What Is Micro-Needling?

 

Micro-Needling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a natural treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scaring, hypo or hyper pigmentation, resulting in younger looking, more radiant skin. Micro-Needling activates the reparative cells of your own body to generate collagen* and elastin*, which are vital for improving skins tone and texture and diminishing the signs of aging. This medical grade device uses single, sterile, fine needle cartridges, that are attached to the edge of the pen.  These hair fine needles create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin which triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin. Just like a lawn that gets aerated to grow lusher and greener, the skin is getting a natural boost to repair itself by taking out the old and bring in the new.

 

What Can I Expect from My Treatment?

 

After a brief intake to go over any health concerns, the session starts with an acupuncture treatment to help relax the body during the Micro-Needling session. Next, a thin layer of Hyaluronic Acid* will be applied to your skin and the appropriate pen setting based on your individual needs will be used. The pen will be gently pressed against the skin while gliding in a crosshatch motion until the entire treatment area has been covered (the face, into the hairline, and the neck). After the needling is completed, it is optional to select an AcuMicro natural herbal serum for an additional cost. The serum is based on the individual needs of each patient and is applied over the skin for better efficacy of the treatment. Finally, a cooling aloe-vera mask is applied to the face and the patient relaxes for 10 minutes before the treatment is complete.

 

Immediately after the treatment most patients notice a bright redness to the skin. The healing time depends on individual sensitivity to the treatment, but typically the redness will go away in 8-12 hours. It is recommended to have at least 3-6 treatments to achieve optimal results. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. Most patients notice an immediate glow to their skin after the treatment. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Once a course of treatment has been completed, results can last for up to 3-5 years. Treatment outcomes can be improved by bi-yearly maintenance visits. Please note that individual results may vary.

 

After-Care

 

1. Your skin will be red for 8 to 12 hours post treatment. Aloe vera can help reduce redness.

2. No exercise today as sweat can irritate the face.

3. Stay out of the sun the day you receive Micro-Needling. It is recommended to wear a mineral sunscreen for at least a week after a Micro-Needling treatment.

4. No makeup today.

5. Do not use a facial cleanser today. You can wash your face with just warm water.

6. Back to your normal facial routine tomorrow.

 

*It takes 2 weeks to fully see the results from a Micro-Needling treatment. You must wait 3 weeks between each treatment; however, Nano-Needling* can be done once a week to help increase/speed up the results between Micro-Needling treatments.

 

Contraindications to Micro-Needling:

 

• Active acne

• Pregnancy—can use Nano-Needling once a week

• Local infections such as warts

• Moderate to severe chronic skin disease such as eczema and psoriasis

• Blood disorders, or patients on anticoagulant therapy

• Extreme keloidal tendency

• Patients on chemo radiation therapy

 

*Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are fibers that make up the supporting structure of the skin. Collagen gives skin its firmness while elastin makes the skin tight.

 

*Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in body tissues.

 

*Nano-Needling

Nano-Needling uses the same type of oscillating motion as Micro-Needling but the cartridge encompasses 81 silicone cones instead of needles. These microscopic hair-like cones separate the cells within the epidermis to allow active products to be pushed into the skin. Nano-Needling only affects the epidermis, treating within the upper .15 mm of the skin. The benefits of this treatment include pigmentation reduction, increased cell turnover, skin rejuvenation and an immediate glow with no downtime. This treatment can be done weekly to exfoliate the skin.

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