SkinPen Precision
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can be use to treat many skin concerns such as scarring, discolouration (including Melasma, Vtiligo, and Solar Lengitines) as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
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Collagen induction
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, as it takes advantage of the body's natural healing response by stimulating collagen production through the creation of micro-punctures in the skin using miniature, sterilised needles. The skins healing process after the procedure can help reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots as well as improve skin elasticity.
What are the benefits?
Benefits include reducing the appearance of;
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Scars, including acne scars
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Enlarged Pores
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Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots
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Stretch marks.
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It may also smooth uneven skin tone, improve skin elasticity and promote hair growth in people with alopecia
How does it work?
As we age, there is an overall loss of collagen and elastin within the skin Collagen gives strength and support, so as a result, the skin loses flexibility, elasticity and volume, becoming less supple, thinner and lax. Visually, you start to notice a difference in you skin from around the age of 30.
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Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The miniature needles cause intentional minor injury to the top layer of the skin (epidermis) which responds by producing certain growth factors. This, in turn, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin resulting in a new collagen-rich tissue that is ore even in tone, texture, and may also be firmer.
Microneedling can be used alone, or combined with Skin Boosters, which act to supercharge the treatment by intensely hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid, and allowing amino acids, vitamins (such as B6) and minerals such as copper and zinc, to penetrate into the skin, giving your skin protection against free radical damage, and environmental stressors such as pollution, UVA rays, and smoke.
It can also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) which may penetrate more deeply following treatment, making it more effective
Microneedling vs Home rollers
Microneedling is a professional procedure that is performed in clinic. However, not all microneedling products on the market are considered medical devices. This means that not all products are regulated by the FDA.
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FDA approved medical microneedling devices penetrate the skin to a depth that can bring about a change int he structure or function of the tissue below. As these devices can reach nerves and blood vessels, you need to see an appropriately qualified practitioner in clinic for the procedure.
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It is important to note that the FDA has not authorised ANY microneedling medical device for over-the-counter sale or home use.
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Non Medical Devices
(Such as derma roller)
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Generally, if a microneedling product does not have sharp or longer needles that penetrate the skin, it would not be a medical device regulated by the FDA. A dermafoller with short, blunt needles that only claim to remove dead skin and smooth and brighten your skin would be an example. These products are more commonly side for use at home, but they do not produce the same results.
SkinPen Precision
There are several brands of microneedling devices available, but SkinPen Precision our device of choice. The SkinPen precision is a handheld pen-like device which has around 12 fine needles that more rapidly in and out of the skin. The procedure can only be performed in clinic as the needles penetrate much deeper into the skin and give far superior results as compared to microneedling done with an 'at home' device such as the Derma roller.
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SkinPen Precision is the first US FDA-Cleared device and procedure, with an efficacy and safety profile proven over many years by multiple peer-reviewed publications and validation studies.
FAQ's
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How deep to the needles penetrate?
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This depends on several factors, including the skin concern, the practitioner and area being treated. Medics can delivery microneedling yup t 1.5mm on the face and 2.0mm on the body, whereas mon-medics can only deliver microneedling up to a depth of 1.0mm and 1.5mm respectively
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What are the side effects?
The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days.
Some other side effects include; Minor flaking/dryness or peeling, Scabs, Milia (small white spots) Hyperpigmentation, Reactivation of the Herpes Simplex virus (cold sores) in susceptible individuals.
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How does it work on discolouration?
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Can anyone have treatment?
Melasma: The microneedling device reduces the appearance by stimulating keratinocyte turnover, to 'reprogram' the hyperactive pigment producing melanocytes in the pigmented area.
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Vitiligo: The microneedling device induces activation, migration, and/r proliferation of the pigment producing melanocytes into the hypo-pigmented areas
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Sun spots: The microneedling device induces keratinocyte turnover to help 'restore' the normal pigment activity of the melanocytes in hyper-pigmented areas.
No, you may not be able to have microneedling if you have
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Certain skin conditions, such as severe psoriasis or eczema
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Open wounds or active acne
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Had radiation therapy recently
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A history of Keloid scars.
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Or if you are pregnant
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What parts of the body can it be performed on?
It can be carries out anywhere on the body, however, the usual and most popular areas are the face, neck, décolleté and hands. It can also be used on thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen
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How many treatments will I need?
This will be dependent on a number of factors, including age, area being treated, skin condition and damage. However, in most cases, it is usually a course of either 3 or 6 treatment, generally spaced 4 weeks apart
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Does it hurt?
The area will be anaesthetised with a topical local anaesthetic and therefore should not be painful. However, the brow area and the upper lip are slightly more sensitive to treat
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Does it work on all scars?
Microneedling can help reduce the appearance of scars, particularly acne scars which tend to be sunken inwards, rather than raised.
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Treatment is not recommended for those who have keloid scars, or dome-shaped raised scars, as the process could cause the skin condition to worsen.