Microneedling
Microneedling with SkinPen?
SkinPen is a minimally invasive, in-office, skin rejuvenation procedure that improves fine lines and acne scars by stimulating your skin’s natural ability to repair itself.
Available only through skincare professionals, SkinPen is a state-of-the-art tool that works by creating a series of microscopic channels into the skin to assist in the production of new collagen and elastin. Your skin may look and feel healthier with little or no downtime!
SkinPen is extremely versatile and may be used on most parts of the body.
How Microneedling Works
SkinPen by Bellus Medical is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device.
The SkinPen causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process while minimizing cellular damage. The result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.
There are three phases to the wound-repair process:
- Inflammation: Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
- Proliferation: The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
- Remodeling: The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Avoidance of Accutane for the past 6 months
- Avoid retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, sunburn, and benzoyl peroxide 3 days prior to the procedure
- Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures for the past 7 days prior
- No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis 5-7 days prior
- No shaving on the day of the procedure
- No significant changes in the skin recently including a breakdown of skin, excess dryness, or sunburn
- Skin is clean without lotion, oil, makeup, deodorant, powder, perfume, or sunscreen
- If you have a history of Herpes Simplex, please ask us to prescribe an antiviral medication when scheduling. This should be taken the day before, the day of, and a day after your procedure. If you are experiencing an active outbreak in the area to be treated, please reschedule as we will be unable to perform your procedure.
- No active cold sores, warts, open sores, sun, dermatitis, inflammatory rosacea, or excessively sensitive skin in the area to be treated
- No allergies to salicylates
- Do not use skin care products that contain Retin-A and/or other acne medication, or Glycolic or other acids, for one week prior to or after treatment.
- Do not use self-tanning lotions, tanning booths, tanning injectables, or sunbathe for 2 weeks prior, to or after your treatment
- Due to the body’s inflammatory response to Covid-19 and other viruses, we ask that you postpone your procedure 2 weeks after being symptom-free. This helps minimize post-procedure inflammatory responses your body may experience.
Day of Treatment Instructions:
- Arrive with clean washed skin.
- Omit lotions, creams, make-up, or deodorant in the area to be treated
- Inform the provider of any changes in medical history and of all medications you are taking
Post Procedure Instructions
- Do Not Expose Yourself to the Sun
After you have undergone your microneedling procedure, stay out of the sun and do not apply any sunscreen, due to the toxins that may be contained in the lotion. Post-procedure, the skin channels are completely open, and any toxins contained in topical applicants may be harmful to you. - Do Not Use Any “Active Ingredient” Skin Products
Post-procedure, avoid any skin care product that has active ingredients. These commonly include things like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retinol, and other similar agents until 72 hours post-treatment. The skin will be highly sensitive and these products will only irritate it further. - Use Collagen Stimulating Peptides
As microneedling serves to stimulate the production of collagen, the skin needs higher amounts of collagen than normal to recover optimally. Collagen Stimulating Peptides assist in that process, further aiding in the stimulation of collagen production. - Avoid the Use of Makeup After Treatment
It is imperative that you let your skin “breathe” and recover for 24 hours after the procedure. The skin channels are open, and using a makeup brush can penetrate the pores, especially if they are very thin, causing further irritation. Using a makeup brush that has been used before can contaminate the skin and consequently, lead to infections. Wait for 24 to 48 hours before you apply face makeup to give your skin the necessary recovery time. - Use an Antioxidant Serum
Antioxidant serums have properties that assist in healing the skin. Serums assist in soothing the skin and further reduce irritation. - Avoid Sweating
As you sweat the pores of your skin will reopen, and the bacteria on your skin may enter the skin punctures. This can lead to either a reaction or infection.
