What is Microneedling?
Often referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy microneedling is a non-destructive, naturopathic-like treatment for the face (and neck, décollete and hands) that harnesses the body’s very own power to naturally rejuvenate, smooth and tone the skin.
A microneedling device is shaped like a pen and has really tiny needles, smaller than the needles used for other aesthetic injections, that create microscopic channels when the pen is rubbed on the surface of the skin. There are no injections, just the needling, which in turn stimulates the dermis to release certain biomolecules that promote skin growth and healing into the surrounding skin.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Hamlett uses one of the most effective micro-needling pen on the market: the Dermapen. The Dermapen is unique for its adjustable needle depth, which lends itself to a more precise and individualized treatment as well as its use of sterile, individually-sealed, disposable needle cartridges, which leads to optimal patient safety and comfort.
Every Dermapen needle tip is made up of 12 smaller needles, which use proprietary technology to penetrate vertically into the skin. This creates small, micro-channels, which carry up to 80% more topical nutrients, and in the case of the PRP Facial, your own regenerative and healing molecules.
By penetrating down into the dermis, absorption of active ingredients is increased, repair is stimulated at a cellular level and regeneration of the skin’s epidermal cells is accelerated. While we can use a topical serum in conjunction with micro-needling, PRP also produces amazing results.
Areas of skin that are deficient in collagen and elastin tend to look thin, loose, wrinkled, rough and weathered. Micro-needling improves the appearance of the skin by kicking local collagen and elastin production into high gear. Increased collagen production combined with more growth factors circulating to the site further enhances the appearance of the skin. Tone and firmness improve as do texture and quality.
How Long Does It Last?
These benefits are noticeable after a short period of time. A series of 4 – 6 treatments usually gives the best results, but better skin tone and visible improvements in lines and wrinkles are commonly seen within 1 – 2 weeks of the first treatment. These improvements become even more obvious after 3 – 4 weeks, with remodeling improvements in the skin continuing to develop for the next 6 – 12 months.
Lasers, surgery, and chemical peels can cause damage to the skin or unwanted scarring, but micro-needling is significantly gentler and less invasive. Micro-needling can be safely performed on not only the face, but the backs of the hands, the lower abdominal area, the inner thighs and upper arms. It’s also appropriate for all ethnicities and darkly-pigmented skin types. There aren’t many other treatment options available today with that safetly profile.
Side effects following the treatment include a slightly red face, as though the skin has been sun-kissed. No bruises, no black eyes, no blood. Dr. Hamlett also gives explicit pre-procedure instructions to minimize any potential for side effects.
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