Skin needling is also called micro-needling. It is a cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with the help of ultrafine needles. This is a popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, which helps to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a key component that keeps the skin healthy and youthful. This procedure can be performed at home or in a clinic by a professional aesthetician.
Although the basic principles of the procedure remain the same, there are several key differences between skin needling at home and in a clinic setting.
Key Differences- At Home Vs In-Clinic Skin Needling
Let’s discover how needling at home and in a cosmetic clinic differs.
- Procedural Difference
Microneedling at home typically requires a handheld device or roller, which covers smaller areas of the face or body. The device contains a series of tiny needles that penetrate the skin as the device is rolled or moved over the surface. However, as aforesaid, the sterlisation factor may be missing in this case because users blindly use a dermaroller without disinfecting them. If somehow they do, the skin may not be as clean as in the clinic. However, it is important to thoroughly cleanse the skin and apply a numbing cream to minimise any discomfort.
Typically, people start by selecting a device that is appropriate for the area they want to treat. Let’s say, if you want to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, you may choose a smaller device with shorter needles. If you want to revive larger areas of the face or body, opting for a larger device with longer needles can work.
However, it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse your skin and apply a numbing cream. But, all do not follow it religiously. This will help to minimise any discomfort during the procedure. Gently roll the device over the skin in a back-and-forth motion while being careful not to apply too much pressure. After the procedure is complete, apply a soothing serum or cream to the skin to help promote healing. Here again, you need a consultation about numbing and soothing creams from a certified skin doctor.
Skin needling in a clinic typically requires a professional aesthetician or dermatologist with a larger and more powerful device. The procedure may be combined with other treatments such as injectables or LED light therapy to enhance the overall results.
Before starting the procedure, the aesthetician thoroughly cleanses the skin and applies a numbing cream to minimise any discomfort. The device is then selected based on the area being treated and the patient’s individual needs. It’s more powerful for being motorised or automated, and it can cover larger areas of the skin in no time and efficiently.
During the procedure, the skin specialist carefully moves the device over the skin in a to-and-fro motion. It is done with careful eyes and great adjustment of the depth of the needles so that it can suit the patient’s individual needs. As it’s over, a soothing serum or cream is applied to the skin to help promote healing.
In some cases, patients may experience mild redness or swelling after the procedure. However, these side effects typically subside within a few days, and patients can return to their normal activities soon after the procedure is complete.
- Equipment
The very first difference is the equipment, which is used for it. At home, its devices are typically smaller and less powerful than those used in a clinic. They may be handheld devices or rollers that are designed to be used on smaller areas of the face or body. In a clinical setting, however, its devices are typically larger and more powerful. They often have a motorized or automated machine, which is able to cover larger areas of the surface more quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, professional treatment typically involves the use of medical-grade products, such as numbing creams and specialised serums, to enhance the treatment and promote healing. These products may not be available for at-home use or may not be as effective if used improperly.
- Needle Depth
The next difference is associated with the depth of the needles. In general, professional needling devices can penetrate the crust area deeper than those designed for home use. It means that the at-home devices are unable to prick in depth. And, it’s a crucial difference associated with needle penetration. The science behind it states that a deeper prick triggers collagen production and improves skin texture. If you compare it with an at-home device, it may not be able to penetrate the skin as deeply. This means that the results may be less dramatic.
- Safety
Safety is an important consideration when it comes to this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, regardless of where the procedure is performed. In a clinical setting, however, the risks are typically lower because trained dermatologists perform it with great care. These aestheticians ensure that the equipment is properly sterilised, and they can also adjust the depth of the needles to suit each patient’s individual needs. On the flip side, there is a greater risk of infection or injury because the person performing the procedure may not have the same level of training or experience. Also, the device may not be disinfected before use.
- Results
While both at-home and clinic micro-needling can produce noticeable results, the outcomes may differ. Let’s say, a patient goes to an experienced doctor to reduce wrinkle via skin needling in a Gold Coast clinic, its results with be more dramatic and long-lasting. This is simply because the devices used in a clinic can go into the skin more deeply, which leads to more collagen production and skin rejuvenation. In addition, the professional procedure may be combined with other treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, dermal fillers, or LED light therapy. This beautiful combination can enhance the overall effectiveness of the procedure.
- Cost
The cost of this skin rejuvenation treatment varies widely, depending on where the procedure is performed. At-home skin-needling devices are typically less expensive than those used in a clinic. However, the cost of home devices can add up over time. This is simply because they need to be replaced frequently. If you consider a professional skin clinic, it charges more. Simply put, the cost of skin needling will be higher that the needling done with a dermroller at home in the same country. Even, patients may only need to undergo the procedure a few times per year to maintain their results.
- Expertise
While it is possible to perform it at home using a dermaroller or other devices, it is generally safer and more effective to have the procedure done by a trained professional in a clinical setting. A licensed aesthetician or dermatologist will have the knowledge and expertise to properly cleanse the surface and sanitise the equipment beforehand. Then, he assesses your skin type and concerns to adjust the depth and intensity of the treatment, which ensures maximum results with minimal risk of side effects.
Microneedling is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the skin. However, there are some key differences between microneedling at home and in a clinic setting. While at-home devices are more affordable and convenient, they may not be able to penetrate the skin as deeply or produce results that are as dramatic as those achieved with professional microneedling. In a clinic setting, microneedling is typically performed by a trained professional, which can reduce the risks associated with the procedure and enhance the overall results.
Summary
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic treatment that involves using a device with small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response and encourages collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin concerns. It can be done at home and in clinic, but the process, expertise, cost, & results differ.