Microneedling or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is the leading clinical choice for acne scar reduction. This minimally invasive procedure creates tiny puncture wounds in the skin, using micro-fine needles which triggers the body’s wound healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
SkinPen is currently the only FDA approved microneedling device that is used for acne scar reduction for patients over the age of 22. In addition, micro-needling is an ideal treatment for patients seeking improvement in the following areas:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Acne and Surgical Scars
- Uneven Skin tone & Texture
- Enlarged Facial Pores
- Skin Elasticity
- Stretch Marks
- Hair Regrowth
How does SkinPen work? SkinPen creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing process, while minimizing cellular damage. This is called a controlled injury to the skin. In turn, the result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall skin intact. More specifically, SkinPen starts the three-phase wound-repair process after a treatment is completed. This is imperative to begin seeing results. The phases are broken down as following:
Phase 1: Inflammation-Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and create new tissue. Aka-here come the white blood cells for all the healing.
Phase 2: Proliferation- The wound is re-built with new granulation cells and a new network of blood vessels develop. Light flakiness and dryness of skin can occur during this time as the skin cells are turning over.
Phase 3: Remodeling-New dermal tissue and blood vessels replace the wound.
Prior to a SkinPen microneedling treatment, a thorough skin analysis will be performed and a treatment course best to fit your needs will be recommended. Before the procedure, a topical numbing cream will be applied, making it a very comfortable appointment with light pressure and a vibration sound. Procedures usually take 30 minutes to complete, depending on the area treated and desired results. Due to their non-invasive nature, microneedling sessions usually require little downtime for patients.
What to expect after a microneedling session? Often the day of your appointment you could experience moderate redness and possible pinpoint bleeding. The following day feels comparable to a sunburn and you could still have some redness, however, most people are able to return to their normal routine.
We ask that you do not workout or sweat within the first 24 hours as there are open microchannels in the skin and we do not want to interfere with the important healing process. Also no face makeup during this time. Also, please wipe down anything that touches your face with an alcohol pad ie. sunglasses, glasses, and cell phone. After treatment at home, please use a clean pillow case, clean towel and wash your makeup brushes. This will help to ensure your skin is staying free of any debris during the time when the microchannels are open as this is crucial for the healing process.
Those who are not candidates for the SkinPen microneedling procedure include those who:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have active skin cancer in the treatment area
- Have open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area(s)
- Have an allergy to stainless steel or anesthetics
- Have certain bleeding disorders
- Have severe acne or are currently using Accutane
SkinPen is a wonderful treatment option for everyone and is safe for all skin types. SkinPen treatments are offered in a series of three or six, and for best results we recommend that you have one treatment every 2 to 3 months.
