Microneedling
Collagen Induction Therapy
Microneedling is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy because as the micro-needles penetrate through the epidermis, they stimulate a healing reaction. The body recognizes that there has been trauma at the local site and recruits collagen, fibrin, elastin and nutrients to heal the area. The induced collagen forms a new confluent layer, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful look.
What you need to know
Carefully read through the lists below to see if you are a candidate for microneedling.
Precautions
Suspicious lesions: these must be diagnosed by a practitioner prior to beginning treatment
Discontinue Retinoid products 24 hours prior to beginning treatment
Discontinue Accutane for at least 6 months prior to beginning treatment
Must wait 2 weeks after Botox or Fillers to receive treatment
Patients who are prone to viral breakouts/Herpes Zoster: consider prophylactic treatments prior to Microneedling (ie: patients prone to cold sores may want to get a Valtrex Rx from their doctor to take after the treatment).
Discontinue use of THC/CBD products at least 24 hours before treatment as this will inhibit the natural inflammatory process needed to heal.
Do not use anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDS (ibuprofen/naproxen/ aspirin) prior to treatment as this will interfere with the inflammatory processes required to heal.
Contraindications
Keloid scars
Active Eczema, Psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions
Over active Acne, Rosacea, other inflammatory conditions or over open wounds
History of Actinic or Solar Keratosis
Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores), Herpes Labialis or other local infections such as Warts
Presence of raised Moles in area to be treated
Sunburns: Wait until sunburn has healed
Scleroderma, Collagen or Vascular diseases and Cardiac abnormalities
Blood clotting conditions, patients on Anticoagulant Therapy
Active Bacterial or Fungal infections
Immunosuppression, patients on Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy
PREGNANT or NURSING patients: Not recommend for women who are Pregnant or Nursing because of unknown side effects of anesthetic cream used. Nursing patients however, can opt for no anesthetic cream and receive a more superficial Microneedling treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Redness
Irritation
Pin-point bleeding
Heat sensation
Itchiness
Swelling
Rashes
Hyper-pigmentation​
Most side effects subside within 12-24 hours​
After Care
No make-up for the first 12 hours post-treatment. You can apply make-up the next day. If you absolutely can’t go without makeup, mineral powders are ok, but nothing that will clog your pores such as heavy foundations or concealers.
Do not wash off nutrients used during Microneedling such as Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C and keep any plastic dressing or gloves on for at least 2 hours after treatment.
You may shower the next day with lukewarm water as hot temperature may irritate the skin. Do not use a scrub or loofah over the treated body part. Use a mild body soap to cleanse the area with a soft cloth.
Do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid or Retinol (Vitamin A) for 3 days post treatment.
No laser hair removal or any other esthetic treatments for at least 1 week or until the treated area has healed.
Avoid sunlight for 24 hours post-treatment. i.e. no tanning on a beach or in a tanning bed.
No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments are harmful, rife with bacteria, and may cause adverse reactions.
No swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, or steam showers for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
Drink at least 8 -10 cups of water a day and avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can dehydrate your skin.
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Cleansers: you can use your own gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin as usual.
Scrubs: Do not scrub your skin for 3 days post-treatment. You can scrub on the 4th day to help scrub off any dead skin due to the treatment.
Serums: Hyaluronic Acid to be used in the morning and night. You
may use a Vitamin C serum if this is part of your daily routine.
A minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen should be applied every day. You can
apply moisturizer after you apply sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
How should I prepare for my first treatment?
Wear comfortable clothes and check the cautions and contraindications list above to make sure you are safe to proceed with treatment. Feel free to remove any makeup before your appointment but it is not necessary as your skin will be fully cleansed and prepared before the treatment begins.
What should I expect from my first session?
The skin is first cleansed with a cleanser. Then, a numbing anesthetic cream will be applied and left on for 20-30 minutes. Hyaluronic Acid (what is used in Juvéderm and Restylane) is then applied and microneedling begins. The microneedling pen helps create channels to deliver these anti-aging infusions into the dermal layers below the skin surface. Microneedling treatments are typically 60-minute treatments. You may experience signs of redness or irritation, like a mild sunburn. The progressive healing process may take 12 to 48 hours.
How long until I see results?
It's possible to start noticing a change in your skin in as little as 2-3 weeks. The healing process happens at home after the treatment is given. Depending on the desired results and starting skin conditions, patients are recommended to come back every 4-6 weeks for 2 to 3 more treatments. Most obvious results are seen after the third treatment. Patients can maintain their rejuvenated skin by coming in every 2-4 months for a Microneedling treatment after results are achieved.
What numbing cream is used?
Zensa topical numbing cream is used. It is vegan and steroid free. Zensa is a pH neutral formulation safe to use on the most sensitive areas like eyelids and lips.
INGREDIENTS
Active: Lidocaine 5% w/w.
Non-medicinal: Benzyl Alcohol, Carbopol, Lecithin, Propylene Glycol, Vitamin E Acetate, Purified Water.