Posted January 14, 2025 in Minimally Invasive surgical procedures
Non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques all have their pros and cons, including microneedling and dermarolling. This blog discusses the difference between professional and at-home microneedling services, when each is ideal, and how to schedule your appointments for best results.
4 Min Read:
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment that utilizes tiny, surgical-grade needles passed over the skin, usually on the face but sometimes on the body as well, to create microinjuries. These microinjuries do several things: prompt the body’s natural healing process to signal the production of elastin and collagen, improve skin texture, and even out skin pigmentation.
The result of microneedling is glowing, dewey skin with improved fine lines and wrinkles, reduced acne and acne scarring, and improved skin texture and tone. Additionally, microneedling requires minimal downtime and recovery. After microneedling, you’ll need to protect your skin from sun exposure, keep it moisturized as it heals, and avoid exercise and saunas for 24 hours.
What Is Home Microneedling?
Home microneedling is a little different than the in-office treatment. Rather than the professional microneedling device used by aesthetic providers, patients at home use a dermaroller for their at-home treatment. This device has a small cylinder of needles that they manually roll across their skin, creating similar microinjuries to allow topical skin care to sink in. At-home dermal rollers also induce collagen and elastin, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and textural irregularities.
Patients should take care not to push too hard on their skin while using a dermaroller and to be aware of the depth of needles their specific device has. The deeper the needle, the better results—but the greater the risk of accidental injury. Additionally, you must disinfect your dermaroller before each use to avoid causing infection or breakouts from a dirty roller. We recommend using your dermaroller before a weekly nourishing serum or other treatment to get the most out of it.
How Is At-Home Dermarolling Different than Microneedling?
The primary difference is in the depth of the needles of each device. Professional microneedling devices have longer needles, which penetrate deeper into the epidermis than dermarollers. Because of this, they provide more substantial collagen and elastin induction and more measurable results than at-home alternatives.
Another difference is that microneedling is performed by a licensed aesthetic professional who is trained in the best way to handle the device and can alter treatment based on your specific needs and concerns. For example, patients with acne scars centralized on their cheeks may need a deeper needle to reach the correct depth, while someone with minor forehead wrinkles would need a shallower treatment. An aesthetic professional has much more control over the device and can also advise you on the correct treatment plan that will give you the best results.
However, dermarollers do provide benefits to those who want to maintain their results in between appointments. Used appropriately, dermarollers can help keep your skin glowing, exfoliated, and primed until your next microneedling appointment. Additionally, they still help your skin absorb your topical skin regimen, making your serums and moisturizers much more effective.
How Often Should I Get Microneedling Done?
This really depends on your specific skin concerns and your goals for treatment. Generally, acne scars are more difficult to treat and take longer, whereas textural irregularities may show results earlier.
Your aesthetic provider will help you create a custom treatment plan that best suits your needs, although we usually recommend microneedling sessions booked every 4–6 weeks, with best results after about four sessions. To really enhance your results, you can dermaroll at home as a maintenance treatment.
Want to Learn More About Professional Microneedling in Houston, TX?
Reveal glowing, youthful skin with professional microneedling in Houston, TX, offered by Gallas Plastic Surgery and Vein Center. Our experienced aesthetic providers will help you achieve your non-surgical facial rejuvenation goals in a safe and luxurious environment. Call us today at (281) 646-1114 or fill out our contact form to get started.
