We at Exordium Medical Group believe everyone is beautiful inside and out. We want to help all of our patients look and feel their best. To that end we have invested in some of the worlds most cutting edge technology to bring some of the most effective treatments to our patients.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to stimulate new collagen production by utilizing the skin’s natural healing response, also known as dermal remodeling. It involves using an electronically powered handheld device with tiny, sterile single use needle tips that make precise and microscopic punctures to the outermost layer of the skin. These micro injuries improve skin appearance by stimulating blood flow and generation of growth factors that increase production of collagen and elastin. This also allows for increased absorption of topical therapies, such as hyaluronic acid, through the outermost layer of skin.
About Collagen, Elastin, & Hyaluronic Acid…
Within the dermis layer of the skin are cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. They contribute to skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration, which contributes to improved skin appearance. As we age, the activity of fibroblasts decline by 1-1.5% each year, resulting in decreased collagen production. Chronic sun exposure, pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, and other environmental factors also contribute to damaging skin health. Decreased collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin volume loss. A study conducted in Germany and South Africa showed that micro needling treatments resulted in a considerable increase in deposition of collagen and elastin on histologic examination as well as overall high patient satisfaction scores with their results.
What are the clinical indications for Microneedling?
Microneedling is FDA approved for the treatment of acne scars, facial wrinkles, and abdominal scars for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-VI. Additional off label uses for microneedling include hair loss, scars, stretch marks, skin pigment issues, and skin rejuvenation.
Contraindications
What should I expect during my treatment?
Before we begin your treatment, you will need to wash your face and then a topical numbing cream will be applied to your area of treatment for around 30 minutes. This numbing cream will be removed and then your face will be cleansed a second time. Your treatment will take around 30 minutes depending on the area being treated. You may experience pinpoint bleeding and redness of your skin, however this will resolve. You may feel a tickling sensation and overall this treatment is generally well tolerated. After your treatment is complete, a soothing serum will be applied, other topicals can be applied upon request at an additional cost.
What is the downtime?
Your skin may feel tight and appear red like a sunburn for 24-48 hours after your treatment. You may also experience some flaking of the skin.
What should I do post-procedure?
A detailed post procedure instruction sheet will be given to you. Avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen is paramount to your healing process! It is also recommended to avoid vigorous activity and sweating after your procedure.
When will I see results?
Many patients will look refreshed within a week or so from the increased blood flow to the area. To see improvements in your skin condition will take around 6 weeks as it takes time for collagen and elastin production. These times will vary based on your age and cellular turnover rates. It is recommended to have anywhere around 3 to 5 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart to see optimal results. Every patient is unique and may require more or less treatments.
Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to stimulate new collagen production by utilizing the skin’s natural healing response, also known as dermal remodeling. It involves using an electronically powered handheld device with tiny, sterile single use needle tips that make precise and microscopic punctures to the outermost layer of the skin. These micro injuries improve skin appearance by stimulating blood flow and generation of growth factors that increase production of collagen and elastin. This also allows for increased absorption of topical therapies, such as hyaluronic acid, through the outermost layer of skin.
About Collagen, Elastin, & Hyaluronic Acid…
Within the dermis layer of the skin are cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. They contribute to skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration, which contributes to improved skin appearance. As we age, the activity of fibroblasts decline by 1-1.5% each year, resulting in decreased collagen production. Chronic sun exposure, pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, and other environmental factors also contribute to damaging skin health. Decreased collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin volume loss. A study conducted in Germany and South Africa showed that micro needling treatments resulted in a considerable increase in deposition of collagen and elastin on histologic examination as well as overall high patient satisfaction scores with their results.
What are the clinical indications for Microneedling?
Microneedling is FDA approved for the treatment of acne scars, facial wrinkles, and abdominal scars for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-VI. Additional off label uses for microneedling include hair loss, scars, stretch marks, skin pigment issues, and skin rejuvenation.
Contraindications
- If you have active skin cancer on the area being treated.
- If you have open wounds, sores, or irritated skin on area to be treated.
- If you have an allergy to stainless steal or anesthetics.
- If you have a bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder
- If you are on blood thinners
- If you are pregnant or nursing.
- If you are taking certain medications
- If you are prone to Keloid formation
What should I expect during my treatment?
Before we begin your treatment, you will need to wash your face and then a topical numbing cream will be applied to your area of treatment for around 30 minutes. This numbing cream will be removed and then your face will be cleansed a second time. Your treatment will take around 30 minutes depending on the area being treated. You may experience pinpoint bleeding and redness of your skin, however this will resolve. You may feel a tickling sensation and overall this treatment is generally well tolerated. After your treatment is complete, a soothing serum will be applied, other topicals can be applied upon request at an additional cost.
What is the downtime?
Your skin may feel tight and appear red like a sunburn for 24-48 hours after your treatment. You may also experience some flaking of the skin.
What should I do post-procedure?
A detailed post procedure instruction sheet will be given to you. Avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen is paramount to your healing process! It is also recommended to avoid vigorous activity and sweating after your procedure.
When will I see results?
Many patients will look refreshed within a week or so from the increased blood flow to the area. To see improvements in your skin condition will take around 6 weeks as it takes time for collagen and elastin production. These times will vary based on your age and cellular turnover rates. It is recommended to have anywhere around 3 to 5 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart to see optimal results. Every patient is unique and may require more or less treatments.
SkinPen’s microneedles pierce the skin, triggering your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and begin to create new tissue.
The micro-wounds created by SkinPen are rebuilt with new granulation cells that include collagen proteins. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels which are comprised of rich collagen and elastin proteins. These proteins improve skin youthfulness.
|
Above Left: Left photo shows acne scarring before microneedling. Right photo shows the improvement in the skin texture and underlying redness after 6 sessions of microneedling
|
Above Right: Top photo shows acne scarring, with underlying redness. Below shows a significant improvement in the depth of the scars and an overall improvement in the texture, and color of the skin.
|