microneedling
​
Microneedling with dermaroller is a procedure that was developed in the mid 1990’s for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and facial rejuvenation. The medical dermaroller needles are 1.5 mm in length. This is classed as ‘medical grade’ which involves deeper penetration into the skin tissue to gain greatest results. During treatment the needles pierce the skin and create little holes without damaging the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). Microneedling leads to the release of blood in the traumatised area. This blood contains plasma that is full of growth factors which stimulate the formation of new collagen, fibrin and elastin in the lower layer of the skin. In addition, new little blood vessels are formed, this in conjunction with growth factors plumps the skin and leads to rejuvenation and the reduction of scars. The procedure is also known as collagen induction therapy and has also been used in the treatment of hyperpigmented and sun damaged skin. Microneedling treatments are ideal for individuals who are looking for a gradual improvement in their skin’s appearance and seeking noticeable, natural looking results. It is appropriate for individuals with acnes scarring, sun damaged skin and mild to moderate signs of aging.
​
DERMAROLLER THE INSTRUMENT
​
The standard dermaroller used to treat scarring and facial rejuvenation is a drum-shaped roller studded with 192 fine microneedles in eight rows, 1.5 mm in length. Medical dermarollers are for single use only. The diagram below illustrates how the medical grade dermaroller we use at Beautoxology penetrate the skin deeper for greatest results in comparison to non-medical grade which are used by beauty therapists.
​
​
HOW MICRONEEDLING WITH DERMAROLLER IS USED IN COSMETIC MEDICINE?
​
The most popular uses of microneedling include:
-
Improving skin texture, firmness and radiance to the face, neck and chest
-
Adding volume to the facial tissues
-
Treating fine lines and wrinkles
-
Reducing acne, chicken pox and surgical scars and stretch marks
-
Reducing open pores
-
Improvement of hyperpigmentation and sun damaged skin
​
​
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
​
Microneedling is a simple clinic based procedure. The area to be treated is anesthetised with a topical cream for at least 20-30 minutes. After preparation of the area, rolling is done 15-20 times in horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions. Petechiae or pin-point bleeding occurs, which is easily controlled. After treatment, the area is cleaned with a cool antimicrobial solution to minimise infection. The entire procedure lasts for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the extent of the area to be treated. It can take between 4-8 weeks before visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing a gradual enhancement and brightening effect.
​
​
RESULTS
​
Although after the first treatment a noticeable improvement in skin texture can be seen. Maximum collagen regeneration occurs around 3 months after the initial treatment, resulting in plumper, lifted skin with fewer scars, lines and wrinkles. A single treatment can produce noticeable results, however a programme of 2-4 treatments spaced 2-3 months apart is often recommended to achieve optimum results. Microneedling is well tolerated by patients. Redness may be seen after treatment, lasting for 2-3 days. Sun protection for a week is advised, as is a routine intense moisturiser. Patients can go back to work the very next day.
​
​
POST TREATMENT ADVICE AND AFTERCARE
​
It is very important that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully after any treatment to help maximise the success of the procedure and to reduce the risk of complications. Post treatment advice would be:
​
-
Using tepid water to cleanse the face for the first 48 hours following treatment and drying the area by gentle patting with a clean towel
-
Ensuring that hands are always clean when touching the area treated, to avoid infections
-
Not applying conventional make-up products to the skin for the first 12 hours following treatment, some mineral based make-up products are able to be applied as recommended by your practitioner
-
Where appropriate applying the prescribed skincare products given to you by your practitioner, in accordance to your individualised care plan
-
Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen product with a high SPF (30-50) immediately after treatment before leaving the clinic and when going outside following treatment
​
​
​
WILL IT HURT?
​
A local anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin for 30 minutes prior to treatment. This numbs the area so that you will not feel the fine needles penetrating the skin. However, some patients do find this treatment uncomfortable but generally this is short lived and only whilst the procedure is being carried out.
​
​
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
​
The skin will be pink or red in appearance for a couple of hours following medical skin needling, much like a sunburn, with some minor bleeding and possible bruising. The skin may also feel warm, tight and itchy for a short while. This typically resolves in 12 - 48 hours.
Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment but can include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, with scab formation in rare cases. Milia (small white spots) may also form on the skin which can be removed by the practitioner. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of certain areas of the skin) can occur very rarely and usually resolves after a month. If you have a history of cold sores, this could possibly flare up after treatment.
​
​
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
​
A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended between treatments as it takes that long for new natural collagen to form. Up to 3-4 treatments may be required. The specific number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the indication, as well as the level of natural response from the individual’s body
​
​
WHO WOULD NOT BE SUITABLE FOR MICRONEEDLING?
​
Patients undergoing any interventions and who are not generally fit and well.
Microneedling therapy would not be suitable for patients who:
-
Have used Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within the last 3 months.
-
Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions to the skin.
-
Have had radiation treatment within the last year.
-
Have a current outbreak of herpes simplex (cold sores) or any other infection or chronic skin condition in the area to be treated.
-
Have areas of the skin that are numb or lack sensation.
-
Are pregnant or breast feeding.
-
Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing.
​
Caution
-
Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment.
-
If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you.
-
Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising) as can alcohol- which should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
​
​
CAN MICRONEEDLING BE DONE ALONE OR
MUST IT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
​
That depends entirely on the requirements of the patient. However, there are occasions when the skin needs to be treated in a complex way, perhaps due to a combination of thinning skin, textural problems, lack of hydration and an uneven skin tone. In such cases, microneedling can be performed in conjunction with one or more procedures such as skin peels, laser treatments or prescription creams to get an all-rounded more youthful and revitalised finish.
​
​
PRICES
​
Single session £250 with hyalauronic acid
3 sessions £600
​
​