Microneedling

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy uses a hand held pen-like needle to create controlled depth micro-injuries to the skin. When this occurs, the skin is stimulated to begin the natural repair process that leads to the production of collagen and elastin. It is safe for all skin types and can have dramatic effects on various skin concerns. Microneedling is used to treat several different types of conditions that include:

• Mild to Moderate Acne Scarring
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Crow’s Feet and Lip Lies
• Loose and Lax Skin
• Skin Tone and Texture
• Pore Size
• Sun Damaged Skin
• Superficial Pigmentation
• Hypo-Pigmentation
• Surgical Scars
• Stretch Marks
• Hair Loss

HOW DOES MICRONEEDLING WORK?

Microneedling uses a hand held pen-like device to create micro-injuries in the dermis, these micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, which produces new collagen and elastin. These micro-injury channels also allow Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or other serums to be driven profoundly into the dermis to help amplify the skins utilization of nutrients by 3000%. HA pairs well with moisture and has been known to be the “fountain of youth” serum. HA helps the cells preserve water for a more hydrated, plump, and healthy looking skin.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS OF MICRONEEDLING WILL I NEED?

The amount of treatments needed depends on the patient and the results that they want to achieve. The problem area a patient wants to correct also plays a role in the amount of treatments that are needed. A single treatment will make for a nice subtle change, but a series of 3-6 treatments is ideal for the most optimal results.

IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER HAVING A TREATMENT OF MICRONEEDLING?

Most patients will be red and flushed to the treated area for 24-72 hours, depending on how deep the treatment was performed. In some cases, some bruising may occur. To decrease this risk, the patient should avoid any excessive alcohol, aspirin, NSAIDs, and vitamin E for 5-7 days prior to a treatment, unless recommended by your medical provider. These are not contraindicated to performing the treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE BEFORE MY TREATMENT?

There are a some practices that should be avoided before a treatment.

• The patient should not be on Accutane within the last six months.
• Any laser, waxing, or electrolysis treatments should be avoided 7 days prior to a treatment.
• Any retinol, topical antibiotics, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide should be avoided 3 days prior to treatment.
• No exfoliants, acids, or prolonged sun exposure, should be avoided 24 hours prior to a treatment.
• No autoimmune therapies or products should be used 12 hours prior to treatment.
• On the day of the procedure the patient must avoid any shaving to the treatment area and the skin must be clean. If the treatment is being done to the face, the patient should not apply any makeup prior to the treatment.

It should be noted that if there are any active or extreme breakouts to the area being treated, the patient can still be treated but the infected area will be avoided. The service provider also has the choice to reschedule the session if the breakouts are too severe.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OR DO POST-TREATMENT? 

After the first 24 hours of the treatment you may wash you face with a gentle cleanser and follow it with a recommended moisturizer. This regimen should be followed for the next 3-4 days, at least. The first few days after a treatment, your skin may feel dry and tight and a sunburn-like feeling may also be present. There may be some peeling and flaking of the skin, this is normal. It is highly recommended to use sunscreen daily post-treatment and direct sun exposure should be avoided 10 days after a treatment.

Listed below are a series of products that must be avoided for 3-4 days post treatment:

• Cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide; these will irritate the skin.
• Mineral powder make-up
• Retinol products

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO MICRONEEDLING?

There are some conditions and situations where this treatment should not be performed:

• Patients who have taken Accutane within the last six months
• Patients who have open wounds, cuts, or abrasions on the area being treated
• Patients who have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
• Patients who have any kind of current skin infection or herpes simplex in the are to be treated – microneedling can trigger an outbreak
• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding – all the nutrients should go to the baby and not to repair the skin. Also, topical anesthetics cannot be applied to a nursing mother.
• Patients who have any history of a keloid scar in the area being treated
• Patients who have poor wound healing – such as diabetics
• Patients who have eczema, psoriasis, active acne, rosacea, or any other chronic skin conditions to the area being treated
• People who have active Solar Keratosis
• People who have raised moles, warts, or lesions within the treatment area
• People who have had microneedling within the last 4 weeks
• People who have had Botox or dermal filler injections within the last 4 weeks

Absolute Contraindications (Treatments CANNOT be done on these patients):

• Patients with history of Scleroderma, blood clotting problems, collagen vascular disease, cardiac abnormalities, immunosuppression, active bacterial or fungal infections, and scars less than 3 months old.

If you are unsure about a health condition, consult your medical provider before receiving treatment.