Microneedling is currently one of the hottest skin treatments on the esthetic market. During microneedling, a sterile medical device makes hundreds of miniature punctures through the outermost layer of a patient’s skin. These tiny, painless punctures prompt the patient’s body to increase the natural production of collagen. This leads to a turnover in skin cells and generation of a new layer of youthful skin.

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Collagen is what gives our hair, skin, nails, bones, tendons and ligaments their structure. It gives our hair its shine, our skin its glow and strength to our nails. However, as we age, collagen production slows. This lessened production of new collagen can be due to a number of factors, including:

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• Unhealthy diets

• Poor lifestyle decisions

• Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies

• Exposure to external pollutants

• UV ray exposure

• Genetics

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WHAT DOES MICRONEEDLING DO?

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When our bodies are injured, cells known as fibroblasts produce new collagen to repair the injured area. This induction of new collagen gives us new tissue. Through use of a microneedling device, we are able to stimulate a patient’s body to produce additional collagen in response to what it perceives as miniature injuries, replacing older dermal tissue with new, more youthful skin.

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WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MICRONEEDLING?

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Because microneedling is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, women and men of almost all ages can utilize it to prompt a completely natural healing process. This healing process may be used to reduce wrinkles, minimize the appearance of stretchmarks, repair sun damage, minimize pores and improve scars, all while preventing the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

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WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MICRONEEDLING?

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Microneedling should not be performed on patients who have:

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• Active skin cancer in the treatment area

• Open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area

• An allergy to stainless steel or anesthetics

• A hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or hemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction

• Are pregnant or nursing

• Are currently taking harsh drugs for acne (example: Accutane)

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WHAT IS THE RECOVERY AND DOWNTIME?

 

After treatment, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight and refrain from harsh cleaners for a week. A small percentage of patients may experience what can be described as a mild sunburn sensation, though this should subside after two to three days. As your body naturally generates new collagen, you can expect to see a reduction in the appearance of scars, a lessening of wrinkles and a more youthful appearance overall.

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BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:

• Do not exercise the day before or for 24 hours after your treatment.

• Avoid medications such as: Aleve, Advil, ibuprofen, cold remedies, Vitamin E, or aspirin 5 days prior to treatment.

• Avoid Retin-A, chemical peels, injectable fillers, or Botox for 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Notify staff if you have had cold sores. You will require an anti-viral prescription to avoid any breakout after treatments.

• The procedure cannot be performed if you have open cuts, wounds, abrasions or are currently experiencing any acne or cold sore breakouts.

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POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

What to expect:

Day 1: Skin will be red and flushed after micro-needling, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur. Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours.

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. Apply moisturizer as needed.

Day 3: Skin can be pink or normal color. Swelling subsides. The skin can feel dry or tight. A slight outbreak of acne or milia (tiny white bumps) is possible. Light peeling usually occurs in about three days and will be replaced with brand new skin.

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• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, using only your fingers. Massage gently with lukewarm water to remove serum and debris like dried blood. Do not scrub, use a soft wash cloth or fingertips. Cleanse treated areas twice a day and avoid exfoliating products for 72 hours.

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

• Apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream or Benadryl spray or gel on treated areas to reduce itching or redness.

• Do not exercise for 24 hours after treatment; no strenuous exercise for the next 48 hours.

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

• Continue to avoid sun exposure to the treatment areas and apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF (minimum of 30). Apply it at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and repeat after every two hours of sun exposure.

• After 2-3 days you 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. I have found using a primer is helpful.

• Avoid waxing, facials, Botox, injectable fillers or any other skin care treatment for two weeks after your procedure.

• If skin becomes painful, swollen, red or inflamed, please notify us immediately as this may represent an infection or allergic reaction that may require treatment.​