Microneedling – collagen induction therapy
Microneedling is a modern procedure that induces the formation of collagen by practicing repetitive micro stings with sterile micro needles. Although the technique was first described in 1995, it was only in 2006 that it was further refined and used on patients through various micro-devices.
The needles penetrate the corneum layer of the epidermis, creating small holes (micro-ducts). Through this aggression of the skin, the natural healing process is triggered, stimulating growth factors and finally the that of collagen and elastin production in the papillary dermis.
Due to the micro-ducts created during the procedure, creams and active substances that have high absorption through the epidermis can be applied immediately after therapy.
The procedure results in a tonic, luminous and firm skin. It also reduces depressed scars, wrinkles (by filling them with collagen and natural elastin produced by your skin), improves the quality of the skin. Microneedling may be performed at the same tame as other rejuvenation therapies.
Recommendations:
- Fine wrinkles
- Skin aged by sun exposure or sagging skin
- Atrophic scar (post-acne, post-varicella, post-traumatic etc)
- alopecia,
- Actinic keratosis
- melasma
- Stretch marks
Contraindications
- treatment with Roaccutane (Isotretitoina) in the previous 3 months;
- radiotherapy in the last year in the area to be treated;
- infection, skin issues or herpes in the area to be treated;
- pregnant / breastfeeding women
- history of hypertrophic or keloid scars or scarring problems.
What to expect during the procedure:
In the case of a facial procedure, the skin is cleaned and disinfected, the anesthetic cream and foil are applied to ensure rapid anesthetic effect. There are medical devices where it is not necessary to apply anesthetic cream – Nanopore Stylus 2)
After 30-40 minutes, the foil and anesthetic cream are progressively removed, and the procedure starts. During or at the end of the procedure, active substances from medical cocktails are applied. During the procedure you may experience slight discomfort, but this is diminished by vibrations created by the microneedling device (the procedure is performed with a “pen” with 12/36/42/nano sterile micro needles). After the procedure, putting on sunscreen cream is mandatory. The duration of each microneedling session depends on the area treated (scalp, face, abdomen, thigh, hip, etc.).
Recovery:
Immediately after the procedure the treated area, will be slightly red and swollen.
In the first 1-3 days you will experience discomfort similar to that experienced in the case of prolonged exposure to the sun. You feel constriction in the skin, it will be dry, and sensitive to the touch. Only touch your skin if your hands are clean. The hygiene of the treated area requires water and neutral pH soap. Post-procedure changes gradually diminish, and after 4 days they disappear.
After the inflammatory period, the skin of the treated area will start peeling. You will notice dry and rigid skin as the superficial cells of the skin are replaced and dead cells peel off.
After 5-7 days, the skin will be completely healed and you can resume your daily skin care routine.
Don’t take any anti-inflammatory pills in the next week, apply ice or Arnica cream, as these interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is normal and expected after this procedure.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun for 2 weeks, apply creams with high sunscreen protection (30 SPF or higher).
Do not use a sauna / hot tub or take a hot bath for the first 48 hours.
You have to wait for at least 24 hours after the procedure to apply makeup.
In the first 24-48 hours, sleep on an elevated pillow, to reduce edema and pain.
Do not scrub the treated area to hasten the removal of the peeling layer of skin – allow the procedure to run its natural course and apply moisturizing creams whenever you feel the need.
You will notice continuous improvements over the months following the microneedling procedure. For maximum results, it is recommended to repeat the procedure every 4-6 weeks, for an average of 3-5 sessions depending on the results observed during the treatment plan and on the treated area.
Side effects:
Microneedling is a procedure with a low rate of adverse reactions.
The most common reported adverse reactions are erythema (redness) and irritation. These are transient and will disappear in the next few days.
Hyperpigmentation is reported in people with dark complexion.
Scarring in people who have serious scarring issues (history of hypertrophic or keloid scars – which were not mentioned during the pre-procedure consultation). The rarest adverse reaction (2 cases described in medical literature) – hypersensitivity to needle material.
