MICRONEEDLING

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is medical and cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny sterilized needles. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, skin needling, or percutaneous collagen induction, has been in practice for more than 20 years and has evolved into an effective way to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin.

How does Microneedling work?

A stylus tool is used to oscillate a small cartridge of sterile, stainless-steel needles at a high RPM that prick the skin to cause superficial microinjuries. As a result of these tiny abrasions, the keratinocyte cells in the epidermal layer of your skin respond and ramp up collagen production. Essentially, Microneedling is stimulating the skin to have your body send healing agents in the form of elastin and collagen into the area of treatment to repair the skin.

The skin is further healed by using high-end serums and hyaluronic acid that moisturize and repair the skin at a deeper level. Did you know when applying serums and moisturizers topically onto the skin, most of the product is not penetrating deep enough into the skin, and the majority of product is wasted?

Microneedling in conjunction with serum and hyaluronic acid mutually potentiate treatment and maximizes skin rejuvenation. Our specialized serums and hyaluronic acid hail from Germany and California, and are rigorously tested by chemists and scientists for efficacy and safety.

Our serums can target specific skin conditions by utilizing highly prized Chinese herbs that have been used for thousands of years in skin care products and regimens. To further set us apart from estheticians and medi-spas, we provide cosmetic acupuncture, facial cupping, and facial gua sha to create a holistic package that integrates western and eastern skincare tailored to your needs.

Microneedling can benefit conditions such as:

  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Sunspots
  • Lost elasticity
  • Uneven skin textures
  • Stretch marks
  • Uneven skin tones
  • Hair loss
  • Vitiligo

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which is a substance that retains moisture. It is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. This substance is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints.

Hyaluronic acid used in beauty and skincare products is primarily made by bacteria in a lab via a process called bio-fermentation. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body’s connective tissue. Glycosaminoglycans are simply long unbranched carbohydrates, or sugars, called polysaccharides.

Hyaluronic acid is the main component of what gives your skin structure, and is responsible for that plump and hydrated look. As we age, the production of key substances in the skin, including hyaluronic acid (along with collagen and elastin) decreases. As a result, our skin loses volume, hydration, and plumpness.

What does a typical course of treatment look like?

Microneedling application time can range up to 30 minutes, while total treatment time is 90 minutes with the inclusion of topical anesthesia to ease minor discomfort, supporting acupuncture, and a facial mask. Multiple sessions are required, spaced 3-4 weeks apart in order for the treatment to have lasting effects. The Microneedling cartridges are inserted relatively deeper with each treatment since the skin becomes thicker and able to withstand the treatments over time.

You can expect to see results immediately, since the body’s wound-healing process responds immediately. Skin may look plump and more radiant for several weeks after treatment. As with all skincare, treatment can take time and lasting results can take up to 6-8 weeks to appear, or 3-4 sessions of treatment. Afterwards it is recommended to come in every 3-4 months for a maintenance session. Results can be achieved faster with the inclusion of Nanoneedling, cosmetic acupuncture, facial cupping, and facial gua sha in between Microneedling sessions.

We also make sure to provide progress-based evidence of your results by taking before and after photos to track your results, and to assess which areas may need more treatment focus throughout your course of treatment.

More often than not, you’ll need more than one session, but everyone’s skin care needs vary, so it is best to have a consult to best determine the course of treatment for you.

Are there any side effects or contraindications?

Microneedling can have similar actions as other therapies such as laser treatments, chemical peels, but it is a good alternative because it offers significant results with a quicker recovery time and fewer side effects.

Some side effects you may experience after treatment include redness or mild irritation in the first few days after treatment, but that is the skin recovering. The skin may also feel tight, swollen, dry, or sensitive to touch immediately following the treatment, or it may start to flake within a week.

Microneedling is generally safe and effective, but it’s not recommended for people who take or have had radiation in the past year, are pregnant, have a skin disease, or have a history of scarring or poor wound healing. Individuals with active infections or open wounds should wait until their skin heals before trying it.

For those who get Botox or filler injections, it is important to tell us before you come in for a session. Generally, it is best to wait 4-5 weeks before or after to get Microneedling done, because the treatment can inhibit the intended actions of Botox and fillers. If you have any concerns, please contact your dermatologist and have them advise you based on your health.
Also, before coming in for treatment, do not wear make up and or any cosmetics. If that is not possible due to work, then wear as little as possible and our micellar face wipes can do the rest.

What to expect on the first visit?

  1. Initial intake and assessment
  2. Face is cleaned with micellar face wipes
  3. Lidocaine topical applied, rest 5-10 minutes
  4. Supportive Acupuncture is applied to enhance Microneedling treatment
  5. Lidocaine topical removed with face wipes
  6. Serum application to treatment area
  7. Microneedling application until skin turns slightly red
  8. Face mask applied with aloe vera juice and remaining serum
  9. Removal of supporting acupuncture points
  10. Face mask removed and face is wiped

Microneedling Treatment Aftercare

After the initial treatment, you will want to keep the face clean and not touch it with your hands while it heals. You do not want to wash it with soap or a face cleanser until the next morning after treatment. Use a sensitive face cleanser, serum, and cream at least 2x/daily, which can be recommended to those who do not have a current skincare regimen. Depending upon the patient and their skin, you will want to use gentler products on the skin for 1-7 days after treatment. Then you may return to your normal skincare routine. It is also important to wear a mineral sunscreen for the first week when you go outside or are exposed to direct ultraviolet rays. Remember to use a gentle cleansing regimen 2x/daily, stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, and eat a whole-balanced diet for maximum lasting results.

If you feel you have your questions answered and want to book, please give us a call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment!

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