Can Microneedling Tighten the Skin?

Does microneedling firm the skin? Philadelphia-area patients who come to the Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa often ask this question—or some variation of it—when they’re seeking cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of their skin. The short answer is yes!

Microneedling is a popular treatment that has been proven to tighten or rejuvenate aging or sun-damaged skin that has become loose over time on areas such as the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, around the eyes, and neck.

A primary cause of loose skin is natural or intrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging occurs as less elastin and collagen are produced in our skin as we get older. The skin loses its elasticity which means it can’t snap back into position as easily and looks less plump. 

Extrinsic aging also contributes to aging skin. Exposure to ultraviolet light, pollution, smoking, and alcohol accelerate the natural aging process. Collagen and elastin fibers deteriorate more quickly when exposed to these external factors.

So how does microneedling help with intrinsic and extrinsic aging? A decline in collagen and elastin production, as mentioned above, are primary reasons for aging skin. Microneedling helps to correct this by causing small, controlled injuries in the skin. While this might seem counterintuitive—creating tiny wounds to make the skin better—the minimal trauma has a beneficial effect: It triggers increased regeneration of collagen, elastin, and other healing factors. Microneedling also promotes reorganization of old collagen fibers. In other words, the natural healing processes close the tiny channels created by the device and produce new, healthier skin. 

Microneedling is an excellent choice to soften textural irregularities, wrinkles, pore size, and sagging skin. With the production of new collagen and elastin, the skin will appear more youthful and rejuvenated. Patients must be patient as it takes several months to see the full benefit of the treatment as collagen and elastin continue to form. A series of treatments will be necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. 

Our Philadelphia-area team at Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa can provide more answers for anyone considering this (or other) treatments for their skin. Call us at 610.525.5029 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to explore the benefits of cosmetic treatments. You can also book online.