Microneedling

Also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), microneedling is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that is FDA approved for the treatment of aging and/or damaged skin. Microneedling produces microscopic channels in the dermis to stimulate the body’s natural wound healing mechanisms and stimulate the production of collagen, which allows for optimal skin cell renewal and produces a thickening of the skin by up to 80 percent, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation (skin darkening).

Microneedling is ideally suited for patients who wish to revitalize and refresh the appearance of their skin but are not quite ready for harsh, ablative therapies, laser skin resurfacing, or cosmetic surgery. This gentle anti-aging therapy boosts collagen production to facilitate natural skin renewal while simultaneously resurfacing the skin to minimize the appearance of sun spots and other visible signs of facial aging. Although there are numerous microneedling products on the market, Dr. Doctora is pleased to offer microneedling treatments with the Collagen Pin™, as this particular product has a proven track record of consistently producing exceptional, long-lasting results.

Benefits from Microneedling

  • In contrast to alternative skin resurfacing therapies, micro-needling is a gentler treatment that is associated with minimal discomfort and is generally safe and effective on all skin types and tones.
  • Micro-needling treatments can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously (i.e. Acne and/or surgical scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, and wrinkles).
  • Though principally used for facial rejuvenation, micro-needling can be used nearly anywhere on the body,even on the scalp to treat male pattern baldness.
  • Micro-needling is a quick treatment that does not require any downtime or incisions, making it a convenient option for patients with busy schedules.

What is microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma)?

The biggest advancement in Microneedling is the introduction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during the procedure. Platelet gel as it is often called, contains platelets and growth factors that are crucial to the body’s ability to heal wounds. Platelets stop bleeding and in the process release enzymes to attract immune cells to repair the injury.

A small sample of your blood is placed into a two-stage centrifuge and spun to separate the red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma, leaving behind platelet rich plasma. During the Microneedling procedure your own PRP is deposited into the dermal layer through the tiny punctures in your skin. The growth factors are what expedite your body’s repair process and stimulates new collagen growth. New collagen means younger looking skin.

Platelet-rich plasma is loaded with growth factors such as:

  • Platelet-derived growth factor, which regulates cell division and growth.
  • Keratinocyte growth factor, which covers the wound and starts forming new cells.
  • Fibroblast growth factor, which is associated with the proliferation of cell formation.
  • Epidermal growth factor, which aids in new cell survival.
  • Transforming growth factor beta, which plays a role in your immune system.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor, which signals the system to restore oxygen to the tissue.

Why should you have microneedling with PRP?

Collagen becomes less elastic and degrades over time. Microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing process and produces new collagen, tightening the skin for a more youthful appearance.

With the use of PRP, your body is further to produce collagen which helps to rejuvenate the skin, reduce skin wrinkles, improve uneven skin color and texture, and minimize pores. The procedure breaks up scar tissue from acne, surgical or traumatic scars. The Collagen Pin can be used on the face, arms, chest, neck hands, abdomen, back and legs.

Treatment process

When you arrive at our office for your Microneedling treatment, you will thoroughly cleanse your face, and then we will apply a numbing cream to the treatment areas to prevent any discomfort. After about 30 minutes once the areas are numb, a hyaluronic acid serum or your own PRP will be applied on the skin so it can be absorbed through the micro-channels. The serum or product will be chosen during your private consultation depending on your individual needs.

 

Microneedline illustration

The Collagen Pin needles will be set to a specific length to provide you with your desired results while also remaining safe and preventing drawing blood. The length can be customized to address a variety of different textures, scars, or discoloration. Longer needles typically are used for scar revision while shorter needles are used for skin texture. The automated pen is then delicately applied on the surface area of the treated skin by your licensed specialist.

The process from start to finish takes between 30 minutes to no longer than an hour. The feeling of a microneedling treatment has been compared to smooth fingernails tracing along your skin or a cat’s tongue; you feel a sensation but no pain.

What to expect after a microneedling treatment?

After your treatment your skin may appear slightly pink or moderately red and may feel dry or tight for the first 24 hours after treatment, like a sunburn. You will be given a Post-Op kit with products needed for your aftercare consisting of cleanser, barrier repair, moisturizer, and sunscreen to apply to you face to help reduce redness and hydrate the skin. When you are applying the creams or rinsing your face with water, please make sure your hands are clean. For the week after treatment you should avoid facial scrubs, exfoliants, and products containing acid.

Do not wax for at least a week and try and steer clear of direct sun exposure. Few patients experience mild scabbing or flaking, but these incidents heal very quickly with time and the help of moisturizer. Since the micro-channels start to heal and close within minutes, infection is highly rare.

There is no downtime required after Microneedling. The only reasons someone may not want to be in public the day of treatment would be because of facial redness; there is no physical need for downtime though. Redness can be covered with mineral makeup, and non-mineral makeup can be worn after several days. Many patients have reported going out to dinner that very night.

Results after your treatment are evident as little as the following day, but the best results can be seen after 3-4 treatment sessions. There is an observable difference in tone as soon as redness subsides, and smooth texture is apparent is a couple weeks.

Candidates

Just about anybody can be a candidate for a Microneedling treatment, so long as the patient isn’t currently suffering from acne or cold sores. Microneedling can be performed on women and men of all ethnicities and skin tones who wish to address discoloration, acne scars, skin texture, pore size, and/or fine lines and wrinkles and even on the scalp to treat male pattern baldness.

It is safe for all skin colors and is a great alternative to surgical procedures for those who do not require or do not wish to undergo surgery. Some people are also unsure of using laser, Botox, or fillers. Even if you do not suffer from any of the above conditions or worries, Microneedling can be used as a pick-me-up for fresh, healthier skin.