What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment consisting of a series of controlled micro-wounds made in the superficial layer of the skin. This treatment triggers your body's natural wound-healing cascade, generating new skin and forming new collagen to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and acne scars.
Can Microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Adding stem cell therapy (PRP) to your microneedle treatment is common and recommended for many. This combo increases the generation of new skin and collagen, as well as expedites the healing process, meaning less "downtime" for you and your skin!
What are the benefits of Microneedling?
Microneedling increases collagen and elastin production in your skin. By triggering your body's natural wound-healing cascade, microneedling treatments signal your cells to make new skin cells. New skin cell generation along with increased collagen and elastin production lead to tighter, smoother, & younger looking skin.
What to expect at your Microneedling Appointment:
Before Your Microneedling treatment:
Please discontinue the use of medications that prolong bleeding times such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, turmeric, and fish oils 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Discontinue the use of retinoids, retin-A, and other skin irritants 3-5 days prior to the treatment.
Aftercare for Microneedling:
To assist with the healing process and reduce visible redness, you should use the recovery kit provided by Wellness For Life: Anitoxidant rich calming serum, Hyaluronic Acid serum, The Only Cream, and Mineral Suncreen.
Typically, patients require 4 treatments to see noticeable changes in their skin’s tone, surface, diminished lines and scars. Each treatment must be spaced 4 weeks apart. Results can appear as much as 12 weeks after treatments. 1-2 treatments per year is recommended for maintenance.
Use SPF 30 and higher every day after treatment. Apply at least once in the morning and every 2 hours while in the sun and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Protect that new skin!!
Skin will be red, uneven in appearance, and sensitive for the first 2-4 days. Peeling for 7 days after treatment is common as well.
Other considerations for Microneedling:
PAIN & DISCOMFORT
The level of pain and discomfort varies with a person’s tolerance, and both may be experienced during treatment with gradual cessation of pain after treatment. In a clinical study using the Exceed microneedling device, subjects reported that they experienced moderate to moderate-severe pain. Avoid washcloths and harsh irritants like chemicals or scrubs. Use Gentle cleansers and pat dry- DO NOT RUB.
REDNESS & SWELLING
Short term redness (erythema) or swelling (edema) of the treated area can be expected for 2-4 days after treatments. An urticarial (hive-like) reaction may occur as well. In the clinical study using the Exceed microneedling device, subjects experienced a non-persistent inflammatory response, erythema and edema in the first one to six days after treatment.
PINPOINT BLEEDING
Localized pinpoint bleeding in the treatment area resolving within 24 hours.
SKIN SENSITIVITY & IRRITATION
Itching, tenderness, warming, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur. This typically resolves during the healing process, which should clear after 8 days. In rare situations it may be chronic.
EPIDERMAL CRUSTING
During the healing phase, small pinpoint crusts, flaking, or peeling may appear in place of each microscopic puncture. It is important not to pick or disturb the crusts as they heal. They may require medical attention if sensitivity or redness occurs. Crusts will typically slough off in 1-3 weeks after treatment.
VISIBLE SKIN PATTERNS
The Exceed microneedling device may produce visible patterns within the skin. The occurrence of this is not predictable.
DAMAGED SKIN
Skin that has been previously treated with chemical peels or dermabrasion, or damaged by burns, electrolysis (hair removal treatments), or radiation therapy may heal abnormally or slowly following treatment by microneedling. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Additional treatment may be necessary. If you have ever had such treatments, you should inform your treatment provider.
SUN EXPOSURE/ TANNING BEDS/ ARTIFICIAL TANNING
May increase risk of side effects and adverse events. It has been advised that you discontinue and avoid UV exposure and artificial tanning before, during, and after your treatment and recommended that you discontinue this practice all together as the effects of the sun are damaging to the skin. A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen should be used to prevent further pigmentation. Exposing the treated areas to sun may result in increased scarring, color changes, and poor healing. Patients who tan, either outdoors or in a salon, should inform their treatment provider and either delay their treatment or avoid UV exposure until your provider says it is safe to resume. The damaging effects of UV exposure occurs even with the use of sunscreen or clothing coverage.
How many Microneedling Treatments will I need?
The number of treatments vary but multiple treatments are always required. The number of treatments needed to improve and reduce your facial wrinkling and/or facial acne scars is unknown. Typically, patients require 4 treatments to see noticeable changes in their skin’s tone, surface, diminished lines and scars. We recommend our 4 treatment bundle!
For more information on the risks and benefits of Microneedling, call Wellness for Life at 360-524-0111. We will be more than happy to help you understand the aspects of Microneedling before your first treatment!
