed up, thereby enhancing results. Patients are usually fully healed within four to five days on average.

What to Expect With the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 Laser treatment has many important features. For starters, the treatment sessions are not very long. Each session lasts an average of one hour. Additionally, while the treatment is not in any way painful, there are some sensations that patients can look out for. These sensations include a slight sunburned feeling accompanied by some peeling. Thankfully, these symptoms usually pass within the average healing and recovery time of about four to five days.

The results, however, are practically immediate, and patients will notice that their scars, wrinkles, age spots, and other skin conditions are far less noticeable as the skin continues to heal. As time goes on, the skin continues to clear as the newly-produced collagen helps the skin become tight, moisturized, and vibrant. Finally, the QuadraLASE Fractional CO2 laser treatment produces permanent results. Over time, it reduces the need for using over-the-counter topical treatments—making the treatment a real, lasting solution.      

Additionally, it is possible to use the fractional CO2 laser treatment on the neck as well. Depending on the patient’s condition, a doctor may use the laser to spot treat specific problem areas. After all, all skin ages and oftentimes, most don’t think about the neck as a prime spot for anti-aging treatments.

As you consider the fractional CO2 laser treatment, remember that this will naturally cost more than everyday over-the-counter options you may already use. That said, it is a worthy investment as the treatment continues to pay for itself in value as time goes on. Having amazing, vibrant, and glowing skin is already worth its weight in gold. Of course, the confidence you get from having that glowing, healthy, youthful skin is the icing on the cake.

Am I a Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments?

Science and research back the fractional CO2 laser technology. We offer this treatment because our certified and experienced dermatologists have carefully vetted the treatment and seen real results.

Now is the perfect time to undergo this treatment. Since you spend less time outside and more time bundled up, your skin will be more likely to be protected while it heals. Also, if you have this treatment now, your skin will be beautiful, and glowing when the warm weather hits.

We are not able to treat without first having a consultation with each patient. This helps us guarantee that the treatment will be safe and effective for the individual and his or her needs. We also do the consultations to manage expectations. There is a $50 consultation fee that goes towards the price of the treatment.

Universal Dermatology believes in being transparent with our prices and services. Therefore, we would like to let you know that the price ranges from $1000 to $3100 for eye or lip area only up to entire face, neck, and chest. Insurance does not cover this procedure.

To get started weighing your treatment options, contact our office today.