Micro-needling also known as collagen induction therapy is a procedure in which a vibrating pen with a special tip is used to penetrate the skin creating micro channels where products can be infused deep into the skin. A micro-needling pen uses a special tip containing several microscopic needles to penetrate the skin at a level deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The micro-injuries to the skin send a message to the body to repair the skin. Collagen and elastin are stimulated in this process of healing and repair giving the skin a fullness and glow.
Micro-needling can be done with various serums but it’s important to ensure they are indicated and have been tested for micro-needling. Another option for micro-needling is platelet-rich plasma or PRP micro-needling. PRP involves a simple blood draw, the blood is then spun down to separate the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is used as the slip for the microneedles and is driven into the microchannels where it can stimulate collagen at a deeper level.
There are multiple benefits to micro-needling including minimizing enlarged pores, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing acne and other scars, and smoothing out skin texture. Micro-needling stimulates collagen and elastin production, providing elasticity and firmness to the skin.
PRP has been shown to have even more rejuvenating effects on the skin than just micro-needling alone. PRP micro-needling has been shown to improve skin texture and treat fine lines and wrinkles far better than micro-needling alone. It provides increased volume and firmness to the skin due to the growth factors in the PRP. It also increased the production of collagen and elastin and increases cellular turnover revealing new skin cells. It is highly effective at treating acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks and it’s safe to do on nearly every part of the body. Other benefits of PRP include minimal downtime, it’s safe with minimal risk, and there is a shorter recovery time with PRP versus regular micro needling yielding natural results.
Your provider will apply topical numbing cream to the face for 20-30 minutes then cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and any remaining numbing cream. A slip is used to lubricate the skin and penetrate the microchannels. Whether it’s a serum or PRP it will infuse into the channels and begin to stimulate the healing process calling on collagen and elastin to do the repairs.
Your skin may be red, warm, itchy, and tight for the first 24 hours after the treatment. You will want to avoid touching your face or washing your face for the first 4-6 hours. You will also want to avoid any ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, turmeric, curcumin, or steroids. If the skin is itching, you can apply topical hydrocortisone cream after the first 6 hours. You will need to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. Your provider will review the aftercare instructions in greater detail at your appointment.
It's important to have a consultation beforehand to make sure you are a good candidate for micro-needling and to ensure you understand the instructions for pre and post-care. There are a few conditions where micro-needling is not indicated, which is why it’s important to have a consultation beforehand.