What Is Micro-Needling?
Micro-Needling also known as Collagen Induction Therapy is a new natural innovation for the treatment of fine lines, acne, scars and the improvement of the skin’s texture, tone and color. The objective of Micro-Needling is to build up the connective tissue in the lower skin layers (dermal layers) while keeping intact the protective layers of the skin (epidermal layers). During this procedure, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. The skin’s repair process results in a thicker, tighter dermis with softer wrinkles and improved skin tone. Using the Micropen® , micro-channels are created which allow topical gels, creams and serums to be absorbed more effectively, enhancing their effects in deeper layers of the skin.
What Are The Benefits?
• Wrinkle & scar reduction
• Texture & tone improvement
• Softer & younger looking skin
New collagen production reverses years of sun damage. Micro-Needling also has a positive effect on hyperpigmentation as well as hypo-pigmentation, acne scars, traumatic scars and stretch marks. Unlike fractional lasers and overly, aggressive chemical peels which can thin your epidermis and decrease your dermal papillae resulting in inflamed, drier and more wrinkled skin.
What Does It Feel Like?
The feeling associated with Micro-Needling using the Micropen is similar to sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating needle tip makes the treatment comfortable. Numbing cream is also applied before treatment to reduce the feeling of the pen.
What Areas Of The Body Can I Treat?
All parts of the body, your face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back can benefit from Collagen Induction Therapy.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The procedure takes about 60 minutes depending on the size of the area treated.
How Does Micro-needling Work?
Micro-Needling therapy works by naturally inducing collagen in three phases of therapy, all while leaving you skin’s architecture intact:
Phase 1: Inflammation Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. Since the epidermis is only micro-punctured, it will heal rapidly. In the dermis the skin develops multiple microbruises that initiate the complex cascade of growth factors that eventually result in collagen production.
Phase 2: Proliferation The total healing time depends on the depth of needles used and the number of overlapping passes your skin care professional performs. The initial treatment promotes the chemotaxis response and proliferation of fibroblasts. The body’s platelets also respond to initiate a wound matrix. This response is the early phase of cell migration to remove ink, debris and bacteria. On average, patients are red for 2 - 4 days and some patients heal completely in 24 hours.
Phase 3: Formation New fibroblasts, monocytes, keratinocytes will continue to proliferate and multiply. New collagen will be laid down and deposited with new tissue formation. Next, a fibrotic response (5-20 days later) of growth factors are released as well as the release of fibroblasts to create collagen. The best results are achieved with multiple treatments. Actual remodeling of skin tissue continues up to 1-year.
How Is The Procedure Done?
A sterile needle-tip containing 12 tiny micro-needles is attached to the Micropen. A thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum is applied to your skin and the appropriate treatment depth based on your unique needs is selected. Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.
What Is The Downtime?
Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the depth of needles used and number of overlapping passes performed. On average, patients are red for 2-4 days.
When Will I See The Results?
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several weeks. Results continue to improve up to 1 mont after the treatment as collagen production continues.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
It is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 3-6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or scars, 6-8 sessions at 4 week intervals are recommended.