Skin needling is not new, but it is newly popular in the United States. Needling the skin to stimulate new collagen has been used in Europe for at least two decades. Also called Collagen Induction Therapy, microneedling is based on the ability of the skin to repair itself. When in repair mode, the body’s own collagen and elastin production is stimulated to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores, stretch marks, crepey skin, and scarring such as surgical and acne scars.
WHAT IS THE SKINPEN?
The SkinPen is an FDA-approved microneedling device. This uses a method of inducing thousands of controlled micro-injuries into the skin. This triggers the skin’s natural repair process involving the generation of growth factors, new collagen and elastin formation, and therefore, a thicker dermis with the appearance of softer wrinkles. This process causes much less damage to the epidermis then dermal rolling, lasers or any other ablative treatment. Thus, protecting the skin’s cell growth making for quicker healing and higher rates of success. Depending on the depth of the needle penetration, the SkinPen can offer skin rejuvenation levels from the simple enhancement of product absorption to the clinical treatment of scars and wrinkles.
WHO CAN BE TREATED AND ON WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY?
All skin types can safely be treated with the SkinPen. This is a large advantage to treatment with micro-needling compared to laser ablative treatments that can result in permanent discoloration in darker, more ethnic skin types. Most areas of the body can be treated including:
- Face
- Neck
- Decolletage
- Hands
- Arms + legs
- Abdomen + back
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Some people require a single treatment, once per year, to achieve optimal results. However, it is recommended for most to receive a series of 3 treatments spaced 3-6 weeks apart depending upon your area of correction or concern. Those with deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, stretch marks, or any type of scars usually require 6 or more treatments to achieve the desired results.
WILL THE COLLAGEN P.I.N. TREATMENT HURT?
Prior to the treatment, a topical numbing agent will be provided. Most people report feeling very little to no pain at all once the agent has been applied.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO SEE RESULTS FROM MY TREATMENT?
Many people see results after just one treatment. Individual results vary depending on skin health, but results are cumulative, so your skin gets better each time. Most commonly, positive changes are reported as soon as 1-2 weeks after the first treatment. However, a change, often referred to as a new ‘glow’, is normally noted within a few days after healing. Maximal collagen induction for skin tightening and rejuvenation is usually observed by three to six months.
HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?
New collagen and elastin formation has been documented to still be present as much as one year later from just a single P.I.N.treatment. However, as our skin ages our collagen production naturally slows down. Your overall results will last longer when using an at home skin care regimen that includes a daily retinol product. See Perfect Face Products for recommendations on products that will support your results from microneedling.
WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER MY TREATMENT?
Immediately after your treatment your skin will look moderately red and feel warm or hot and sensitive, such as after a sunburn. Severity of redness will depend upon how aggressive the treatment was performed. Some mild swelling may occur usually on the second day, depending on the level of treatment. “Bronzing” refers to areas where there was tiny pinpoint bleeding during the treatment that darken, dry and then slough off. Bronzing can be experienced day 2-4 after deeper levels of treatment. Because the needle depth is adjustable, your treatment can be customized based on your goals and desirable downtime. Typically, by the fourth day, skin will be returning to normal color and your regular skin care regimen and makeup can be resumed.
CAN I WEAR MAKEUP AFTER MY TREATMENT?
Due to the thousands of micro-channels that are formed during the treatment, the skin is extremely vulnerable to application of topical cleansers, creams, serums and makeup following the P.I.N. A post treatment skin care regimen will be provided for days 1-4 following the treatment to help expedite the healing process and minimize the risk of adverse events such as infection, granulomas and allergic reactions. Mineral based makeup can be used while healing. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided for the first 72 hours, and you should refrain from any sweaty exercise for the first 12 hours following the treatment.
