Medical Micro-Needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy) is a popular procedure with results similar to that of chemical peels and some laser skin treatments. Medical micro-needling is a safe skin renewal technique to restore the healthy and youthful appearance of your skin with minimal or zero downtime.
Many clinical studies have proven that serum absorption is increased when applied with micro-needling. This cell multiplication results in the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibers as well as in new capillaries for an improved blood supply.
Micro-Needling Benefits
- Fine lines and wrinkles are softened
- Skin is thickened, tightened and elasticity is restored
- Acne scarring and minor scarring are reduced
- Stretch marks are improved
- Loose or lax skin
- Skin texture and pore size
- Stretch marks
What does the procedure involve?
The skin is cleaned and numbing cream may be applied to lessen discomfort. For better results we use a collagen-stimulating product like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin-C serum or skin lightener during the procedure. A small handheld pen like device with a sterile, disposable tip with 12 tiny needles is then used to pierce the skin. Our needling pen’s multi-speed and adjustable needle depth allow needles to pierce the skin’s layer at 90 degrees and increase the absorption of products. After the treatment, soothing Vitamin-C serum or Hyaluronic acid are used to hydrate, heal and protect the skin.
How does Medical Micro-Needling work?
The device slides along the skin, penetrating the upper layers of the skin to a depth of up to 2mm to create numerous tiny needle wounds. The procedure prompts the body to respond through the creation of new collagen and elastin fibers. In response to the stimulus, the skin plumps and thickens, reducing the appearance of scars, and fine lines and wrinkles.
What will I look like after the treatment?
Most people will experience redness and mild swelling similar to a mild sunburn for 24 to 48 hours. There may also be minimal pin-point bleeding or bruising. Within a week or two, you will notice that your skin is smoother and more radiant looking but the full effects won’t be seen for a few months.
What is the downtime after Medical Micro-Needling treatment?
The inflammatory reaction of the skin is extremely short and fades significantly within hours from redness to a pink hue that may last for 12 to 48 hours. In order to reduce visible redness, we recommend hyaluronic acid and zinc-based sunblock to protect the skin. The use of mineral makeup is recommended but not until 12 hrs after the procedure.
What are the benefits of Medical Micro-Needling?
- Dramatically increases the effectiveness and penetration of active ingredients in topical preparation
- Stimulates circulation and collagen production
- Medical grade titanium needles makes it non-allergenic to human tissue
- Cost effective compared to other resurfacing procedures
- Can be performed on all skin types, including ethnic skin
- It can be used on all areas of the scalp, face, body including fragile skin like around eyes, mouth and neck
What effects does the Medical Micro-Needling have on the skin?
- improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- stimulates tissue regeneration
- disfiguring scars, especially acne scars can be improved as new collagen fibers elevate the depressed scar tissue with the periphery skin
- pore size reduction
- improves the appearance of stretch marks
Can Micro-Needling be performed on any skin color?
Medical Micro-needling is safe to use on all skin types and all skin colors. There is no risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
How many treatments are needed?
Micro-needling can be safely repeated every 4 to 6 weeks until the desired results are achieved. For collagen induction we recommend starting with 3 treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. For scar reduction, we suggest 3 to 6 treatments depending on the extent of damage and how well the patient responds. Micro-needling can be used on all skin parts of the body (neck, décolleté, arms, legs).
Risks
Since the tiny pricking channels close within one hour, and provided the procedure is done under clinical conditions, post-op infections are extremely unlikely.
What should I avoid on my skin after treatment?
To ensure the right healing environment do not use any glycolic acid (AHA) , retinol, acidic or “active” ingredients. Exposure to sun should also be avoided or zinc-based sunblock should be used.
Side Effects
There are virtually no negative side effects as none have ever been reported.
Who’s a good candidate?
Medical micro-needling can be safely performed on all skin types and colors. As the epidermis and melanocytes in the basal area are left intact there is minimal risk of pigment change or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Micro-needling can treat sensitive and fragile areas like the eyes, neck and back of the hands that are difficult to treat with other procedures.
Micro-needling is not suitable for patients who:
- Have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last three months
- Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions on the skin
- Have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
- Have any kind of current skin infection, condition or herpes simplex in the area to be treated
- Are pregnant or breast feeding
- Have any history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (303) 666-1199.