What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a device covered with tiny, shallow needles, which causes a ‘micro-injury’ that prompts the skin to stimulate collagen production.

In this way, it produces smoother, softer and more youthful-looking skin after about 4-5 treatment sessions. It can be used effectively for:

• Reducing scars caused by acne, surgery or thermal burns

• Fading stretch marks

• Reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles

• Tightening sagging skin

• Skin pigmentation

• Plumping up the skin for more youthful appearance

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What is Involved in a Microneedling Treatment?

Despite its name, microneedling is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures. Unlike chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments, this cosmetic procedure causes minimal damage to the skin.

 

How It Works:

This procedure is well-tolerated and takes up to an hour to complete, depending on the area to be treated and the severity of the problem.

Some things you need to know include:

• No lotions, makeup or other topical products are applied on the treatment area on the day of the procedure.

• Your skin care practitioner will apply a numbing cream on the treatment area to make you as comfortable as possible.

• The skin is punctured in a specific pattern using a skin needling device.

• As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a micro-wound stimulating skin cell regeneration.

• Depending on the condition treated, it could take from 5-60 minutes to complete the procedure.

• A minimum of 6 weeks is recommended between two treatments as it takes that long for new, natural collagen to form.

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Benefits of Microneedling

Some benefits of the procedure include:

• Reduced risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring

• Suitable for thin and sensitive skin

• Cost-effective and can be done on areas of the skin not suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing, such as near the eyes

• The epidermis remains intact and undamaged, as opposed to ablative laser resurfacing

• Regular activities can be resumed within a few days

• Safe and relatively simple procedure that can be performed in an office setting

• Treatment does not result in a line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin, as usually occurs with other resurfacing procedures.

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Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

Since microneedling is minimally invasive and uses needles instead of heat, it’s safe for all skin types and tones. However, it is NOT recommended for patients who:

• Are younger than 20 years of age

• Have skin infections or open wounds

• Have deep lines or wrinkles

• Suffer from certain skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, active acne or psoriasis

• Tretinoin usage 

• Acute burns

During a consultation at Glow Facial Bar, our qualified skin care specialists can assess your skin, medical history and aesthetic needs to determine whether or not microneedling is a safe and effective procedure for you.

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How to Look After Your Skin Following a Microneedling Procedure

Just like with any cosmetic skin treatment, such as Botox or microdermabrasion, it’s important to look after your skin following a microneedling procedure. Some things you want to keep in mind, include:

• Dryness, scaling, redness and swelling may be seen after treatment, lasting for several days or longer, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles.

• Sun protection for several weeks after the treatment is recommended. 

• In case of acne scars, your face should be cleaned with a gentle cleanser following the cosmetic procedure.

• Rejuvenation of skin may be seen as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6-8 months after microneedling

• Burn scars may take a little slower to respond and it may be 6 months - 1 year before you see the final results.

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What to expect after Microneedling?

DAYS 1-3:

A sunburn-like effect is normal. The skin will feel tight, dry, and sensitive to the touch. Treat skin gently, washing with a gentle cleanser, cool water, using hands only and pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. Redness or sensitivity might well be present. Some small bruising is common with PRP injections and may last up to 5-7 days, and swelling can last 2-4 days, depending on how aggressive of a treatment you received. Plan social calendar accordingly!

• Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating. Avoid jacuzzi, sauna, or steam baths for 24 hours after treatment due to open pores, or up to 48 hours if inflammation exists.

• If needed, sleep on your back with head of bed elevated to minimize swelling or pain.

 

DAYS 2-7

• Peeling may start 3-5 days after treatment. You will notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. Do not pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin! Allow old skin to flake off naturally and KEEP SKIN MOISTURIZED AT ALL TIMES. For extra dry skin, apply moisturizer every two hours if needed.

 

DAYS 5-7:

You may restart your regular skincare products and Retin-A once your skin is no longer irritated. Many patients have noticed continued skin improvement for months following treatment.

• For best results, we recommend follow-up and repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks and a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.

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Post-care for Microneedling:

Optimize your results & reduce the risk of infection, irritation, and allergic reactions

• First Few Days: Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using exfoliants for 1 week. Apply sunscreen daily and you can use makeup if needed starting the day after treatment.

• Day of treatment: for 4 hours after the procedure, USE ONLY SkinFuse Lift HG ON THE TREATED AREA unless otherwise instructed. Although this may sting for a few seconds immediately after application, it serves as a skin protectant and “sealant,” optimizing the response to SkinPen treatment. Do not use water (which is not sterile) or skin care products on the treated area until 4 hours have passed.

• If you are prone to cold sores, continue your medication for 5 days.

• If you have discomfort, you may take medications (e.g. acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for one week. 

• DO NOT ice face or use arnica or bromelain. These agents may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation. 

• Use Tylenol as needed for soreness. 

• Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for two weeks to minimize risk of sunburn and uneven pigmentation

• After 24 hours, always use a full spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or above. 

• When exposed to the sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen every two hours. 

• Avoid use of any retinoids, scrubs & exfoliating products for at least 7 days

• It is normal for your skin to peel or flake for a few days after treatment. Gentle/sensitive moisturizers or Aquaphor can be applied as needed to reduce dryness/flaking.