Microneedling

by Mia

Also called “collagen induction therapy,” microneedling is an advanced procedure that encourages your skin to heal and rejuvenate itself. It relies on a series of tiny sterile needles that prick your skin to stimulate regeneration and healing, and it can be used to treat a wide range of issues.

How Does It Work?

Microneedling is a simple process. First, your problem areas are mapped out to define where the needles will be used. Then, we use a series of tiny, sterilized needles to gently prick the skin, just enough to activate the body’s healing mechanism. In response to the needles, the skin begins to produce collagen and elastin, which heal it while simultaneously giving it a firmer, more youthful appearance.

The Benefits of Microneedling

  • Treat scarring, including acne scars
  • Treat dark spots on your face
  • Reduce the size of facial pores
  • Improve skin elasticity and firmness
  • Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
  • Treat sun damage and melasma
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Who Is the Best Candidate for Microneedling?

Microneedling is suitable for patients with any skin type. A treatment will take between 10 and 20 minutes and will achieve visible results with just one session. We recommend it for patients who want firmer, more youthful skin.

Learn more about microneedling and its benefits.

 

Pre and Post Instructions for Microneedling

Microneedling is an FDA-approved electronic fractional device that is used to rejuvenate the skin and improve the skin surface by reducing fine lines, expression lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars. The concept of microneedling is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical injury . As the microneedling device moves across the skin, it makes pinpoint punctures to create very minor micro-“injuries.” This process has two major benefits – it effectively stimulates collagen formation and provides a clear channel for topical serums to be absorbed through the surface of the skin. The result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin. Once the desired result has been achieved, it is important to maintain collagen stimulation by returning for quarterly maintenance treatments. While most commonly used on the face, microneedling can also be used to restore and regenerate the skin on the neck, chest, and hands. Microneedling is safe for all colors of skin and all types of skin.

Procedure

Microneedling is performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile, disposable tip that allows effective treatment to hard-to-reach places (e.g. around the eyes, nose, and lips). Prior to the procedure, topical anesthetic cream is applied for patient comfort. The basic Mmicroneedlingtreatment includes the application of healing gels and serums during the procedure. The entire procedure is normally completed within 30-45 minutes depending on the required treatment and the anatomical site. New healthy skin appears about 4 weeks after treatment and continues to generate collagen for up to 4-6 months.

Discomfort & Risks

The sensation of microneedling is uncomfortable (described as a stinging sensation), particularly in areas of bony prominence and where the skin is thinner such as the neck and around the eyes. Immediately following the procedure skin will feel tight, dry, swollen, and sensitive to the touch. It’ll also look and feel sunburned. The sensitivity and redness will diminish significantly within 24 hours. Other common short-term side effects include itching, discomfort, pinpoint bleeding or bruising, scabbing, and darkening of the treated area. Additionally, the skin may look and feel like sandpaper; these effects generally last 2-7 days as the treated skin flakes off and is replaced by new tissue. While adverse reactions are extremely rare, there is a possibility of temporary side effects including but not limited to: infection, scarring, skin and tissue necrosis, herpes simplex outbreak, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). Darkening or lightening of the skin usually fades within 6 months, but in rare cases, could be permanent. This reaction is more common in patients who are tan or who have darker skin tones. It can result or worsen when treated areas are exposed to the sun too soon following treatment. This risk can be minimized by avoiding sun exposure for 4 weeks before and after treatment and by adhering to pre and post-treatment instructions.

PRE-TREATMENT

You will be asked to discontinue use of Retin A, Retinols, Vitamin A creams and other topic medications for 3-5 days before your microneedling treatment. Stop any blood thinners such as alcohol, aspirin, omega or collagen prior 1 week.

It is required that you wear sunscreen daily and use the appropriate home care topical products.

Post Procedure Instructions

No sunscreen OR makeup for 12 hours following treatment.  Wash the face a few hours after treatment or before bedtime. Use gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil. Gently massage the face with tepid water (a shower can provide an easier ability to massage the face while washing at the same time),and remove all serum and dried blood. 12-72 hours post-treatment mineral makeup can be applied, but continue to use a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, and physical sunblock with an SPF of 50. If a more aggressive treatment was performed they should also be instructed to use a more occlusive balm such as Aquaphor.

After 48 to 72 hours following treatment client can return to a regular skin care regimen. Retinol products are strongly suggested to use for optimal results.

Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days as well as excessive sun exposure for 10 days.

* For treatment of acne scars and skin rejuvenation usually 5-8 treatments are recommended as well as combining with plasma lift or dermaroller (3 treatments) for acne scars 4-5 weeks apart).

* For management of stretch marks and surgical or keloid scars usually up to 8-10 treatments are required, spaced apart every 5-6 weeks. More time in between treatments is suggested due to the aggressive trauma to the skin, allowing proper recovery time to avoid over-stimulation. If scars/stretch marks are 6 months old or younger, less time in between treatments is okay.

What to Avoid

To ensure the proper healing environment, be certain to observe the following: For at least 2 hours post-treatment, do NOT use any alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acid, retinol (vitamin A), vitamin C (in a low pH formula), or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare. Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. No tanning beds. Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment. No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments are harmful, rife with bacteria, and may cause adverse reactions.

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