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 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. This 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, 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. 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 after your 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, like 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 and ask 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.
Microneedling and VectorLift FAQs
Learn more about our cosmetic treatments with answers to these common questions:
Does microneedling hurt?
No, while your skin may feel warm after treatment, your face will not hurt. Most people say it feels like a slight pricking or scratching on the skin. During professional treatments, we use a numbing cream for your comfort.
What does my skin look like immediately after microneedling?
Right after treatment, your skin might look red and feel like you have a mild sunburn. You could also notice some swelling or tiny pinpoint marks where the needles touched your skin. These effects are normal and usually go away within a day or two. Your skin might feel slightly sensitive, but it should start to look smoother and healthier as it heals.
Is at-home microneedling as effective as professional treatments?
At-home microneedling can improve your skin, but it’s not as effective as professional treatments. Professional microneedling in our Tulsa, OK office uses more advanced tools that go deeper into the skin.
At-home devices are designed to be safer for personal use, so they are less powerful. While they can help with mild skin texture or tone, they won’t give the same results as a professional treatment. We also know how to avoid problems like skin irritation or infection, which are more likely to happen if you don’t use at-home tools are correctly.
Is microneedling safe during pregnancy?
No, we do not recommend microneedling for pregnant women. While treatment is safe for most people, pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, and there’s a higher risk of irritation or infection. Also, your body may heal differently during pregnancy, which could affect the results.
How long does VectorLift last?
Skin tightening laser treatments like VectorLift can last one year or more. The exact amount of time depends on your skin type, age, and how well you take care of your skin after the treatment. Factors like staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and maintaining a healthy skincare routine can help extend the results. Some people may need follow-up treatments to keep their skin looking tight and youthful over time.
Who is a good candidate for skin tightening laser treatments?
A good candidate for skin tightening laser treatments is someone who has mild to moderate skin sagging or wrinkles. We recommend these treatments if you want to treat the skin around the face, neck, or other areas of the body. Typically, these treatments work best for people with healthy skin who want to improve their skin’s firmness without surgery.
Skin tightening lasers are also great for people who want a non-invasive option with little downtime. However, they might not be as effective for people with very loose or excess skin, such as after significant weight loss or aging.
What should I do to prepare for a skin tightening laser treatment?
Before your laser treatment, you should:
- Avoid sun exposure because it can make your skin more sensitive to the laser.
- Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or supplements like fish oil or vitamin E for a week before the treatment
- On the day of your appointment, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and don’t wear makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.
- Let your provider know about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking
- Avoid using harsh skincare products, like retinoids or exfoliants, for a few days before your treatment.
Can I combine skin tightening laser treatments with other procedures?
Yes, you can often combine skin tightening laser treatments with other procedures to get even better results. For example, some people combine laser skin treatments with Botox or dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles and add volume to the face.
However, we recommend that you talk to Dr. Cha. He can help you decide which procedures work well together and ensure that they are safe for your skin type. Dr. Cha will also guide you on the best timing between treatments to get the best results without harming your skin.
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.