Microneedling

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that is designed to enhance the appearance, health, and elasticity of the skin. This minimally invasive treatment uses fine needles to stimulate the production of collagen, leaving you with firmer skin and a clearer, more radiant complexion. This treatment is quite popular and can be performed on all skin types or tones.

If you are ready to revitalize your skin, look no further than Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery! Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Peterson, our team has helped patients across both Hawaii and the mainland achieve their aesthetic goals. We offer tailored treatment plans and personalized solutions to help every patient address their unique concerns and enhance their natural appearance.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can benefit from microneedling, please schedule a consultation online. To speak with a member of our team, call our Honolulu office directly at (808) 944-8551.

About Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that helps enhance the appearance and health of the skin by triggering your body’s natural repair processes, stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in the body. It helps develop and provide structural support to tissue. Over time, your skin undergoes many changes that can affect its appearance, one of the most significant being the decreased production of collagen. This can lead to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and more. (1)

Benefits

Microneedling offers several notable benefits, some of which include:

  • Collagen Stimulation: Microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural healing response by encouraging the production of collagen, which can help soften and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Improved Skin Texture: This treatment helps enhance skin texture and complexion, resulting in smoother, more even skin.
  • Acne Scar Reduction: Many patients undergo microneedling to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
  • Pore Minimization: Regular treatments may lead to smaller and tighter pores, improving the overall look and vitality of your skin.
  • Enhanced Absorption of Topical Serums: Microneedling creates temporary micro-punctures in the skin, which allow serums and other topical treatments to penetrate deeper and enhance their effectiveness.
  • Non-Surgical Treatment: As a minimally invasive treatment, there are significantly fewer risks compared to surgical intervention.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Each treatment session is tailored to your skin tone, type, and goals, ensuring personalized outcomes that align with your needs.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for microneedling typically include anyone interested in enhancing the texture, tone, or appearance of their skin. Microneedling can be performed on all skin types and tones, meaning that most individuals are suitable candidates for this treatment. All candidates interested in undergoing microneedling should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations as to what this treatment can achieve.

Microneedling is not suited for those with active sunburns, acne breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, or anyone prone to keloidal scarring. (2) However, patients who do not qualify are still encouraged to reach out so that our team may find a suitable alternative.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, you will meet with one of our specialists, who will discuss what microneedling entails and ask you about your medical history, skin concerns, and desired results. They will also evaluate the condition and quality of your skin. They will use this information to create your treatment plan, tailoring certain aspects to address each of your concerns.

Throughout the consultation, your specialist will answer any questions you have about microneedling or aesthetic treatments in general. They may also suggest additional skin treatments or skincare products to enhance your results.

To schedule this consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team, please call our Honolulu office at (808) 944-8551.

Preparation

Because microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment, preparation is fairly straightforward. You may be asked to temporarily modify your skincare routine to avoid products that compromise your skin barrier, such as chemical peels, retinoids, or exfoliants. You may also be advised to refrain from taking blood-thinning medications and supplements with approval from your doctor. Nicotine use, if applicable, must cease several weeks in advance, as smoking can affect your skin’s ability to recover. Your specialist will discuss any additional preparation instructions during your consultation.

Procedure

On the day of your appointment, you should arrive with clean skin that is free from any makeup or skincare products. Your specialist will lead you to a private treatment room where they will cleanse your skin to remove any oil, debris, or residues, then apply a mild topical anesthetic to minimize potential discomfort.

Following this, your specialist will use a small device fashioned with rows of small needles to create micro-punctures as they pass it over the skin. They may pass over some areas multiple times to ensure even treatment. Depending on your treatment plan, they might apply a topical serum to the skin so that it can be absorbed deeply into the micropunctures. After the treatment, they may apply a soothing ointment to help your skin recover.

The duration of your treatment can vary depending on your treatment plan, but microneedling for the face typically takes less than one hour.

Recovery

There is little to no downtime associated with microneedling, meaning you can return to your daily routine immediately after your appointment. However, certain restrictions must be followed to ensure optimal results.

As you recover, you may experience redness or tenderness in the treated areas. These effects are temporary and often begin to subside within 24-48 hours. Redness may persist for 72 hours or as long as a week in some cases.

You should refrain from unprotected and excessive sun exposure, making sure you wear proper UV protection when going outside. You will also need to continue avoiding harsh skincare products and makeup until your skin heals. During your consultation, you may receive additional recovery instructions.

Results

Microneedling offers gradual results, meaning you will see the effects of your treatment as your collagen levels rise. Your skin texture will become smoother and softer over time. Your skin will appear more youthful looking as acne scars, rough patches, large pores, and signs of premature aging are reduced. You may also experience an improvement in the elasticity, firmness, and overall health of your skin.

It can take approximately three to six months for the full effects of your treatment to manifest, with the results lasting for several months. (2) Most patients benefit from a series of treatments performed over the course of several weeks, followed by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months.

Corresponding Procedures

Microneedling effectively pairs with other treatments to offer more refined results, with one of the options being laser skin resurfacing.

We use a laser device that delivers energy to the skin, heating its underlying layers. This can break down more targeted imperfections, as well as stimulate the production of collagen, enhancing the appearance, elasticity, and texture of the skin.

If you are interested in learning more about the other treatments that may be performed to enhance the results of your microneedling treatment, please read our blog!

Cost of Microneedling in Honolulu

The cost of your microneedling treatment can vary depending on the quality of your skin, the conditions being treated, and the number of treatment sessions needed to achieve your desired results. During your consultation, we will craft your treatment plan before providing you with a comprehensive cost estimate. Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery offers several financing options to make treatments more accessible, and we are happy to help you navigate these options. For additional savings, we encourage you to check out our specials.

To learn more about the cost of your microneedling treatment, please schedule a consultation online. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your consultation over the phone, please call (808) 944-8551.

FAQ

How many microneedling sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies based on your individual goals and skin quality, but most patients see their ideal results after several treatments spaced out over a few weeks.

Is microneedling safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified expert, like the specialists at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, microneedling is considered safe for all skin types.

Will my microneedling treatment hurt?

We apply a topical anesthetic at the beginning of the procedure to help minimize discomfort. Most patients compare the sensation of their treatment to a light scratching or sunburn.

How long will it take for my skin to recover from microneedling?

Most patients experience minimal downtime, although redness or tenderness is normal. Redness can persist for as long as a week in some cases, but most patients see their side effects resolve sooner.

Are the results of microneedling permanent?

Microneedling results can last several months, but they are not considered permanent. Returning for maintenance treatments can help prolong the benefits.

Can I combine microneedling with another skin treatment?

Yes! Many patients choose to combine microneedling for more comprehensive results and deeper rejuvenation. For personalized suggestions and more information, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

References

  1. Farkas JP, Pessa JE, Hubbard B, Rohrich RJ. The Science and Theory behind Facial Aging. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2013;1(1):1-8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0b013e31828ed1da
  2. Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, Kelly SE. Microneedling. Nih.gov. Published September 26, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/#article-38285.s4