Microneedling, also known as Skin Needling or Collagen Induction Therapy, is a treatment that kick-starts your skin's natural healing process to produce elastin and collagen in the skin. This procedure plumps up the skin and softens depressed areas such as acne scars and deep wrinkles, as well as fine lines and wrinkles around the lips, eyes, forehead, chin, neck, decollete. The area will have a shrink wrap effect as the skin tightens, and pores have been known to appear smaller after a few treatments. Microneedling is done by inserting a sterile needle grouping into the upper layers of the skin until pin point bleeding is achieved, creating microwounds which in turn signals the body to produce collagen and elastin in the treated area. At least 3 treatments are recommended at 4 to 6 weeks apart. Sometimes client's have come back as soon as 2 weeks depending on the area being treated. Results have been seen after 1 treatment, but will vary depending on the client's expectations. Microneedling treatments are customized to each client's need, for example, sessions can be targeted to just acne scars, post-op scars, full face, including neck and/or decollete, back of hands, or other areas of the body.
Skin Resurfacing
The client's face is thoroughly cleansed and numbed with a topical anesthetic before treatment. Treatment usually lasts 60 minutes or more depending on the areas of the body the client wants treated. No PRP is used in these treatments. Instead, hyaluronic acid or a stem cell serum is used for the slip and glide of the microneedling device. OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards, infection control and standard precautions are always followed during microneedling.
Your skin looks and feels sunburned for the first few hours after the treatment up to 24-48hrs in areas such as the neck or decollete. Wearing makeup is not recommended after a session, but should you decide to cover up, please make sure your hands are washed, brushes are clean and no heavy makeup or concealer that would occlude your pores; mineral powder is recommended. Your skin is full of tiny microwounds after a session so whatever you put on your skin will be absorbed deeper into your skin.
Your skin may become dryer and flake after 3-5 days, up to 10 days following the treatment; apply daily SPF 30+, preferably mineral based SPF with zinc as well as recommended skincare products to protect and keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. There are recent studies that recommend not using any Vitamin C or antioxidant products right after a microneedling treatment. I will research more on these studies and let you all know what I find and post it on my blog. Best to continue using Hyaluronic Acid serums or soothing moisturizers that contain no chemical exfoliants for at least the next 10days to mitigate any adverse reactions to the skin.
No waxing, threading, or depilatory hair removal at least 2 days before treatment. No retinol products i.e. Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac at least 5-7days before treatment.
Scar Relaxation
Another method of microneedling is called scar relaxation. Scar relaxation is the process of releasing the tough, fibrous bands of collagen in contractured, or scarred tissue. Burn scars, surgical scars and other tissue that has become contracted by excess production of collagen will be softened, smoothed and flattened out by this procedure. Scar Relaxation is accomplished by inserting a sterile needle group matching the size of the scar, into the dermal layer of the skin, helping to break down the fibrous bands of collagen in the scar.
Results of this procedure range from a softening of the scar’s toughness and texture to increased range of motion. In the most successful of cases, clients have regained total range of motion after several treatments. Scars must be matured at least 6 months to a year old before starting this procedure.
Melanocyte Restoration
Melanocyte Restoration is the process of regenerating the skin’s melanin production in hypo-pigmented skin by stimulating the melanocyte cells in the epidermis. Melanocyte Restoration is accomplished by a microneedling method that helps to kick start melanin production in the treated area.
The client must expose the treated area to natural sunlight or a tanning bed for at least 30-60 minutes for the next 48 hrs (first 2 days) after the procedure.
Results can vary depending on the number of treatments a client receives and aftercare.
Call 808-388-1288 to book a consultation. Prices are determined by the area being treated. Microneedling can be done for partial face (i.e. just acne scars), full face, neck, decollete, back of hands, post-op or contracted scars on various areas of the body.