Microneedling

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling has become an extremely popular skin procedure across the world to target dark spots, visible pores and wrinkles. But what’s all the hype about and what should you look for when deciding where to book for this advanced skin treatment?

 

The Benefits of Microneedling

  • Improvement in skin smoothness.

  • Brighter complexion.

  • Reduced appearance of fine lines.

  • Evened out skin tone.

  • Reduced appearance of dark spots.

  • Reduced appearance of pores

  • By stamping over the area microneedling works to increase the circulation and

  • induces collagen to the area, reducing the size of the pores.

  • Significant improvement in acne scar severity

  • Treats all skin types

  • More affordable, lower risk profile and less downtime compared to laser

 

Client Suitability

  • Acne scars, traumatic scars such as post-surgery, lacerations and chickenpox scars

  • Global skin rejuvenation, lines and wrinkles, improvement in tone and laxity. The increase in collagen and elastin will help to tighten and thicken the skin. The look of fine lines and wrinkles can be improved.

  • Stretch marks

  • Burn wounds

  • Pigmentation (e.g. melasma) - combine with Chemical Peels for best results

  • Mild rosacea – strengthens capillary walls

  • Transdermal absorptio

 

How Microneedling works

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to make miniscule, evenly-spaced micro-injuries to the skin. This triggers the body’s wound healing process, stimulates healthy surrounding tissue to repair the damage, and brings the skin back to its healthiest looking state.This repair process helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, sagging, and texture irregularities such as acne pitting or stretch marks.Recent studies have proven that Microneedling is effective in targeting the melanocytes responsible for melanin overproduction, which means you can achieve brighter, more even-toned skin.

 

Wondering exactly what’s happening beneath the skin’s surface as a result of Microneedling?

Phase 1: inflammation - Triggers the skin's immune response

Phase 2: proliferation - New, healthy-looking skin begins to form

Phase 3: remodeling - Skin appears bright, smooth, and refined

 

Who is NOT a candidate for Microneedling?

  • Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types, but those who are pregnant, have a history of eczema, psoriasis, herpes, diabetes and other chronic conditions should consult with their physician for approval.
  • Does it hurt?
  • It can be uncomfortable in certain areas of your face. However, the treatment is fairly quick, and your professional skin therapist will work with you and your skin, progressing the treatment over time.
  • How many treatments do I need?
  • With any advanced skin treatment, a series of treatments is recommended for long lasting, visible results. It will always depend on your unique skin and goals, but generally, a series of 3 – 6 Microneedling treatments is recommended, having them every 4 – 6 weeks.

 

How much downtime is there?

There’s no significant downtime with this minimally invasive procedure. You may experience some mild redness and irritation for 2 – 3 days after Microneedling, but this will subside quickly. It’s vital you follow the post-treatment home care routine provided to you  – this is as important as the treatment itself for maintaining and enhancing your results.

 

Can’t I just use an ‘at home’ roller for the same effect?

At-home microneedling tools may consist of either a stamp studded with tiny metal spikes of different lengths or a roller.  Dermatologists agree that these may not bring you the advanced results you’d get from a professional treatment. Why? Primarily because the devices built for “at-home” use have shorter needle depths that vary between 0.1 mm-0.3mm and are designed mainly to enhance skin-care ingredient absorption, not create the ‘micro-injuries’ needed for skin remodeling. In contrast, professional Microneedling tools use needles ranging from 0.5mm-3mm that perforate the skin at deeper levels and require advanced professional qualifications and training to deliver safe and effective treatment. Microneedling should only be administered by a qualified professional in a sterile environment.

 

What to expect during a Microneedling treatment

  • Cleaning - Your skin will be cleansed to remove makeup, oils, and impurities. 
  • Numbing - A topical anesthetic cream, such as lidocaine gel, will be applied to numb the area. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes to take effect. 
  • Microneedling - A hand-held roller or an electric tool to create tiny punctures in your skin. You might feel a slight tingling, pressure, warmth, or scratching sensation. 
  • Serum - A soothing serum or growth factor serum will be applied to enhance healing

 

Do’s & Don'ts

Before microneedling, you should avoid the following:

Alcohol and caffeine .-  Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, and try not to drink caffeinated beverages. These can cause inflammation and bruising, which can slow healing. 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve for one week before and after your treatment. These drugs can inhibit the body's natural inflammatory response. 

Skin-irritating products Avoid using products with active ingredients, such as topical retinoids, topical acids, and topical exfoliants. 

Hair removal methods  - Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using depilatory creams in the treatment area. These methods can make your skin more sensitive. 

Intense exercise - Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours before your appointment. 

You should also wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and remove all makeup and dirt before your appointment.

 

Aftercare

Ensure that hands are always clean when touching the area treated

Avoid washing -  Don't wash your skin for the first 72 hours. After that, you can gently wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Use tepid water to cleanse the face for the first 48 hours following treatment and dry the area gently without rubbing.

Avoid touching  -  Don't touch or pick at the treated skin. 

Avoid sun exposure  - Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks. 

Avoid heat - Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and steam rooms. 

Avoid makeup  - Avoid wearing makeup for 24 hours. 

Avoid active ingredients  -  Avoid skincare products with strong active ingredients, such as retinol. 

Use a gentle moisturiser  -  Use a light, oil-free moisturizer. 

Exfoliate - After 3–5 days, you can gently exfoliate to remove dead skin. 

Avoid anti-inflammatories  -  Don't take anti-inflammatory medications for one week after the procedure. 

Use a painkiller  - If you're sore, you can take a painkiller like Tylenol.

Avoid sun exposure, sauna or steam rooms for 72 hours 

Avoid any forms of hair removal for 1 week  

Avoid swimming for 1 week

Avoid excessive exercise for 48 hours

Avoid makeup for 24 hours. Mineral makeup can be used

Setup skin care programme and book a course of treatments in  4-6 week Intervals . For more complicated skin conditions such as acne scarring, severely sun damaged skin and lines and wrinkles a longer course is often required.

Although rare, there are risks with any procedure and all of the above side effects are considered to be normal. What is not normal, is the sudden onset of pain or pain that causes distress. Should you experience this sensation we advise you to contact the clinic immediately or seek medical assistance. We have a dedicated Whats app number 07310177746 that is manned 7 days a week. Please send a clear photo of your treated area or concern and a message explaining what symptoms you are experiencing and someone will contact you back as soon as possible.

If you experience pain that is very distressing after microneedling and it is during out of hours or making you feel extremely unwell you should visit your nearest walk in center for medical assistance.