MicroNeedling

The practice of needling the face for aesthetics is not new. For thousands of years, acupuncturists in China have been using needles to puncture the skin to facilitate healing and promote beauty. They also applied oils and infusions to the skin before needling so products could penetrate the deeper layers. Ancient derma rollers and other cosmetic acupuncture tools have been found dating back 2,000 years!

What is MicroNeedling?

MicroNeedling also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is a powerful yet minimally invasive professional procedure that rejuvenates the skin with the use of an automated needling device. It promotes the production of collagen similar to IPL, fractional laser treatments and laser resurfacing, but without damaging the skin and with minimal downtime.

How does it work?

Much like cosmetic acupuncture, micro-needling uses very thin, hair-fine needles to puncture the dermal layers of the skin. This creates microscopic wounds (micro-channels) that facilitate the healing process. Within minutes, your body begins to heal itself, delivering fresh blood and nutrients to the area. Fibroblasts in the papillary dermis respond by producing new collagen and elastin, which keep your skin youthful, firm and lifted. The micro-channels created also help to increase the absorption and effectiveness of serums by up to 3,000%. 

Benefits include 

  • Smoother and softer skin texture
  • More even skin tone
  • Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
  • Increased skin plumpness and hydration
  • Diminished visibility of pore size
  • Diminished visibility of stretch marks
  • Diminished visibility of all kinds of scars including acne scars
  • Overall younger-looking skin
  • In the case of hair loss on the scalp, increased hair follicle production

MicroNeedling can be used on any skin tone and types, as well as all areas of the body including the scalp to promote hair growth.

What to expect during your appointment

Similar to cosmetic acupuncture treatments with Dr. Ara, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped. You will receive 20 minutes of LED light therapy with the Celluma. Next, numbing cream will be applied to the areas being treated along with acupuncture to address your needs. When the numbing cream is ready, we’ll take the acupuncture needles out, and your face will be thoroughly cleaned again to remove the numbing cream. A powerful and rich serum customized to your needs will be applied right before and immediately following the MicroNeedling. The entire treatment takes 60-75 minutes depending on areas being treated. Most people leave the treatment room feeling super relaxed and happy.

What does it feel like

Most people say they feel a slight vibration or a tickling sensation in certain areas like the nose. More sensation is felt around bony areas like the forehead but the pain is minimal due to the numbing cream.

Downtime 

The amazing thing about micro-needling is that it has little to no downtime in comparison to other professional services. Immediately following micro-needling it is normal to be red with some pin pick bleeding. The micro-channels close up within the first hour and by the next day (12 hours later) you are able to wear makeup again. Redness subsides between 12 - 48 hours post-treatment.

When do we see results and how many treatments does it take?

Improvements in the skin can be seen the following day after a single treatment. Full results of a single treatment can be seen 90 days post-procedure. Depending on the condition being treated, 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended for maximum effectiveness.  Additionally, we recommend 1-2 treatments a year as maintenance.

Contraindications

Micro-needling is considered safe for all skin types. However, below are some situations and conditions when the procedure should not be performed:

  • If you have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the past 6 months
  • If you have had botox in the area to be treated within the past 2 weeks
  • If you have had dermal filler injections or micro-needling in the area to be treated within the past 4 weeks
  • Radiation treatments in the area being treated within the past year
  • If you have open wounds of any kind including cuts and abrasions, skin infections, warts, raised moles, lesions or viruses such as herpes in the area to be treated (micro-needling can trigger outbreaks).
  • Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, active acne breakout, rosacea or other skin condition in the area being treated. These can be addressed with regular acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
  • Acitinic (solar) keratosis
  • History of keloid scars in the area being treated
  • Diabetes due to delayed wound healing
  • Scleroderma
  • Blood clotting problems
  • Collagen vascular disease
  • Cardiac abnormalities
  • Immunosuppression
  • Active bacterial or fungal infections
  • New scars (less than 3 months old)
  • If you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding. Not only should you reserve all nutrients for the baby, but numbing cream can be passed on to your baby from the breastmilk.

If there is something you are not sure about, please call or discuss during the consultation.

 

 

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