Microneedling Facials

 

Microneedling treatment induces the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating “micro-injuries” in the skin.  These micro-injuries trigger collagen synthesis without posing a risk for scarring.  The result of the procedure is smoother, firmer and younger-looking skin.

 

The procedure is performed in a safe manner with the use of the FDA approved device SkinPen using a single-use sterile needle head.  The procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of area treated.

 

Microneedling treatment with PRP (platelet-rich plasma)

 

PRP is a portion of blood that contains a high supply of platelets.  These platelets are rich in growth factors that help stimulate the growth of healthy skin tissue and repair damaged tissue.

 

Blood is drawn from the patient in the same manner as a routine blood sample and spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP from whole blood cells.

 

Topical anesthetic is applied to the desired areas of treatment about 15-30 minutes prior to the microneedling procedure, with or without the presence of PRP.

 

The doctor will determine the appropriate amount of treatments for the best results.  Often 3-6 treatments are recommended for the maximum results.

 

 

Precautions

 

• Discontinue auto-immune therapies or retinoid (Retin-A) and/or any form of prescriptive skin treatment 24 hours prior to procedure, under care and direction of prescribing doctor

• Not to be administered for 6 months after isotretinoin (Accutane) regimen

• Clients on any medications that would affect the characteristics of the skin should be stopped for 2 months prior to treatment under the care and direction of their prescribing doctor.  (Ex: antibiotics and some cardiac medications)

• Clients are to avoid sweaty exercise and sun exposure for seventy-two (72) hours post-procedure

• Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI, pigment may darken prior to lightening

 

 

Warnings

 

Microneedling has not been evaluated in the following patient populations, and as such, precautions should be taken when determining whether the SkinPen procedure is adequate for the patient: scars and stretch marks less than one year old; keloid scars; patients with history of eczema, psoriasis and other chronic conditions; patients with history of actinic (solar) keratosis; patients with history of herpes simplex infections; diabetics or patients with wound healing deficiencies; patients on immunosuppressive therapy; and skin with presence of raised moles or warts on targeted area.

 

 

What to Expect

 

After the treatment, your skin may be red and flushed, similar in appearance to a moderate sunburn.  There may be redness, tingling, peeling, and slight bruising.  This may last for 24 hours to up to 5 days.  Keep in mind that this is part of the skin’s normal healing process.

 

For weeks to months post-treatment, your face will continue to regenerate, rebuild, and form new collagen making your skin healthier and more youthful.

 

 

Single vs. Multiple Treatments

 

Single Treatment:  Reduction in appearance of fine lines, large pore size, uneven skin tone, and minor blemishes.

 

Multi-Treatment Series (3-6 treatments at 4-6 week intervals):  Reduction in appearance of moderate to deep wrinkles, atrophic acne scars, striae/stretch marks, traumatic scars, and non-keloid hypertrophic scars.

 

 

Post-Treatment

 

Avoid sweaty exercise and sun exposure during days 1 to 3

 

Day 1:

• Keep the PRP on your face for at least three (3) hours post-treatment for maximum effectiveness.  If possible, do not wash your face at night.  However, if you feel the need to wash your face, rinse gently with warm water.  A gentle cleanser may also be used.

• If no PRP was used in microneedling treatment, rinse face with warm water.  A gentle cleanser may also be used.

• Avoid direct contact with the sun.  You may apply natural sunscreen (at least SPF 30) during the day.  Wear hats and other sun protective clothing if needed.

• In the evening apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid.

 

 

Days 2 & 3:

• Cleanse.  Clean skin using gentle cleanser as you normally would.  Avoid use of any harsh abrasives or chemical peels.

• Restore.  hyaluronic acid and/or a gentle healing face lotion or oil of choice (ex: Argan oil) to the entire treatment area.

• Protect.  Apply protective sunscreen.

• Repeat the above steps as needed throughout the day.

 

 

Day 4:

• Resume normal skin care routine.