Microneedling
Microneedling is also colloquially referred to as ‘Dermaroller™’. It can be used on any part of the body including the face and is used to tighten skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of acne scars. It has a low risk of hyperpigmentation and is very effective in all skin types. Microneedling is regarded as a good treatment to combine with other procedures. We particularly encourage clients to combine microneedling with platelet rich plasma. Best results are normally achieved with a series of sessions but results are long lasting. The downtime is minimal and although results are not immediately obvious they are well worth the wait.
How does it work?
Collagen and elastin are the predominant components of the skin and arranged in a regular lattice formation. Collagen provides the skin with tensile strength and elastin provides skin with good snap back or recoil. With age collagen and elastin decrease and they lose their geometric lattice formation accounting for reduced strength and less elasticity. Microneedling inflicts multiple micro pin pricks in the skin using needles, up to a depth of 2mm, penetrating the important layers of the skin. This results in micro injuries to the skin that are not visible. The skin is deceived into initiating a wound healing response. This ultimately results in increased collagen and elastin and rearrangement of the lattice. This yields improvement in skin appearance, strength and elasticity. Hence microneedling is also known as a form of collagen induction therapy.
What is it used to treat?
Microneedling can be used to treat numerous skin complaints. It’s skin tightening effects help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on all parts of the body including the face and décolletage. This treatment can also improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation especially in melanoma and chloasma. Microneedling initiates remodelling of the skin and can improve the appearance of scars, particularly acne scars (rolling and boxcar). Microneedling can be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.
Rejuvence Philosophy
At Rejuvence we are passionate about the potential synergy of different types of treatments. We believe that the correct combination of procedures can yield results that are far better than if performed separately. Microneedling alone has been shown to produce good results but in tandem with treatments such as platelet rich plasma and topical vitamin serums, our clients are able to achieve really remarkable outcomes.
There is a moderate amount of scientific evidence that has been published supporting the use of microneedling. The majority of research has focussed on the success of microneedling in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and especially for the treatment of acne scars on the face and upper back. Good quality research as been conducted in these fields and delivered good results. More recent research has focussed on the use of microneedling for hair loss and also delivered good results. Researchers are also very excited about the use of microneedling with platelet rich plasma and have identified much greater absorption of high strength skin serums when applied to the face after treatment sessions. Indeed after making multiple microscopic holes in the skin it is much easier for powerful vitamin serums to penetrate into the skin and have a much greater effect.
During your consultation we will listen to your concerns and formulate a bespoke treatment program with you. We recommend microneedling as part of a combination approach. Prior to the procedure an anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin. This will numb the skin and render, for the most part, the procedure pain free although some discomfort is not uncommon. The microneedling process is carried out using an automated device that will inflict multiple micro injuries to the skin using very small needles that are up to 2mm in length. The entire treatment lasts for around 30 minutes.
Through careful counselling and thorough pre-treatment examination we always try to reduce the occurrence of side effects as much as possible. Common side effects include redness and slight swelling that can persist for 2 to 3 days after the procedure. We always enquire about a history of cold sores and herpes simplex. Microneedling can reactivate infection and so when appropriate we cover with antiviral medication. Due to the slightly invasive nature of the procedure there is a small risk of infection. This procedure is not recommended for those suffering with active skin infections, eczema, rosacea, blood clotting disorders, and skin cancer.
If applied to the face you will not be able to go back to work immediately and need about 3 days to recover. Depending on other regions treated this may not be a problem and you maybe able to return to work immediately.
