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Microneedling – Houston, TX
ABOUT MICRONEEDLINGÂ
Microneedling therapy is a popular skin rejuvenation treatment offered by Houston, TX cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Nikko. This treatment is effective in producing a glowing complexion. Microneedling is a process that punctures little holes into the skin on your face, neck, or chest to stimulate skin repair. This treatment can lessen the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, large pores, scars, and other skin problems. With this procedure, the texture of your skin could be greatly improved to appear smoother and more even without damaging the skin.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
An ideal candidate for microneedling would be anybody looking to modify the appearance or texture of the surface of their skin. Dry skin, uneven skin tone, harsh texture, age spots, loose skin, wrinkles, acne and scarring are skin conditions that could benefit from a microneedling treatment. This therapy can also be employed to combat the effects of sun damage that may have caused the skin to have a rough texture or hyperpigmentation. This procedure is not recommended for those with blood-related conditions, anemia, or blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood-thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterward according to physician instructions.
Specifically, microneedling treatments can be used to treat:
- Crow’s feet
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Fine lines around the mouth
- Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Acne scarring & melasma
- Crepey skin in the eye, neck, and décolletage areas
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PROCEDURE TECHNIQUE
This is considered a noninvasive treatment made up of small injections into targeted areas of the face using a very tiny microneedling device known as the SkinPen. The mirconeedling technique is performed first, followed by PRP injections, which are very small and similar to those used in anti-wrinkle and dermal filler injection treatments.
Before any treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with Dr. Nikko. This is your opportunity to discuss your skin goals and expectations for the treatment. Prior to the procedure, the treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared. Dr. Nikko will mark the areas on your face that need to be treated with an ink that wipes away easily. Images are generally taken to show the patient how they will look one hour prior and one hour after treatment. Dr. Nikko will then take about 10 – 12 mls, or roughly a teaspoon of blood from your arm (the same way you would have a regular blood test). The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 5 – 10 minutes. This equipment spins the blood at high-speed RPMS to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of the contents of the blood. This isolated platelet-rich plasma is “activated” by a special process to begin releasing growth factors that, once injected into the body, will increase collagen production and bring other healing effects to the targeted areas.
Dr. Nikko will apply a topical numbing ointment and use the SkinPen to gently create tiny holes on the skin. Once this process has been completed, the separated and activated platelet-rich plasma is injected back into your face and targeted areas to fill in and add extra healing benefits to the skin. The appointment typically takes about an hour to complete, though treatment time varies depending on the number of areas you are targeting.
What patients have to say about Dr. Nikko and our amazing staff.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Following your microneedling with PRP therapy, you might experience some ordinary effects such as swelling, redness, and bruising. We recommend that you do not wear makeup, use abrasive skin cleansers, or do anything that will expose your skin (such as pool or saunas) for about 72 hours after treatment. Sun exposure should also be minimized.
The best results are obtained after about three treatments spaced about a month apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals. Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin’s cells. The skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This somewhat sneaky process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results will not be immediate, so while you patiently wait a few weeks and even a few months, your skin will begin to transform itself. Most people will see instant results that will stay for about 4 – 5 days until the PRP dissipates into the skin and stimulates collagen. Most patients have reported after 28 days to a month, they can see a visible difference to the texture and glow of their skin.
COST
The average cost of this treatment is roughly $1,200 – $2,000, but be warned not all PRP treatments are the same. Different clinics offer a different grade of treatment, some of which have little to no effect at all. Ensure the treatment is being performed by a trained practitioner who is skilled to inject the plasma in the appropriate depths of skin, otherwise you might be getting a treatment that uses the same name but is totally different to what we are talking about here.
RESTORE AND REVITALIZE
Patients come from all over to visit Nikko Cosmetic Surgery Center who have heard about this treatment in the media. They are intrigued by its touted ability to refresh the skin and erase wrinkles. They also arrive with many questions hoping to get a full understanding of what this treatment can honestly do. During a thorough consultation, Dr. Nikko takes the time to explain the process and what to expect. Early clinical data and positive patient reports indicate a strong future for this blended therapy. As with any cosmetic treatment, using an experienced cosmetic surgeon or physician is crucial to attain the right outcome. Contact Nikko Cosmetic Surgery Center in the greater Houston area for more information and to schedule your consultation today.
VIDEOS
Microneedling with Michelle