Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular skin rejuvenation procedure that helps correct numerous skin concerns like loose skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scars. An alternative to chemical peels, microneedling achieves similar results without causing skin to flake and peel.
Don’t let the name scare you. The technical definition of microneedling is fractional collagen induction therapy. What does that mean exactly? We use the Rejuvapen microneedling device. It is a handheld powered device and looks similar to a large writing pen. It has a tip that contains 9 microscopic needles that painlessly pass over the skin creating thousands of micro channels in the skin.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Preparing for Microneedling
A week before your procedure it is highly advised to stop using exfoliating products, acids and bleaching creams/products. Along with the discontinued use of retinols and tretinoin (Retin-A) at least 12 hours in advance (day before), do not also conduct any wax or skin treatment.
Please remember microdermabrasion cannot be done if you have active acne, cold sore or open lesions, discontinue the usage of Accutane 6 months prior to having any skin treatment or procedure due to skin sensitivity. To reduce the risk of bleeding, you should discontinue all supplements including fish oils, aspirin and ibuprofen 3-5 days in advance. If you are on a prescribed anticoagulant, you will need to consult with your prescribing physician to see what they recommend before moving forward with microneedling. It is also advised to limit alcohol use 2 days in advance of your treatment.
Different settings will be used for the different areas that are being treated. By this we mean the depth the needles will penetrate will be adjusted. You wouldn’t use the same setting on the forehead as you would use on the cheeks for example. There are also different techniques that can be used to treat certain skin concerns for example a “stamping” technique maybe used for acne scars and even wrinkles. We are able to treat delicate areas like up to the lower lash line and the upper eyelid just below the brow where the skin tends to get thin and crepey.
What to Expect During Microneedling Treatment
Microneedling Recovery Time
Immediately following treatment your skin will look pink or red, similar to that of a mild sunburn. The skin may also feel warm and tight. This will typically subside in a few hours but can last as long as 24-48 hours. This is normal. We recommend no strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after your microneedling treatment. Sweat can further irritate the skin. The micro channels close within 24 hours. It is super important to keep the skin extremely hydrated to speed the healing process. Aftercare is imperative to achieving the best results.
We advise not wearing make-up for 24-hours following your treatment. Use only gentle cleanser and tepid water to cleanse the skin for 72-hours or 3 days post treatment. Do not use a Clarisonic or powered cleansing brush for at least one week after treatment.
We believe consultations are very important when considering any skin treatment. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking to achieve with your skin. At your consultation you will meet with one medical aestheticians who will put together a treatment plan along with product recommendations for you to consider. They will also let you know the number of microneedling treatments they believe you will need to see the best results.
Microneedling Consultations
Microneedling Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Rejuvapen is indicated to treat Fine lines & moderate wrinkles, Acne scarring, Stretch marks, Traumatic scars, Epidermal pigment, Burn wounds, Mild rosacea (vascular only), Hyperpigmentation.
We do not perform Rejuvapen within 2 weeks of a Botox treatment to avoid affecting the distribution beyond the injection site. In order to avoid an inflammatory reaction we will not perform Rejuvapen until 2 weeks after having fillers injected.
No, microneedling does not hurt! To make your treatment as easy and stress free as possible, we schedule you to arrive 1 hour before your actual treatment time. We will apply a prescription strength topical numbing cream to the treatment area/areas which will remain on your face for the next hour. Some of our patients use this time to work, read, watch videos, or even take a nap!
The number of treatments you will need will depend on what your goal is and what area we’re treating (face or body). For wrinkles and facial rejuvenation 4-6 treatments are needed. Acne scars require 6-8 treatments, depending on depth and severity. Décolleté will need 4-8.
The short answer is: you can schedule a microneedling treatment every 4 to 6 weeks. However, beyond this simple answer, here is some more information about what microneedling is and how it works, so you can determine how often you would personally want to get it done and understand why experts require 4 to 6 weeks between treatments.
This procedure carries minimal risk, but you should certainly visit an experienced provider should you encounter issues you want to know your concerns will be handled quickly and professionally. Your skin care specialist should provide you with aftercare instructions and products to be used for the first 3 days post treatment to aid in the healing process.
Microneedling Videos
Microneedling Treatment – Demonstration and Q&A
Sarah performs a Microneedling procedure and answers many commonly asked questions about the treatment.