Microneedling involves the introduction of fine needles through the skin. The purpose is to create micro-channels in the skin allowing the infusion of active ingredients (such growth factors and hyaluronic acid) to penetrate deeply and effectively into the dermis, nourishing the skin and stimulating the regrowth of collagen. A series is recommended 4-6 weeks apart for maximum results.

What skin conditions does the Microneedling target?

● Scarring- surgical, thermal, and acne (scars must be at least 6 months old)

● Stretch marks

● Cellulite

● Enlarged pores

● Dyspigmentation (due to sun damage and/ or hormonal imbalances e.g. Melasma)

● Fine lines and wrinkles

● Loose skin

● Dehydrated skin

Microneedling goals:

● Increased smoothness and hydration

● Thicker and firmer skin

● Increased nutrients, overall healthier condition of the treated skin

● Better micro-circulation in the treated skin

How is the microneedling performed?

Your skin care professional glides the microneedling pen over a specialized serum in a cross link or circular pattern over the skin to puncture the epidermal layers and create microscopic subcutaneous injuries. These microscopic channels in the skin allow for optimal product absorption. The microscopic injuries created with the pen stimulate a repair response & new collagen production with minimal to no downtime for your patient.

How does microneedling work on a cellular level?

As the pen creates micro-channels into the skin, pores are temporarily opened allowing the enhancement serums to fully penetrate. Micro-point punctures in the skin are created. This is a controlled injury to the skin and is perceived by the body as damage. This stimulates the release of growth factors that trigger the production of collagen and elastin. Skin reacts to this treatment by initiating the healing process which encourages your patients’ skin to continue to regenerate.

When should a patient expect to see results?

With microneedling treatments, the skin is tricked into repairing itself. The process of microneedling skin remodeling can continue to enhance for months after treatment as the skin continues to repair itself. Results can be seen within a few days to a week. Skin naturally heals itself every 45 days so by simply adding micro-needling stimulation the changes can be accelerated and your client will see results. Depending on your expectations and personal goals, a series of microneedling sessions is recommended to speed up the process and achieve optimum results. However; skin improvement is noticeable after just one treatment!

What to expect after a microneedling treatment?

Immediately following treatment, your skin will have some redness and flushed in appearance like a moderate sunburn. You will also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to the treated area as well as some peeling (depending on the depth). At 24 hours and up to 36 hours after treatment, little to no evidence of injury to the treated area is visible, however tightness and peeling can occur.

Can microneedling be used on ethnic skin types?

Microneedling can be safely performed on all skin colors and types. There is no risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation as the melanocytes remain intact (as long as pre and post-care instructions are followed). Other invasive procedures such as laser resurfacing are not recommended for Asian or African American skin due to the potential risks of delayed wound healing, pigment changes, and scarring. However, with microneedling, the potential risks on ethnic skin are unlikely due to the epidermis remaining intact.

Can microneedling help clients with rosacea?

Mild Rosacea, can be improved. When the Spinosum layer is strengthened through microneedling, the collagen stimulated will support the dermal papillae, which will reduce the appearance of broken capillaries.

How many treatments will you need?

The number of treatments depends on your current skin condition and goals. Three to four treatments may be needed for moderate acne scars. Scars from thermal burns and stretch marks may require between 6-10 sessions. The added collagen lasts up to 12 months and a refresher treatment is recommended every 6 months to 1 year in order to fight the signs of aging. Multiple sessions may be needed to reach your desired results in order to meet expectations.

Is Microneedling painful?

Application of local anesthetic numbing cream can prevent treatment discomfort.

Contraindications include:

● Keloid or raised scarring.

● History of Eczema, Psoriasis and other chronic conditions.

● History of Herpes Simplex infections.

● Uncontrolled Diabetes (Controlled must have a doctor's consent to move forward)

● Raised moles, warts or raised lesions in targeted areas.

● Patients must be off blood thinners for 3-5 days pre-microneedling

● If on any medications or drugs prescribed by a doctor need to be cleared prior to session

● Pregnancy

Absolute contraindications include:

● Scleroderma (hardening of the skin).

● Collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities.

● Blood clotting problems.

● Active bacterial or fungal infection.

● Immune-suppression diseases.

● Scars less than 6 months old.

● Facial fillers in the past 10 days.

● Warts

● Accutane

● Eczema

● Photosensitivity

● Severe allergies

● Liver disease

● Hepatitis

Possible side effects:

● Redness

● Burning/ Stinging

● Dryness

● Flaking

● Track Marks

● Breakouts

● Swelling

● Rash

● Bruising (rare)

● Cold sores (rare)

● Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (rare)

Collagen Induction Therapy / Micro-needling Pre-Treatment Instructions

Preparing Skin: 1. Use agreed upon gentle cleanser and other products

2. Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning bed at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and during treatment plan process.

3. Do not exercise the day of or for 48 hours after the induction treatment.

4. Avoid caffeine containing food or beverages day of treatment.

5. Avoid medications such as: Aleve, Advil, cold remedies, Vitamin E or aspirin 5 days prior to treatment.

6. Avoid Retin-A, chemical peels, injectable fillers or Botox 2 weeks prior to treatment.

7. Discontinue Hydroquinone, Reinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s, Benzoyl peroxide, and any other possible irritants 3-5 days prior to treatment.

8. Use a sunblock with an SPF 30+ with UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection daily.

9. Apply topical anesthetic cream 30 minutes - 1 hour prior to procedure and reapply if necessary.

10. Day of treatment wear comfortable clothing. Your top should button or zip rather than pull over the head.

11. Notify medical professional or Esthetician if you get cold sores. You will require supplement such as Lysine or an antiviral prescription to help avoid any breakout after treatments.

12. If you have open cuts, wounds, abrasions or during active acne or cold sores breakouts, we cannot perform the procedure in those areas.

13. Eat a healthy diet, whole food vitamins and minerals.

14. Drink 8 glasses of water/non-caloric fluids per day.

Collagen Induction Therapy / Micro-needling Post-Treatment Instructions

What to be expected:

⬥ Day 1: Skin will be erythematous and flushed after treatment, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur. Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours.

⬥ Day 2: A red or pink hue persists like moderate sunburn. Swelling and slight bruising may be more noticeable on the second day. Minor scratches may be visible. Apply moisturizer as needed.

⬥ Day 3: Skin can be pink or normal color. Swelling subsides. The skin can feel dry or feel tight. A slight outbreak of acne or milia (tiny white bumps) is possible. Light peeling may occur in roughly three days and will be replaced with brand new skin.

Home Care:

1. Gently wash the treated area with a Epionce Milky Cleanser and your fingers only. Gently massage the face with tepid water. Remove serum and other debris such as dried blood. Do not scrub, use a washcloth, or Clarisonic brush. Cleanse treated area twice a day. Do not use exfoliating products for 72 hours.

2. Keep skin hydrated with post-care products provided by the professional who performed your treatment. It is very important to keep the skin hydrated the days following your treatment. New cell regeneration requires at least 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water a day (if you already drink that- consider increasing by 2 glasses)

3. Cool compresses may be applied following treatment for comfort. If neck or décolletage are treated, the redness might last slightly longer.

4. Do not exercise for 24 hours after treatment and avoid strenuous exercise for two to three days after treatment until redness completely subsides.

5. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or showers until redness is gone.

6. Continue to avoid direct sun exposure to the treatment areas and apply a broad spectrum sunblock with SPF minimum of 30. Apply it at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and repeat after every two hours of sun exposure.

7. After 2-5 days or whenever the redness in the skin dissipates patients can return to regular skin care products or as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Mineral makeup may be applied the following day.

8. Avoid waxing, facials, Botox, injectable fillers or any other skin care treatment 10 days after treatment.

9. If skin becomes painful, swollen, red or inflamed, please notify your skin care professional, as this may represent an infection or allergic reaction that may require treatment.