SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the U.S. FDA, clinically proven to safely and effectively treat facial acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, large pores, thin skin, lax skin and loss of resiliency. A busy person’s answer for beautiful results with virtually no downtime. WEI Aesthetic Institute offer this fast comfortable procedure that will improve the appearance of your skin as early as one week after treatment.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses very fine and fast needles to cause controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process, while minimizing cellular damage. The result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact. There are 3 phases to the wound-repair process:
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Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
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Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
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Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.
What are the benefits of Microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates production of new collagen allowing your skin to look and feel smoother, plumper, and more luminous. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by loss of elastin and collagen and prevents signs of aging and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks and acne and surgical scars. Furthermore, microneedling reduces large pores and uneven skin tone. Typically, the results will become visible after approximately 48 to 72 hours, but maximally around six weeks. When combined with PRP (platelet rich plasma), the results are even more dramatic as this combination is synergistic in the repair of skin as well as new collagen production.
How many treatments do I need?
Your aesthetics provider at Wei Aesthetic Institute will decide on the number of treatments needed based on your skin condition as well as your desired end point. Most patients will require multiple sessions to achieve the best results. Combination of microneedling with PRP will achieve your desired results faster with less treatments.
What are the possible side effects?
There is very few side effects from microneedling. After the procedure, your skin will appear pink or mildly red immediately post-procedure, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn. Additionally, the most common treatment responses experienced were dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, tenderness and burning. These conditions resolve over time without any further complications. There is a small chance of bruising, swelling, and rarely, pustule formation. Very rarely, infection, scarring or changes in pigmentation of your skin may occur. If you have a history of oral herpes or cold sores, please inform your health care provider prior to your treatment. An antiviral therapy may be needed to minimize any herpetic outbreak.
What is the downtime?
Downtime is usually 5-7 days with mild dryness, rough skin, redness, itching and peeling. We recommend keeping your skin well hydrated, applying sunscreen religiously as well as staying away from direct sun exposure, and refrain from scratching or picking off any eschar from the treated areas.
Is there any discomfort during and after the treatment?
It is an overall comfortable procedure. In our office, we always recommend applying a topical numbing agent to the treatment area. The treatment is approximately 30 minutes and most patients report feeling only the slight vibration of the microneedles during the procedure. Our office also offers the NitroNox system (i.e. laughing gas) to help take the edge off any cosmetic procedures upon patient’s request. After the treatment, the skin may feel itching and irritated and minimally painful. Our office will provide Skinfuse LIFT, a clean, non-cytotoxic hydrogel used to prevent the skin from drying out post-procedure. Most patients will not require any pain medication but if you need to, any over the counter pain medication will be suitable.