At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we offer two different options for collagen induction therapy: traditional microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. Each can improve skin texture and firmness, but they offer slightly different benefits. Our patients in Aledo, TX, benefit from both types, but there is no single answer as to which is best. We will talk about how these treatments compare and how to decide which may be right for you.
What Is Traditional Microneedling?
Traditional microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that uses a handheld device with fine needles to create punctures in the skin’s surface. These small openings signal the body to produce more collagen and elastin as a part of its repair response. Our microneedling services can be used for patients who want to improve their overall skin quality since this healing process helps the skin to look and feel healthier and more youthful.
How It Works
Each treatment creates thousands of microchannels in the skin. While this does not damage or tear the tissue, your body registers this as an injury and sends fibroblasts to help heal the skin. The fibroblasts create new collagen, which improves the skin’s elasticity. Microneedling also encourages the proliferation of new, healthy cells.
What It Treats
Mild to Moderate Acne and Acne Scars
Shallow acne scars often respond well to microneedling. We use microneedling for acne scars when the scarring is surface-level and not deeply tethered to provide gradual improvements in texture. This treatment can also be helpful for controlling acne breakouts since it encourages exfoliation and regulates oil production, though it should not be used on active inflammatory breakouts.
Early Fine Lines
If collagen production has slowed and the skin is dehydrated or sun-damaged, fine lines can appear earlier. These lines often show up first around the eyes and mouth. Microneedling can help because the additional collagen can support the surface of the skin better and help make it smooth again.
Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores can be related to excess oil production and reduced skin elasticity around the pores, or they may just be a result of genetics. In either situation, tightening the skin around the pores can help make them less noticeable. With several microneedling treatments, we can help reduce the appearance of large pores.
Uneven Texture
An uneven texture can come from sun damage and reduced collagen, but microneedling can help your body replace older, damaged tissues with new collagen. Your skin may feel smoother after a couple of treatments as the overall texture becomes more refined. Consistent treatments and regular skin protection can improve your microneedling results.
Mild Pigmentation Concerns
Traditional microneedling can address some mild pigmentation concerns like post-inflammatory discoloration or sun spots. When combined with the right skincare, the skin can begin to look more even.
Dull Skin
One of the main causes of dull skin is dead skin cells on the surface that aren’t being exfoliated properly. Microneedling helps stimulate a natural exfoliation process and can be a good alternative to harsh exfoliating scrubs. After your treatment, be sure to avoid picking at your skin, letting the natural process take place until you notice bright and glowing skin.
Benefits of Traditional Microneedling
- Lower Cost: Traditional microneedling is generally more affordable than energy-based treatments because it does not require added radiofrequency technology.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients experience mild redness and sensitivity for one to three days, but are able to return to normal activities quickly compared to more aggressive resurfacing treatments.
- Suitable for Most Skin Types: One microneedling benefit is that it can be performed on a wide range of skin tones and types, including patients who may not be ideal candidates for certain energy-based treatments.
What Is RF Microneeding?
The fine needles on our Morpheus8 device are combined with radiofrequency energy, which brings heat underneath the skin. Heat energy is helpful for patients with more advanced signs of aging who want to combine the mechanical stimulation of the needles with heat stimulation. RF microneedling can reach deeper than traditional microneedling and provide tightening and structural support.
How It Works
During a Morpheus8 treatment, the needles penetrate the skin just like in traditional microneedling. At the same time, the device delivers the radiofrequency energy into the dermis. The heat generated causes a controlled amount of thermal energy and contracts existing collagen fibers. You may notice some initial results because of this contraction. Then the thermal stimulation prompts the skin to rebuild collagen over the next few months.
What It Treats Best
Deeper Wrinkles
Deeper lines that remain visible at rest may require more than surface stimulation to provide noticeable results. RF needling is commonly used in areas like the cheeks and lower face where the wrinkles are more established and tied to significant collagen loss.
Skin Laxity
Skin laxity often responds well to microneedling and radio frequency. Patients may seek this treatment when they have started to notice early sagging but are not interested in surgical options. It can be used anywhere with laxity, including the cheeks, neck and certain body areas where tightening is desired.
Crepey Skin
Thin crepey skin under the eyes or on the neck can benefit from deep collagen remodeling. Microneedling with RF can improve the texture and elasticity of the skin and help strengthen fragile tissue.
Jawline Sagging
The jawline is often one of the first areas to develop sagging and collagen decline because of the effects of gravity on these tissues. Radio frequency microneedling can be used to tighten up the skin along the jawline and make it more defined.
Submental Fullness
The submental area is the area below the chin. This area is prone to collecting excess fat and having skin laxity. A microneedling treatment can tighten skin and also help remodel submental fat.
Benefits of RF Microneedling
- Addresses Deeper Concerns: Morpheus8 can be a good option for patients with more established wrinkles, acne scars or skin laxity.
- Supports Skin Tightening: This treatment is often chosen when mild to moderate sagging is present and additional structural support is desired in areas such as the lower face or neck.
- Versatile Treatment Areas: It can be used on the face, jawline, neck and body.
- Gradual, Progressive Improvement: Results develop over time as collagen remodels.
How to Choose the Right Microneedling Treatment in Aledo, TX
Microneedling and RF microneedling with Morpheus8 both stimulate collagen, but the right choice depends on your skin concerns and how aggressive you want your treatment plan to be. When paired with healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and proactive medical care, these treatments can promote long-term skin strength.
At Aledo Empowered Wellness in Aledo, TX, we customize each patient’s plan, taking time to listen and build a strategy that fits your health priorities. To discuss which option may be appropriate for you, call 817-646-8935 to schedule a consultation.
