Microneedling Lip Lines
Female – Age: 42, Procedure details: 3 treatments, 5 weeks apart. MicroNeedling with HA. Needle depth 1 mm – 1.5 mm for skin tone and texture, fine lines and pigmentation.
Microneedling Face Pigmentation
Female – Age: 40, Procedure details: 3 treatments, 4 weeks apart. MicroNeedling with HA. Needle depth 1 mm – 1.5 mm for fine lines (crows feet) and pigmentation.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling Therapy, also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) and Percutaneous (through the skin) Collagen Induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of the MD Needle Pen. The medical microneedling process uses bodies natural healing process to stimulate collagen and elastin production on the skin.
The MD Needle Pen treatment creates controlled depth micro-punctures to the skin which helps to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores, stretch marks and scars. The microchannels created by the microneedling procedure also allow for optimal absorption of topical products, enhancing their effects in the skins deeper layers.
Microneedling Procedure
Before the procedure begins, a numbing cream is applied for optimal comfort. After 30 minutes the cream is removed and a small amount of Hyaluronic acid or PRP is placed on a small area of the skin. The MD Needle Pen is then glided over that area of the face four times, cross-hatching to get full coverage and maximize rejuvenation. The process is repeated until the entire face or area has been treated.
During the procedure, the mechanical action of the pen allows the needles to puncture the skin and create a controlled injury at a specific depth. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the bodies natural healing process to fill these micro wounds by producing new collagen and elastin in the papillary dermis. In addition, new capillaries are formed resulting in improved blood supply.
The MD Needle Pen procedure feels similar to sandpaper being moved across the skin. Expect areas around the eyes and forehead to be a little more sensitive but the short-term discomfort is well worth the results. With Microneedling, the top layer of the skin is parted without being damaged, leaving the skin intact. It does not “burn” your skin like peels or more invasive lasers. The needle penetration depth can be adjusted from 0.25mm to 2.50mm into the skin depending on the area of the body and the skin condition being treated.
Including the application of a numbing cream, an entire full face procedure will take 45 minutes.
After the procedure, expect the skin to be red and flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. Some clients will experience mild swelling, tightness, and pinpoint bleeding which can last between 24 and 72 hours. Total healing time depends on the depth of the treatment, skin type and skin condition and one can expect slight peeling and dry skin.
Patients typically notice an immediate glow within the first few days, but the most visible improvement will take about 2-4 weeks and will continue for up to 3 months.
A series of 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is ideal for optimal results. Some conditions like deep wrinkles advanced photo-aging, stretch marks and acne scars will need 6-8 treatments.
After-care:
Immediately post-treatment, you should apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. To protect the newly treated skin, for the next few days, treat it to a gentle cleanse and a good amount of hydration. For the first 24 hours post-procedure, I would recommend going “au naturel” to give your skin time to recover. After that, skin should be mildly pink for one to two days. Then, you will begin to experience the benefits of microneedling—a smoother, more glowing complexion.
Microneedling Pros and Cons
Microneedling is a procedure that is ideal for all ages and skin colors. This treatment can be done on any part of the body to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, skin tone and texture and even stretch marks. This quick comfortable treatment has very little downtime and is great for everyone that wants to prevent the aging process.
The MicroNeedling treatment allows for controlled induction of growth factor serums, or hyaluronic acid, into the skin’s self-repair process by creating micro-injuries in the skin. As safe as this skin needling treatment is, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
If you are a regular to skin rejuvenation procedures, be aware of botox and dermal fillers. It is not recommended to have the microneedling procedure done until at least 2 weeks after Botox and 4 weeks after a filler like Juvederm. There are no health risks when combining the needle pen procedure with these procedures before 2 weeks, but it can have an effect on how the botox and filler work.
If you have any of the following health conditions or immune system disorders consult a doctor before considering a microneedling procedure:
- Accutane within 6 months
- Cardiac abnormalities
- Blood clotting problems
- Platelet abnormalities
- Anticoagulation therapy (i.e., Warfarin)
- Facial cancer, past and present
- Chemotherapy
- Steroid therapy
- Dermatological diseases affecting the face (i.e., Porphyria)
- Diabetes and other chronic conditions
