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Medical Skin Needling, also referred to as Microneedling and Collagen Induction Therapy, is aimed at stimulating the body’s own collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, skin laxity and scarring such as that caused by acne or chicken pox.
It has also been successfully applied to the indication of hair restoration in cases of alopecia.The treatment introduces a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin.This damage encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin which generate new skin cells to repair itself; the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, is considered to be a relatively new concept within the plethora of aesthetic treatment options available for skin rejuvenation, having come about in the format that we now use since 2005.
Like many of the other treatments available it is aimed at stimulating the body’s own collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, skin laxity and scarring such as that caused by acne or chicken pox. It has also been successfully applied to the indication of hair restoration in cases of alopecia.
This is achieved by introducing a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin following the administration of a topical local anaesthetic, in the case of medical-grade devices, to reduce discomfort. The needles are attached to a single-use, sterile roller or to a needle plate at the end of an automated pen-like device which is moved over the surface of the skin to create many microscopic channels or columns at various depths of penetration. These minute punctures close over almost immediately as the channels created are very small.
This “damage” to the dermis encourages the body to produce more new collagen and elastin which generate new skin cells to literally “repair” itself, thus the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful. Although primarily used on the face, this procedure can be carried out anywhere on the body, such as on stretch marks on the thighs and abdomen, and generally on all skin types.
What happens during a Microneedling treatment session?
A medical history will be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake this treatment. You will be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
Photographs will also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison at a later date. Skin preparation with the application of vitamin A or C creams and SPF50 will be recommended for up to 2-4 weeks prior to the commencement of the procedure. A similar skincare regime will also be recommended for up to 6 months post-treatment to aid the healthy production of the new collagen and the rejuvenation of the skin.
Treatment sessions will take between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the size of the area being treated. Pain should be minimal, however, you may still feel some discomfort.
It can take between 4 – 8 weeks before visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing a gradual enhancement. A single treatment can produce noticeable results, however a programme of at least 4-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart is often recommended to achieve optimum results, in conjunction with an at-home regime.
The specific number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the indication, as well as the level of natural response from the individual’s body.
What is the recovery time after Microneedling?
Recovery may take 24 hours or up to a few days; most people should however be able to return to work the following day. Recovery time depends on the aggressiveness of the treatment, i.e. the length of needles used, and the sensitivity level of your skin.
What are the risks of Microneedling Treatment?
Depending on the area of your face or body being treated and the type of device used, (i.e. needle length) the procedure is well tolerated and in some cases virtually painless; feeling like a mild prickling sensation. However, in some of the cases, our practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic to your skin prior to treatment to reduce any pain and discomfort.
The skin will be pink or red in appearance for a couple of hours following medical skin needling treatment, much like a sunburn, with some minor bleeding and bruising possible, depending on the aggressiveness of the procedure, i.e. the length of the needle used for the particular indication being treated. The skin may also feel warm, tight and itchy for a short while. This should normally resolve in 12 – 48 hours.
A special sterile foundation called Viscoderm Cover-Up will be recommended by our practitioners and can be worn, which promotes the healing of damaged skin post-treatment.
Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, with scab formation in rare cases. Milia (small white spots) may also form on the skin. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of certain areas of the skin) can occur very rarely and usually resolves after a month or so. If you have a history of cold sores, this could possibly flare up after treatment.
What is the aftercare for Microneedling?
It is very important that you follow the advice of our practitioner carefully after any treatment to help make the procedure as successful as possible and to reduce the risk of complications.
Post – treatment advice will include:
- using tepid water to cleanse the face for the first 48 hours following treatment and drying the area gently without rubbing;
- ensuring that hands are always clean when touching the area treated, to avoid infections;
- not applying conventional make-up products to the skin for the first 12-24 hours following treatment, some mineral-based make-up products are able to be applied as recommended by our practitioner;
- applying the prescribed skincare products given to you by our practitioner according to the regime specifically designed for you;
- applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen product with a high SPF, ideally 50, immediately after treatment before leaving the clinic and when going outside the following treatment.
Am I suitable for Microneedling?
Medical skin needling treatment is suitable for most skin types.
It is not suitable for patients who:
- Have used Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within the last 3 months.
- Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions to the skin.
- Have had radiation treatment within the last year.
- Have a current outbreak of herpes simplex (cold sores) or any other infection or chronic skin condition in the area to be treated.
- Have areas of the skin that are numb or lack sensation.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing.