COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY WITH MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a well-established treatment modality that relies on creating controlled micro-areas of trauma to the skin.
This stimulates our natural healing cascade which can help to improve a wide variety of skin conditions including mild laxity, pigmentation, acne scarring, stretch-marks or poor hair growth.
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In clinic we use a specialised electronic microneedling pen (m.pen PRO by mesoestetic), to deliver multiple tiny controlled micro-punctures to the treatment areas. This electronic device allows us to carefully plan and execute the depth of the needling depending on the area we want to treat and the skin condition we are aiming to address. This makes it a far more precise and effective process compared to traditional micro-needling techniques using dermarollers.
The micro-trauma that is caused then stimulates the skin’s natural healing processes, resulting in enhanced production of collagen and elastin: skin proteins which are vital for skin health, elasticity and strength. The end result is one of skin which is better textured, more even toned, more supple and plump.
The second very important mechanism of action of microneedling is the fact that the micro-channels that are created in the skin allow for direct application and enhanced absorption of active skin-care ingredients (known as cosmeceuticals). Therefore depending on your skin care concerns, the micro-needling treatment can be further optimised by the application of targeted skin-care at the time of treatment to help further boost the results.
Skin concerns that can be addressed include: fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture improvement signs of photoageing or pigmentation, acne scars and scalp and hair-health restoration.
Micro-needling can also be combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment for a double-impact treatment which draws upon the beneficial elements of both of these treatment modalities.
Multiple areas are suitable for microneedling treatment and these include the facial area, neck & decolletage, the scalp and body. Micro-needling can be used in conjunction with other rejuvenating treatments such as anti-wrinkle, dermal fillers or skin booster injections however we would be discussing the timing and order of this regime during your consultation, to ensure you get the most benefit out of each method.
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You will undergo a thorough consultation in clinic to address your skin concerns and determine the most suitable treatment regimen for you. It may be necessary to start you on a pre-treatment, at home skin care routine to better optimise your results, prior to commencing a course of microneedling.
There may be slight discomfort experienced during or immediately post treatment but otherwise it is very tolerable, especially with the use of numbing cream prior to your treatment.
It is normal to experience mild redness or swelling post treatment but this usually settles nicely after 24-48 hours.
Ideally up to 3-5 treatments may be needed, around 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results and to maintain these results, maintenance treatments may be beneficial every 9-12 months.
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It is recommended that you avoid exercise or excessive straining for 24 hours post treatment, as well as avoiding excessive heat or rubbing and pressure to the area. It is also advisable to avoid use of make-up until any puncture sites have healed. After your treatment it is vital to continue to protect yourself from the sun and use regular high factor SPF application. This is because your skin barrier will be disrupted and so there is the a greater vulnerability to sun-burn and hyper-pigmentation or sub-optimal results.
The treatment is suitable for anyone above the age of 21 with generalised skin concerns such as dullness, mild laxity, acne scarring, pigmentation and poor hair growth. It is considered a safer alternative to chemical peels and LASER or light therapies for individuals with darker skin tones, however we do still warn that there is a risk of scaring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
If you would like to know a little bit more, then why not check out a live demonstration on our Instagram page (click here) or learn a little bit more about microneedling on our dedicated blogpost (click here).