Micro-Needling
Micro-Needling
Micro-Needling is a treatment designed to target concerns of fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and the improvement of skin’s tone and texture. It is a form of collagen induction therapy meaning it stimulates collagen production to improve the plumpness of the skin as well as to promote skin healing.
How does Micro-Needling work?
Micro-needling creates a controlled injury underneath the skin’s surface, thereby inducing the body to respond through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibres. It also introduces new capillaries for an improved blood supply. The skin plumps and thickens in response to this ultimately reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and other skin texture concerns. In addition to the micro-needles this allows for topical gels and creams such as hyaluronic acid to be absorbed more effectively through the top layer of skin during the treatment.
What are the effects of Micro needling on the skin?
It improves the thickness of the dermis as well as the epidermis. This in return improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles. It also has a positive effect on hyper-pigmentation as well as on hypo-pigmentation. Disfiguring scars, especially acne scars they can be improved by new collagen fibers by elevating the depressed scar tissue. An improved blood supply into the previous fibrotic scar tissue harmonizes and blends the pigmentation in the skin.
Which area of the body and face can I do?
Unlike ablative procedures which are mainly used for facial skin, Micro-Needling can be used on all skin parts of the body such as face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, back and buttocks.
How is it performed
The skin is thoroughly cleansed and topical numbing cream is applied for 20-30 minutes prior to treatment. The treatment involves 12 tiny micro-point needles closely-spaced gliding back and forth across the affected skin areas creating a wound to stimulate collagen and skin healing.
As the micro eclipse pen glides along the skin, the needles can penetrate the upper layers of skin to a depth of up to 2mm producing thousands of tiny puncture marks or micro-medical needle-channels within the skin.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the area being treated.
Are there any risks or side effects from the procedure?
Side effects and risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, with some mild scab formation in rare circumstances. Infections are extremely rare since the tiny pricking channels close within minutes, and provided the procedure is done under clinical conditions, post-op infections are very unlikely. Small white skin spots (milia) may also form on the skin which can be treated if these are persistent. As this is a non-ablative treatment hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin area treated is highly unlikely but can very rarely occur. This is usually temporary and subsides after the first couple of months. Suitable make-up will be able to conceal this if necessary. If you have a history of cold sores, then this could possibly flare up after the treatment. Please advise us accordingly. We may need to prescribe appropriate anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
What should I do after the treatment?
Post-treatment advice may include:
• Using tepid water to cleanse the face for the first 48 hours following treatment and drying the area gently without rubbing.
• Ensuring that your hands are always clean when touching the area treated to avoid any infections.
• Avoid applying make products for the first 12 hours following treatment and choose healthier options such as mineral based makeup products.
When will I see the results of the treatment?
It can take between 6- 8 weeks before visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and the process will continue to evolve over the ensuing months providing a gradual improvement. Although a single treatment can provide a noticeable result, ideally a series of 2-3 treatments spaced about 4-8 weeks apart is recommended to achieve optimal results.
Who should not undergo this procedure?
It is not suitable for patients who:
• Have a used Accutane within the last 3 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, herpes simplex in the area to be treated.
• Are pregnant or are breast feeding.
• Have any history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing.
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