MEDICAL
SKIN NEEDLING
SKIN NEEDLING IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS COLLAGEN INDUCTION OR MICRO-NEEDLING THERAPY AND IS A DERMAL THERAPY AIMED AT INDUCING COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN PRODUCTION WITHIN THE SKIN'S LOWER LAYERS, WHILE REFRESHING THE APPEARANCE OF THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN.
What is Skin Needling?
Skin needling is a way of smoothing the skin to improve acne scarring, lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, stretch marks and other surface damage. It increases the effectiveness of skin care products and is particularly useful on the neck where there is usually thinning, stretched skin and a loss of elasticity.
The procedure involves using a medical device similar to a pen with tiny needles that repeatedly penetrate the skin. Puncturing the skin creates microscopic channels deep into the dermis of the skin to stimulate new collagen production via the normal skin repair mechanisms. The healing process creates more collagen immediately under the epidermis because the hole is tiny and deep therefore healing is quick and complete.
Skin needling allows the skin to penetrate vitamins into the active layers of the skin. The higher the levels of vitamin A and vitamin C that can penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis, the more collagen is produced resulting in improved skin texture, reduced appearance of scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.
What does the treatment involve?
Following initial consultation the entire procedure will take approximately 45-60 minutes. This is because of the application of a topical anaesthetic (or numbing cream) to ensure no discomfort during the procedure. Once the numbing cream has taken effect the treatment itself takes approximately 20 minutes and involves the passing of the device over the skin which pierces of the skin with fine stainless steel sterile needles.
Often some pressure over the skin may be felt with tiny tickling sensations but the procedure will not be painful due to the use of topical anaesthetic. There will be pinpoint bleeding during the treatment but no bleeding once the treatment has finished.
Active ingredients such as vitamin A, antioxidants and peptides will be infused into the skin during the treatment.
Immediately following the treatment the skin will appear red and inflammation will be present. Often clients report their face feels sunburnt and in the following 24-48 hours the skin may feel tight and uncomfortable. Slight flaking may occur around day 3 or 4.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on what your objectives are however skin needling is best delivered over a series of 4-6 treatments for general skin rejuvenation. More sessions may be required for more sun damaged and scarred skin.
Treatments are performed at 4-6 weekly intervals to allow for collagen synthesis which takes up to 6 weeks.
Following a full course of treatment it can take up to 6 months for results to become visible due to the production and synthesis of new collagen and elastin. Maintenance treatments can then be performed.
It is important to complete the treatment plan to see results. Following a treatment plan maintenance treatments every 6-12 months (one treatment) will help to maintain the skin's health.
How much does it cost?
Full face $199
Each additional area $50 (neck, décolletage, hands)
Spot treatment for isolated scarring, small areas - from $90