Sometimes, superficial skin concerns like dark spots and shallow acne scars don’t go away over time. If you have stubborn skin concerns that aren’t fading away even with powerful at-home skincare products, it may be time to consider an aesthetic treatment. At Wellskin Medical Spa in Dallas, TX, a treatment such as rf microneedling can be used to improve most superficial skin concerns.
How Long Do RF Microneedling Results Last?
In general, the results of a rf microneedling treatment can last for four to six weeks. After multiple treatments, the results of this treatment can last for up to six months, or for as long as collagen remains in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. However, the longevity of your results will depend on several factors, such as your age, the strength of your collagen, and even the depth of the microneedles used for your treatment.
When collagen production can be induced in the deepest layers of the skin, you are more likely to enjoy long-lasting results. Long-lasting results are also much more likely when you schedule several initial treatments more closely together, which can rapidly build the level of collagen in your skin to produce optimal results.
Why Does Age Matter?
Age has a major effect on how long your results from this treatment will last. This is because how long collagen can last in your body is partially determined by your age. After age 30, your skin will naturally produce much less collagen than it did before, and this also means your body will not hold onto collagen for very long, either. Along with lifestyle factors, your age may have the largest influence on how long your results can last.
How Can You Help Your Results Last Longer?
While there isn’t anything you can do to stop the aging process, there are several methods you can use to help your microneedling results last for as long as possible. In general, the better you take care of your skin and your health, the more resilient your collagen store will be and the longer your results will last. The three key strategies to help your results last longer include:
Targeted Skincare Products
To maintain your results, it’s important to use skincare products that are targeted at your skin concerns. If your main concerns are related to skin volume, then it’s a good idea to use skin-plumping skincare products that contain peptides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. If your primary concerns are dark spots, vitamin C serums, azelaic acid, and retinol are all good options to improve your complexion.
For the best results from your skin care products, you must use these products consistently. Over-the-counter products may not show any significant improvement in your skin condition for at least eight to 12 weeks, while prescription-strength products may show results more quickly. Consistency in skin care can mean using products twice a day or a few times a week, depending on the strength of the active ingredient and how tolerant your skin is.
Consistent Skin Protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is also essential for ensuring your rf microneedling results last a long time. Collagen in your skin can break down prematurely when exposed to UV rays, so going out in the sun without sunscreen can undermine the longevity of your results. Most experts recommend wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days and in the winter. If you are sitting by a window or sitting in front of a screen all day, wearing sunscreen can also protect your skin from the effects of aging.
Improved Lifestyle Habits
Finally, improving your lifestyle habits may also have an impact on how long collagen remains in your skin. Activities such as smoking or using tobacco products can have a negative effect on collagen, causing the protein molecule to break down more quickly. On the other hand, if you drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet, your skin will have the resources to maintain better collagen production.
How Frequently Should You Have Treatments?
When you are first starting your treatments, you may need to schedule appointments every four to eight weeks to achieve optimal results. After your collagen production has improved your skin texture to your desired level, you can maintain your treatments with occasional touch-up appointments. While most people will schedule touch-up appointments every six months, others may need appointments every three to four months to maintain desired results.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
When you attend a consultation, we will be able to estimate how many treatments you will need to improve your skin concerns. Many people will need at least three to six treatments spaced about a month apart to smooth away scars and wrinkles, while those who only want to improve pigmentation concerns may need two or three treatments. The severity of your concerns will be the biggest factor in determining how many treatments you will need.
What Concerns Can This Treatment Help With?
This treatment is very versatile since it can be used to address virtually all types of superficial skin concerns. Superficial concerns can include shallow acne scars, post-acne marks, fine lines, dark spots, skin laxity, and wrinkles. Sometimes, this treatment can also be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
This treatment can also be used on most areas of the body, including the chest, neck, back, stomach, legs, arms, and hands. This treatment can be configured to treat even the most delicate skin on the face, such as the skin of the upper forehead.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Your treatment will usually take 30 minutes to complete, although your appointment can last longer if you are treating multiple areas of the body. Your treatment will be comfortable because a topical numbing cream will be applied to your skin before the treatment begins. Furthermore, because the depth of the microneedle penetration can be customized, even people who have very sensitive skin can be comfortable during this treatment.
What Should You Do Before Treatment?
Before your treatment, you should stop taking certain supplements and medications for at least a week. Medications that cause blood-thinning side effects, such as aspirin, can delay your results. Supplements to avoid include fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo. Please be sure to list all the supplements and medications you are currently taking during your consultation.
A few days before your treatment, you should also stop using some of your at-home skincare products. It’s very important to avoid any products that can cause dryness or irritation, which can include chemical exfoliants,
retinol, and products that fight acne-causing bacteria. You should drink plenty of water before your treatment and eat a light meal right before your appointment.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, you may need to continue to avoid some of your skincare products that may be too harsh for your healing skin. Instead of using retinol and chemical exfoliants, you should focus on soothing your skin with hydrating serums and products that contain beneficial skin nutrients, such as vitamins and peptides.
You will not be able to wear makeup for several hours after your treatment. Although you will be able to go to work and light exercise after your treatment, you should not use hot water or expose your skin to heat, steam, or chlorine. You should wear SPF for at least two weeks.
Can You Combine This Treatment?
This treatment can be easily combined with many other aesthetic treatments. Depending on your skin goals, combining multiple treatments can address all of your superficial concerns at once. It’s common to combine this treatment with BOTOX®, laser rejuvenation treatments, and chemical peels. You can also discuss the use of prescription-strength skincare products to improve and maintain your desired results.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
This treatment is generally a good option for anyone who has superficial skin concerns related to skin texture and skin pigment. This treatment can improve mild, moderate, and severe concerns. You may not be able to use this treatment if you are pregnant or if you have an active skin infection on the day of your appointment.
Improve All Your Superficial Skin Concerns With RF Microneedling
If troubles like acne scarring, fine lines, and dark spots have you frustrated with the state of your skin, a treatment such as rf microneedling may be the key to improving your skin condition. This treatment can produce long-lasting results, although results are temporary, and you will need to maintain your skin condition with touch-up appointments.
Reach out to Wellskin Medical Spa in Dallas, TX to schedule a consultation.