Aging comes with many unwanted side effects like facial lines and wrinkles. If you want a non-invasive way to treat signs of aging, try microneedling. This facial aesthetics treatment can treat fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections to create a more youthful appearance. Dr. Jerome Cha offers microneedling for Tulsa, OK, patients who want smoother, more even skin.
Dr. Cha has cosmetic experience in microneedling and laser treatment. As a cosmetic dentist, he is dedicated to improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. In addition to dental treatments, he welcomes patients to complete cosmetic care with facial aesthetics treatment.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, regenerates the skin. We use small, sterilized needles to enter the skin and encourage collagen production during microneedling treatment. The needles create “micro-injuries,” which trigger your body’s natural healing process. As a result, your body will heal your skin to create a softer, smoother appearance.
Professional microneedling treatment can create an even skin texture and tone. Microneedling treatment can improve:
- Wrinkles
- Lines
- Age spots
- Skin tone, texture, and color
- Sun-damaged skin
- Scars
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
- Loose skin
Benefits of Microneedling
Our in-office microneedling is a non-invasive treatment with no downtime. Microneedling does not require injections or surgery to improve your skin.
Microneedling spurs collagen and elastin production. Collagen is a natural protein that supports your tissue structure. This protein helps replace dead skin cells and gives your skin its elasticity. Like collagen, elastin is a natural protein in your connective tissue. However, this protein helps the tissues in the body return to their original position after it stretches.
Microneedling Treatment in Tulsa, OK
To begin treatment, Dr. Cha will clean the skin and apply a topical numbing cream. He will then use a microneedling device to target specific areas of your face. Dr. Cha will find the right depth to treat your specific cosmetic concerns.
The device holds 12 microscopic, sterilized needles that generate microchannels of blood flow in your skin. These microchannels are the “micro-injuries” that spur skin regeneration.
Dr. Cha can also deposit dermal filler in the channels to boost results. Microneedling has a quick treatment time of 20 to 30 minutes after the numbing cream takes effect. You may feel warmth or a scratching sensation during treatment, but the numbing cream should take away most of this feeling.
You will begin to see a change in your skin immediately after treatment. After three weeks, you will see the full results from improved collagen production and skin elasticity.
Microneedling Aftercare
While microneedling has minimal downtime, we will provide instructions on what to do and avoid. After treatment, we recommend that you:
- Use Ice Packs: Swelling is normal after cosmetic treatments like microneedling. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and puffiness.
- Do Not Touch Your Skin: As your skin cells turn over, you will experience flaking and possible itchiness. However, do not touch your skin unless you wash your face or put on sunscreen.
- Avoid Heat: Do not use a sauna, take hot baths or showers, or go in a jacuzzi. Heat can irritate your skin. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for several days. When you go outside, apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Avoid excess heat and sunlight for three to four weeks.
- Avoid Certain Medications: You can take pain medication to manage discomfort. However, do not take anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs. Avoid medications like Motrin or Advil for one week after microneedling. You can take Tylenol.
- Use Gentle Skincare: Avoid abrasive skincare products, exfoliants, and facials following your microneedling treatment. These products can increase irritation and redness. Instead, use skincare with gentle ingredients.
Microneedling treatment results can last up to six months. You can also repeat treatment in our office to maintain your results.
What is VectorLift®?
Similar to microneedling in our Tulsa, OK office, VectorLift can encourage collagen production. It uses heat from a laser to tighten the skin. However, VectorLift focuses on the upper part of the face, including the upper eyelid and eyebrows.
VectorLift focuses on these three steps during treatment:
- Forehead eyebrow elevation
- Eyelid tightening
- Scalp tightening
This treatment uses a Fotona laser to target points on the face. The handpiece allows Dr. Cha to precisely target areas of the face that need treatment. Unlike a surgical facelift, Vectorlift is a non-invasive option. We will not make any cuts in your skin to give it a lifted appearance.
VectorLift will benefit people with droopy eyelids and forehead lines. However, we do not recommend this treatment for patients with acne or eczema, as treatment can worsen these problems. We will see if you are a good candidate by asking about your skin concerns before treatment.
VectorLift Treatment
To begin VectorLift, Dr. Cha will apply a numbing cream. He will ensure the cream takes effect before he begins treatment. Dr. Cha may wait 30 minutes to ensure you do not feel the laser. During treatment, you will feel the heat of the laser, but you will not feel any pain.
First, Dr. Cha uses the laser to create pulse points in the forehead. He moves from the eyebrows to the scalp. Then, he applies the laser around the hairline. Finally, he applies the laser to the eyelids.
Lasers use heat to tighten the skin in these areas to provide a non-surgical facelift. The lasers also encourage collagen growth in these areas to help erase wrinkles or lines in the skin.
After VectorLift treatment, you may experience skin flushing. However, this will fade after a few hours. We recommend that you avoid direct sunlight after treatment. To protect your skin, use SPF. Try to find sunscreen with a high SPF, like SPF 50.
You can wash your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. However, avoid abrasive products when you do your skincare. Also, avoid skin treatments like facials.
Get Smoother Skin
Are you interested in VectorLift or microneedling in our Tulsa, OK office? Call Dr. Cha today at 918-347-1114. You may also schedule a consultation with Dr. Cha on our website.
We serve Ridge Point, Oak Tree Village, Cedar Ridge Park, and other areas. Please ask us if you have questions. We’re here to help.