If you want to rejuvenate your skin, you have a plethora of options to choose from that can remove scars and wrinkles, eliminate sun damage, or revive sluggish skin. Two of the most popular such treatments at Rebecca Fitzgerald Dermatology are SkinPen microneedling and Genius RF Microneedling, each with its strengths.
The following is a guide to help you choose which cosmetic dermatology treatment is right for you.
Micro-needling takes advantage of the body’s natural healing processes. Dr. Fitzgerald and her colleagues use a SkinPen, a handheld device to create microscopic pinpoint wounds at predetermined depths.
These wounds are deep enough to trigger your body’s healing mechanisms but not so deep that they cause permanent damage. Your body responds to the wounds by producing new elastin and collagen, leaving your healed skin firmer and tighter than it was before.
Genius uses micro-needling, but goes a step further — it emits radio frequency deep into your skin to further boost your body’s collagen and elastin production. Generally, Genius RF can treat more severe problems than microneedling in fewer treatments.
Micro-needling is an incredibly effective treatment for wrinkles and moderate scarring. With multiple treatments, it can also deal with more severe scarring. It can treat the following conditions:
Genius can treat everything that micro-needling can. Because of the radio frequencies it uses, it’s also effective at treating conditions such as:
Determining which treatment is right for you depends on several factors, such as the type of problem you’re trying to fix, how serious the condition is and to some extent, your skin tone. Micro-needling is excellent for smoothing out wrinkles but may take six to eight treatments to achieve results with severe acne scarring.
Genius RF can usually treat mild wrinkles and acne scarring in about three treatments. The radio frequencies it emits can also treat sun damage and visible veins.
Our SmartSkin Guides show you how to maintain and recoup lost collagen and how to prevent and treat dark spots on your skin.
Micro-needling has minimal recovery, and you should be able to resume normal activities the same day you receive treatment. Your skin will be red and inflamed for a day or two after treatment. It will also be more sensitive to the sun, so you should avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you go outside. You should also avoid using skin-care products in the treatment area until your doctor has cleared you to do so.
Dr. Fitzgerald can also use platelet-rich plasma therapy to expedite your microneedling healing process. PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood that is put through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells, then used in conjunction with microneedling to stimulate healing.
Recovery from Genius is slightly more involved. You’ll be given a treatment kit and cold compresses to manage your swelling. You should expect one to three days of swelling and one to two weeks of residual swelling. You will also see a grid-like pattern on your skin in the treatment area that will disappear after about five days. As with microneedling, you should avoid direct sunlight and wear SPF 30 for about two weeks.
Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience helping patients in Beverly Hills, Larchmont, and the greater Los Angeles area. She’ll help you find the right treatment to restore your skin to its youthful beauty. Call (323) 464-8046 to schedule a consultation today.
