Microneedling is controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process for remodeling of the skin tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.

It works in 3 phases:

• Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.

• Phase II: Proliferation.  The micro-wounds are rebuilt with newly granulated cells in the in the dermal layers of skin.  New micro-networks of blood vessels are also created during wound healing.

• Phase III: Remodeling. The micro-wounds are replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.

 How do I preserve the effects of the treatment?

·  3 treatments 30-60 days a part for fine lines and pigmentation

·  3-6 treatments 30-60-days a part for acne scarring

Homecare is essential part of preservation.  It evolves using a retinoid (tretinoin) to keep cell turnover high.

We recommend an initial microneedling series of 3 followed by maintenance 1-2 times a year.

SkinPen is the only microneedling device approved by FDA (approval March of 2018).

Acupuncture vs Microneedling

Acupuncture is done dry and typically for pain relief

In microneedling the purpose of the treatment to created micro-injuries to create new skin tissue growth.  When you create an injury the skin it begins to repair itself and that includes: 

·      rebuilding scar tissue – collagen and elastin therefore helping with fine lines   

·      encouraging melanocyte cells to repair themselves – helping with melisma, sunspots, and discoloration

Does it hurt?

Considered a comfortable procedure usually rated a 1/10 on a pain scale.  A topical numbing agent it used.  The procedure can be done without a topical numbing agent however, for your comfort this is not recommended.  Skinpen utilizes 14 needles and a range of 0.25 – 2 mm

Pre-procedure Precautions

·      Avoid the sun exposure 

·      Discontinue use of topical retinoids 72 hours prior to procedure. 

·      Can not be performed over active acne.  

·      Allow at least 24 hours after autoimmune therapies.

·      Wait six months following oral isotretinoin use. 

Post-procedure Expectations

·      Day 1: Skin will be red and flushed after treatment, depending on the intense of the treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur. Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours. Preferably 2-3 days.

·      Day 2: A red or pink hue persists like moderate sunburn. Swelling and slight bruising may be more noticeable on the second day. Minor scratches may be visible. Keep re-applying moisture as needed. 

·      Day 3: Skin can be pink or normal color. Swelling subsides. The skin can feel dry or feel tight. A slight outbreak of acne or milia (tiny white bumps) is possible. Light peeling usually occurs.

Home Care

1. Wash hands with warm, soapy water then use a gentle cleanser and wash your face using only your fingers. Gently massage the face with lukewarm water. Remove serum and other debris such as dried blood. Do not scrub or use a wash cloth or a Clarisonic brush. Cleanse areas treated twice a day. Do not use exfoliating products or retinol/retinoid for 7 days. 

2. Clean, cold compresses may be applied following treatment for comfort. If neck or décolletage are treated, the redness might last slightly longer. 

3. Continue to avoid sun exposure to the treatment areas and apply a physical block sunscreen with SPF minimum of 30 minutes. Apply it at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and repeat after every two hours of sun exposure. 

4. After 2-3 days patients can return to regular skin care products or as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Mineral makeup may be applied the following day. 

5. Do not exercise for 24 hours after treatment.

6. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or showers until redness is gone. 

7. Avoid waxing, facials, injectable fillers, Botox or any other skin care treatments for 1 week post treatment.

8. New cell regeneration requires at least 6-8, 8 oz. glasses of water a day.

9. If you feel you are having an adverse event, please contact your provider. 

PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma is a concentration of growth factors, cytokines, platelets from your on body which help aid in wound repair, skin rejuvenation and remodeling with new collagen and fibroblasts. It has been used in aesthetic medicine for over 10 years, and other surgical fields of wound repair. Can be applied topically after microneedling to speed recovery time, as well as injected into the scalp to correct hair loss. Also used in other areas of medicine, joint related issues such as arthritis or sport injury.