What is Micro needling and why is it a Great Tool for Restoring Ageing Skin?

This treatment activates the production of collagen and elastin to repair damaged skin. Prior to performing the procedure, we apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area so it doesn’t hurt at all. The common side effect is redness that mimics sunburn; however this typically lasts 24 hours. Clients can see immediate results after only one treatment; however skin conditions such as acne scarring or stretch marks may require serial treatments to achieve the desired results.
Micro needling is a nonsurgical technique that is intended to improve skin texture by reducing the “creepy” appearance, minimising fine lines and wrinkles, and diminishing the hyper pigmentation of skin. This is a form of collagen induction created by a mechanical force delivered to the dermis. It also is useful for improving acne pock marks and can weld stretch marks together by creating collagen bridging. The process utilises a power hand-piece to create tiny channels into the dermis of the skin which initiates the body’s natural healing process to create collagen and elastin.

Where can this technique be utilised?

The power hand piece can be applied to the entire face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs and abdomen, typically where the skin is structurally weak, which usually is in areas that have stretch marks, contour deformities such as divots, and wide depressed scars. One of the added benefits of microneedling is diminished pigmentation, even though it is not used as a skin resurfacing technique. Microneedling can reduce the vertical lines that form around the mouth, as well as reduce appearance of small capillary vessels in the skin given the improved dermal thickness.
How many treatments are required?
The micro needling technique of creating channels in the dermis is very similar to the technology of the Fraxel laser, which utilises a thermal injury mechanism but at a much lower price point. Just as the laser takes a series of treatments so does the microneedling technique - anywhere from three to six sessions depending on severity. During a consultation, we can define how many sessions are right for the patient. Once the final result is achieved, we generally recommend one to two sessions a year for maintenance of the outcome.

What downtime can someone expect?

After the initial session you can expect to be red for a period of up to five days, but you can wear mineral makeup starting the next day to hide the colour. Many clients can expect to be able to go out to dinner the following night of the procedure. People may experience some light burning, tightness, and mild flaking. Noticeable difference in the texture of the skin will occur within a couple of weeks. An important note for someone who has undergone a laser technique: due to the thermal nature of the injury clients may experience more pain, swelling and redness than a patient who has undergone micro needling; results tend to be pretty similar between both procedures. The main difference is the cost for the laser treatment versus the micro needling treatment.
The technique of micro needling is a concept that has been evolving for over ten years. Initially, a simple hand roller with tiny short needles was employed and has now progressed to the current electric hand pieces with adjustable needle lengths to customize the depth for each patient. Ideally, the needle should penetrate no deeper than the epidermal–dermal junction. During the first pass of the session, hyaluronic acid is driven into the skin to improve the hydration and quality of the dermis. Remember, microneedling is a process, but results can vary depending on who is performing the technique.

Ultimately, microneedling can become a phenomenal non-invasive addition to a long-term regimen for virtually anyone who desires to maintain a youthful & vibrant appearance.
• It's safe to use on most types of skin.
• The settings can be individualised and the needles lengthened or shortened depending on the area being treated, making it comfortable for most patients.
• The versatility of the pen makes it easy to treat other areas besides the face including the hands, abdomen, legs, back, chest and arms.
• The side effects are minimal with many patients healing within 24 hours and others only experiencing a bit of pinkness -- like a sunburn -- for just a few days post-treatment.

Most clients will require 3 - 6 treatments spaced 4 - 6 weeks apart with a maintenance schedule suggested at 3 months to one year. The number of treatments required is based upon the overall health of the skin and patient’s goals. The majority of clients do notice healthier looking skin immediately after treatment but since the production of collagen takes time you experience improvement for up to 6 months.