Microneedling
Has your skin lost its glow? Are you struggling with acne scarring? Or maybe you’ve noticed more fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots popping up. If so, it may be time for some skin-loving rejuvenation with microneedling.
Microneedling targets a wide variety of skin issues by using the body’s own restorative powers. It can make your skin look brighter, tighter, and smoother, restoring your natural glow in just a short time!
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic dermatological procedure that boosts collagen and revitalises the skin. Each treatment restores up to a year’s worth of lost collagen while also improving the overall appearance of your skin.
So how does it work?
Microneedling involves introducing thousands of microchannels into the skin with small, sterilised needles. This stimulates your body to activate its own natural wound healing mechanism stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.
Microneedling stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin which helps to fill fine lines, improve acne scars, smooth out large pores, and brighten the skin. The result is a fresher-looking you with plumper, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
Benefits of Microneedling
The benefits of microneedling are broad, lasting, and can address:
- Dull texture, tone, or ‘low glow’
- Acne and deep acne scars
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin texture
- Large pores
- Minor skin laxity
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Dark spots or skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)
Why choose Microneedling?
Microoneedling procedure takes on average 30-60 minutes and is generally considered painless. It is popular with patients and physicians because it is safe, effective and the results are lasting.
What to expect with Microneedling?
Your nurse will apply numbing cream on the treated area so you may not feel the procedure. Then your doctor will use a medical-grade microneedling device to apply the microneedles to the treatment area.
Your doctor may offer you post-procedure products to optimise your healing.
Microneedling is safe on all skin types. This makes it an excellent option for patients with darker skin tones for whom laser and other treatments may not be safe.
It’s important to know, microneedling is a medical procedure that should only be performed by a licensed medical professional. It is not equivalent to do-it-yourself home microneedling kits. It’s best to seek out a qualified licensed professional who is properly trained and will perform the treatments in a sterilised setting. While home rollers can temporarily stimulate blood vessels to reduce puffiness and brighten your skin, they lack the robust and lasting effects of the microneedling procedure that can only be performed by a licensed professional.
What tool is used for Microneedling?
At our clinic we use the leading microneedling pen in Canada, Dp4™ from DermapenWorld. Dp4™ glides over the skin creating millions of fine, vertical fractional channels up to 104% faster than other microneedling pens. These channels can carry up to 80% more topical nutrients deeper into the skin. The micro-injuries trigger a natural process of repair, increasing the production of collagen and elastin and visibly improving a wide range of skin concerns. This award winning technology has significant benefits over dermal-rolling and fractional laser treatments, due to the minimal trauma to the skin.
Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions
Following the right pre-treatment instructions ensures that your treatment will go smoothly and helps minimise side effects.
Pre-Treatment Tips
- Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.
- Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
- Avoid Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
- No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.
- Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before you arrive for your appointment.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.
- Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior because bruising is a common side effect of microneedling.
Day of Treatment
Knowing what to expect on the day of your microneedling treatment will make this procedure as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible for you.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
- Your skin will be cleaned so it’s free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder, or sunscreen. If you wish, you can wash your face in the office upon arrival.
- You will be asked to inform your skin care specialist about any relevant changes in your medical history and of all the medications you’re taking.
- Your specialist will ask if there are any cosmetic tattoos in the treatment areas.
- 30-45 minutes prior to your treatment, topical lidocaine will be applied to your skin.
- The microneedling treatment is an in-office procedure that typically takes up to 60 minutes to complete.
Post-Treatment Instructions
As with any cosmetic skin treatment, it’s important to look after your skin following a microneedling procedure for best results.
Post-Treatment Tips
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications for one week after the procedure.
- Do not use ice on your face, and avoid using arnica/bromelain. These may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that’s critical for your skin rejuvenation.
- Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. After 24 hours, always use sunblock (30 SPF or higher) and wear a hat if you’re outside.
- Use a painkiller, such as Tylenol, if you experience any soreness.
The Healing Process: What to Expect After a Microneedling Treatment
Microneedling is a quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure with minimal side effects. However, it’s quite normal to experience the following:
Why choose Microneedling?
A microneedling procedure takes on average 30-60 minutes and is generally considered painless. It is popular with patients and physicians because it is safe, effective and the results are lasting.What to expect with Microneedling?
Your nurse will apply numbing cream on the treated area so you may not feel the procedure. Then your doctor will use a medical-grade microneedling device to apply the microneedles to the treatment area. Your doctor may offer you post-procedure products to optimise your healing. Microneedling is safe on all skin types. This makes it an excellent option for patients with darker skin tones for whom laser and other treatments may not be safe. It’s important to know, microneedling is a medical procedure that should only be performed by a licensed medical professional. It is not equivalent to do-it-yourself home microneedling kits. It’s best to seek out a qualified licensed professional who is properly trained and will perform the treatments in a sterilised setting. While home rollers can temporarily stimulate blood vessels to reduce puffiness and brighten your skin, they lack the robust and lasting effects of the microneedling procedure that can only be performed by a licensed professional.What tool is used for Microneedling?
At our clinic we use the leading microneedling pen in Canada, Dp4™ from DermapenWorld. Dp4™ glides over the skin creating millions of fine, vertical fractional channels up to 104% faster than other microneedling pens. These channels can carry up to 80% more topical nutrients deeper into the skin. The micro-injuries trigger a natural process of repair, increasing the production of collagen and elastin and visibly improving a wide range of skin concerns. This award winning technology has significant benefits over dermal-rolling and fractional laser treatments, due to the minimal trauma to the skin.Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions
Following the right pre-treatment instructions ensures that your treatment will go smoothly and helps minimise side effects. Day 1-3 A sunburn-like effect is normal. Your skin may feel tight, dry or sensitive to touch. Treat the skin gently by washing it with a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. Some redness may also be present and in some cases, patients may experience slight bruising that can last for 5-7 days and temporary swelling for 2-4 days. Tips Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating as well as jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours. Use only mineral makeup after 24 hours. Sleep on your back with the head of the bed elevated to minimise swelling or pain as needed. Day 2-7 Peeling may start 3-5 days after the treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flaking which is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. DO NOT pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin! Important information: You must allow the old skin to flake off naturally and keep it moisturised at all times. Talk to your skin specialist about which products to use. Day 5-7 You may start your regular skin care products again, once your skin no longer feels irritated. Most of our patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment. For best results: We recommend follow-up and repeat microneedling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3 treatments.Microneedling Pre Treatment Guidelines:
- Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.
- Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
- Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
- No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.
- Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before you arrive for your appointment.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.
Microneedling Post Treatment Guidelines:
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications for one week after the procedure.
- Do not use ice on your face, and avoid using arnica/bromelain. These may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that’s critical for your skin rejuvenation.
- Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. After 24 hours, always use sunblock (30 SPF or higher) and wear a hat if you’re outside.
- Use a painkiller, such as Tylenol, if you experience any soreness.