Published on June 2021
Is Beauty Only Skin-Deep? Yes, with Dermal MicroInfusion.
There may be some truth to the age-old adage, “Beauty is only skin-deep,” that is at least when it comes to Dermal Microinfusion (DMI), a revolutionary new procedure that restores aged, damaged skin. Imagine if you could combine the rejuvenating benefits of traditional microneedling with infusions of reparative growth factors, antioxidants/vitamins, hydrating dermal fillers, and Botox® with none of the downtime associated with traditional microneedling and still achieve similar or superior results? Interested now? Continue reading to learn more about DMI and how it can help you obtain a more youthful, glowing appearance to your skin.
First remind me, what happens to skin as we age?
Aging skin loses key structural components which contribute to its strength (collagen), elasticity (elastin), and hydration (hyaluronic acid). Aged skin thus becomes dryer, thinner, less elastic, less voluminous, and more likely to wrinkle or sag, such as occurs with excess skin of the upper eyelids or the neck.
So, how does DMI help treat damaged skin?
First, DMI borrows the science behind microneedling by using a device with several tiny needles (thin as hair) to create a series of controlled injuries to the skin which stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin. Unlike traditional microneedling, however, DMI utilizes hollow-bored needles to deliver specific infusions into the dermis to restore your skin to a smoother, more vibrant complexion.
What are the different serums or infusions used in DMI?
To reiterate, the uniqueness of DMI relies on its hollow-bore needles used to deliver a variety of substances to the deeper layers of the skin. Available treatments used to restore a glowing, fresh complexion to the skin include the following:
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): available as either a serum or a dermal filler (e.g., Juvederm, Belotero), HA’s moisturizing properties work to create a subtle increase in volume and improve skin hydration, overall decreasing the appearance of fine lines.
• Neuromodulators (Botox® or Xeomin®): used to target acne and improve the overall appearance of the skin by targeting fines lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and oily skin.
• Growth Factors: available as either a serum or self-donated Platelet-rich Fibrin, growth factors rejuvenate the skin by assisting with dermal repair.
• vitamin C and E: powerful antioxidants that protect from damaging oxidative stressors like the sun.
How many treatments do I need?
How much does DMI cost? Depending on which “cocktail” of skin-boosting ingredients you choose, prices vary from $275 to $975 per session. Although you will see immediate improvement after 1 session, I recommend you complete a series of 4 sessions spaced every 6–8 weeks apart to allow adequate time for “skin turnover” and to achieve optimal results.
What is the downtime and post-procedural care for Microinfusion?
There exists virtually no downtime from a DMI treatment, with most patients experiencing slight redness to the treated areas for only a few hours after the treatment. Aside from that, I instruct patients not to wash their face for 4 hours after treatment, nor should they wear makeup for 24 hours as to prevent infection. Also, avoiding retinol, Vit C/E, or other astringents for 48 hrs is recommended to decrease risk of skin irritation. NOTE: both traditional microneedling and DMI treatments carry similar risks, namely pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, motor/ sensory nerve deficits, allergic reaction, cosmetic deformity, and need for repeat treatments. Most of these “risks” are mild and self-limited.
How can I learn more about a Dermal Microinfusion?
If you are interested in learning more about Dermal Microinfusion or other skin rejuvenating procedures, I suggest consulting with a physician experienced in both surgical and non-surgical skin-reparative techniques so that you receive a thorough and non-biased evaluation.
Lastly, choose a surgeon whom you trust.
There are few things more important than
your relationship with your doctor.
In Good Health,
Blake Raggio, M.D
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
