What is Microneedling?

When home skin products are no longer effective and you don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure, consider minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, such as microneedling. The Heights Med Spa, in coordination with San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, can utilize Genius™ or SkinPen® technologies in order to perform this procedure in San Antonio, TX. Microneedling uses several fine needles to effectively and safely create micro-injuries in the necessary areas of the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural production of elastin and collagen, two nutrients that increase the health and appearance of your complexion. In the case of the Genius handpiece, radiofrequency (RF) energy is used, effectively turning one procedure into two. Often combined with other skin treatments, including vitamin serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling can help reduce scars, pores, and stretch marks. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the benefits of microneedling and how to customize your treatment for your needs and goals.

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Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

It’s possible you may benefit from microneedling with Genius or SkinPen if you have light to mild skin problems, such as a decrease in elasticity or rough skin texture. Microneedling treatments may also reduce the look of stretch marks, scars, and pores. You need to be willing to wait a while before seeing the results of your microneedling procedure because the elastin and collagen will need some time to have an effect on the skin, but you will develop natural-looking results and gain better overall skin health. While the SkinPen is typically used on the face, Genius can be used on several areas of the body, including the face, neck, abdomen, arms, knees, and thighs. Consult with our staff to determine with of our state-of-the-art microneedling technologies are right for your situation.

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Genius combines the benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and correct minor sagging, with minimal pain and downtime.

It’s most commonly used on the face, neck, and chest, but Genius can treat almost any area of your body, even to help smooth cellulite, reduce excessive sweating, and dissolve submental and unwanted facial fat.

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SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA to treat acne scars. It’s also used to address hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, skin texture, and appearance of pores.

SkinPen skin rejuvenation treatments are minimally invasive. The pen-like handpiece contains 14 fine miconeedles that repeatedly pierce the skin, creating thousands of controlled microinjuries that stimulate growth factors to produce college and elastin.


How is Microneedling Performed?

While both SkinPen and Genius can be used for microneedling, they each have very distinct purposes and are made with specific types of patients in mind. On one hand, SkinPen is the very first microneedling device to be cleared by the FDA for the treatment of acne scars. Its 14 fine-point needles pierce the skin over and over to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, skin texture, and pores. Genius, on the other hand, integrates traditional microneedling techniques with radiofrequency energy in an effort to improve skin texture, as well as eliminate scars, wrinkles, and minor sagging. For this reason, the Genius needles are plated in gold, allowing them to effectively transmit RF energy and treat conditions more severe than other devices are able to eliminate. Unlike SkinPen, Genius can be used virtually anywhere on the body. In addition to its aforementioned benefits, it can also aid in smoothing cellulite, diminishing excessive sweating, and breaking down undesirable submental facial fat. Before your procedure begins, you’ll discuss your goals and concerns with our staff so we can recommend the device that will work best for you.

Microneedling is done in one of our office procedure rooms in around 30 – 60 minutes with numbing cream or local anesthesia if requested; however, patients generally feel little or no discomfort. The skin being treated will be cleaned before the Genius or SkinPen handpiece is passed evenly over the targeted areas. After the microneedling is done, a complementary treatment, such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or a vitamin-infused serum, can be applied so the nutrients can penetrate deeper into the skin. A moisturizer selected for your skin type will be massaged in along with sunscreen since the treated skin will be sensitive after the treatment.


What Results Can I Expect From Microneedling?

One of the biggest benefits of this procedure is its extremely minimal downtime. Following the procedure, you can have some redness and swelling; however, this should fade quickly on its own. Typically, results from SkinPen procedures tend to take longer to heal than those utilizing Genius. However, in both cases, patients will be free to return to their daily lives immediately following their appointment. When it comes to results, it may take about 1 – 2 months until the collagen and elastin levels increase enough for you to notice significant changes in the health and appearance of your skin. You should plan to receive a maintenance treatment every 4 – 6 weeks for ideal results and lasting skin benefits. Due to the Genius’s use of RF energy, its results tend to be more significant and appear sooner, as well as last longer.


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Microneedling FAQs

During your consultation, we will perform a skin analysis and develop your custom plan. From there, he will discuss your costs and the procedure. San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute frequently offers specials on skin treatment packages so be sure to ask about current deals in your appointment.

In the process of microneedling, channels are made that make it easier for treatments to penetrate the deeper layers. This is why microneedling is commonly combined with other skin treatments, such as special serums or PRP. In your initial consultation, we will explain what treatments may be performed along with microneedling and which would most benefit your skin.

Usually, patients get 3 – 6 microneedling treatments to achieve their best results. Although, how many treatments you require will depend on your skin’s condition and your goals. Microneedling may be safely done every 4 – 6 weeks. In your consultation, our staff will estimate the number of sessions you might want after assessing your skin and listening to your goals. Once you have reached your goal, he will suggest scheduling maintenance treatments every six months.

For the most part, microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones. Since the skin injuries created are so small, there are rarely side effects after the treatment. Microneedling can be performed on most areas of skin, including the arms, face, neck, thighs, chest, and lower legs. Microneedling isn’t recommended if you have taken Accutane recently, or if you have an active skin infection, open wound, or herpes simplex. Additionally, you may not be a candidate for microneedling if you’re pregnant, nursing, or getting radiation treatments.


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Natural Health and Radiance

Improve the appearance and health of your complexion with microneedling treatments with Genius or SkinPen at San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute in San Antonio, TX. A nonsurgical procedure that can create dramatic improvements, microneedling increases your natural production of collagen for smoother, firmer skin. Make a consultation with our staff to learn more information about this procedure and other skin revitalizing procedures.