Micro Needling

What is Micro Needling?

Medical Micro-Needling is referred to as a non ablative skin treatment. This means that the deeper parts of the skin are treated without removing the top layer of the skin. It is designed to treat various skin conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles light scarring from acne and photo-damage (sun damage) and to improve skin colour and other skin texture changes.

What is the principal behind Micro Needling?

The idea behind micro-needling or collagen induction therapy (CIT) is similar to that of many other non-surgical skin-tightening procedures in that it aims to create a controlled injury underneath the skin's surface causing the body to respond through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibers (neo-collagenesis) as well as new capillaries for an improved blood supply (new-angiogenesis) in the treated area. The skin plumps an thickens in response to this stimulus ultimately reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines and other skin texture changes. In addition to CIT, the channels made from the micro-needles allow topical gels and creams to be absorbed more effectively through the top layer of the skin.

This innovative technology works on all layers of skin and treats:

• Enlarged Pores
• Fine Lines
• Acne Scars
• Surgical Scars
• Caesarean Scars
• Stretch Marks
• Dermal Thickness

What all of these conditions have in common is a lack of Collagen, otherwise known as CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy). This treatment works by creating thousands of micro wounds in the skin which triggers the body's natural wound healing cascade.

This cascade brings platelets, fibroblasts, epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells together to facilitate repair on all layers of the dermis and epidermis. Resurface, repair and rebuild.

How long does the treatment take?

In general, the total length of time for the procedure is 90 minutes depending on the areas to be treated.

Does it Hurt?

A numbing cream on the skin is used before the treatment which renders the procedure most painless. Nonetheless, some pressure sensations will still be felt, although not painful.

What is the downtime for the treatment?

Recovery can vary but generally the skin will be pink or red appearance for 24 – 48 hours, much like a mild to moderate sunburn. Generally the inflammatory reaction of the skin is usually short and fades significantly after a couple of days on average, depending on the skin type and health of the individual.

Are there any side-effects or risks to this procedure?

Side effects and risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, with some mild scab formation in rare circumstances. Infections are extremely rare. Since the tiny pricking channels close within minutes, and provided the procedure is done under clinical conditions, post-op infections are very unlikely.