When I suggest Micro-needling to a patient, the first question is “Does it hurt?”. The word “needle” starts us off on the wrong foot. Who likes needles? Not this girl! I’m the worst! I was the child the doctor had to chase down for shots. And unfortunately, not much has changed. So, if I can handle Micro-needling, anyone can! Fear isn’t the only reason for declining the treatment. There are several other reasons that evolve from ignorance & misinformation regarding the treatment. I want to educate my patients on the purpose, facts, & ease fears of Micro-needling.
Why Micro-needling? Simple. We lose collagen as we age. Bummer. Micro-needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, stimulates collagen releasing growth factors and cytokines. The treatment is genius! Our body produces collagen to heal itself. By creating the micro-injuries over the surface of the skin, your body will naturally produce collage to heal itself! In addition to the collagen induction, you get a little lagniappe – microchannels! As a result of the needling process, microchannels are created down to the dermis allowing skin care products to penetrate at the deepest level!
What is Micro-needling? Micro-needling is preferred because it treats many different skin concerns & no downtime! Aging skin, acne scarring, lip lines, crows feet, fine lines, dull, large pores, stretch marks & scarring all benefit greatly from Micro-needling. The treatment is done at our clinic, a safe sterile environment. As your esthetician, I am licensed by the state of Louisiana and certified to perform Micro-needling treatments. Rest assure, I train & constantly educate myself as new techniques & devices evolve. I got you! Ok, back to it. I use a pen that has disposable heads containing 12 very small needles. The device pulsates 120 times per second reaching depths of 0.25mm-3.0mm. The depth & the speed is controlled by the operator according to the area and reaction of the skin.
What is the process & how long does it take? In total, the treatment takes about 30 minutes. I use a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable for the patient. During the treatment, I use a hyaluronic gel to assist the glide of the pen and give the patient the added benefits that come from hyaluronic acid. If you read my blogs, you know how much I love hyaluronic acid. To determine the depth & speed, I look for mild erythema (redness) & pinpoint bleeding. Once I’ve achieved that, I know I’ve reached the dermis – mission accomplished! There is no need to over work the skin & cause trauma. Trauma does not equal results. Post treatment, you have the option to add boosters to enhance the treatment. At the time of your consultation, we will discuss enhancer options.
How many treatments do I need & is there downtime? As with any skin care treatment, more than 1 treatment is recommended for optimal results. Your specific need will determine how many treatments is suggested. We offer treatments individually or as a package of 3. The patient will typically leave the office with mild to moderate redness. This usually resolves by the following morning. You should avoid working out, sun exposure, sweating or harsh products immediately after the treatment. You can resume your normal routine one to two days after your treatment. You should use a mild, gentle cleanser until your skin restores to its normal state. You do not have to take time off of work for this treatment.
Can’t I just buy a dermal roller and get the same results? Absolutely NOT! Here’s why. Insertion. With a micropen (what I use) you are getting vertical insertion. This ensures the needle is accurately inserting to the dermis. Rollers insert horizontally causing the skin to tear & rip as it is rolled out. Not good. There is also a greater risk of infection rolling your skin in an unsterile environment. More importantly, it is dangerous & reckless to needle (wound) your skin at home on a daily basis. Continually wounding skin makes it almost impossible to regain or maintain a healthy balance in collagen. During wound healing and the formation of scar tissue, there’s a change in the relative amounts of type I and type III collagen. When skin is wounded, the amount of type I collagen increases and the amount of type III collagen decreases. When type I and type III are in balance, skin is healthier and looks youthful. When they are out of balance, because of injury or repeatedly being reinjured, then type I is more prevalent. The result? Skin becomes stiffer and looks unhealthy. Do yourself a favor and rely on a licensed professional to treat your skin not a neighbor selling it to win a free vacation! I’m all about empowering entrepreneurs, but I’m an esthetician and I know the risks of putting your skin (the largest organ of the body) into the hands of an untrained, unlicensed, salesman. This is why, in the state of Louisiana, it is illegal to Microneedle a patient without the supervision of a doctor.
So what is stopping you? Micro-needling is is easy & effective. I would love to consult with you to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment! I asked a few patients to provide feedback regarding their Micro-needling experiences and this is what they had to say:
“I am a former smoker and I wanted the lines around my mouth gone. That was my main concern. I have done 3 treatments with Sam and I am thrilled! My smokers lines are gone and my skin is so tight and smooth. I anticipated a result on just my lip lines and I got way more!” -Jennifer
“I am a Micro-needling addict! Sam started working on acne scars and pits I have from childhood acne. I thought I would have to live with them the rest of my life. After about 6 treatments, and the products she put me on, my scars are almost gone! I will continue to Microneedle because I am very happy with the results.” –Tara
“Micro-needling gives me a rejuvenated look. I come to Timeless Rx for a needling appointment before events because afterwards my skin looks tight & has a beautiful glow! I always get complements after I needle.” – Joan
I, too, enjoy the results I get from Micro-needling. I have always been unhappy with my gigantic pores & acne scars from cystic acne. I am so pleased with the tightening I get from the treatments! My pores are barely visible & now no one believes me when I say I had cystic acne! So, I don’t just suggest these treatments…I highly recommend them based on personal experience! I can’t wait to see what Micro-needling can do for you!
Your Esthetician,
Sam
