Microneedling

Microneedling is a skin treatment used to treat:

wrinkles
fine lines
scars (including acne scarring)
stretch marks
large pores
hair loss
pigmentation

Microneedling uses multiple fine, sterile needles to puncture the skin with microscopic channels.

This intentional, controlled injury initiates a skin healing response, resulting in the increased production of collagen and elastin. The end result is thicker, plumper, firmer, smoother skin. Additionally, skincare products are able to penetrate more deeply into the skin, making them more effective.

At Elysian we use the Raffine microneedling pen which is a handheld device. It's cartridges have around 12 fine needles on the tip. Once switched on, these needles move rapidly in and out of the skin, at a depth set by the practitioner. This enables a deeper penetration into the skin, giving much better results. Microneedling can also be combined with other treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy and mesotherapy.

A week before treatment, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil supplements as these may increase bleeding. However, you can take paracetamol if needed.

If you are taking any prescribed medication, including aspirin, do not stop taking it – consult your practitioner or your GP first. Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before your treatment, as this also increases the risk of bleeding.

Immediately prior to your treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed with an antiseptic cleanser and a topical anaesthetic cream will be applied. It may take take 4-8 weeks to see significant improvements in your skin. Depending on the advice given by your practitioner, you may be advised to book a course of treatments, usually 3-6 booked at least 4-6 weeks apart or a specific maintenance programme.

Following treatment

After your treatment, your skin is likely to appear red and feel more sensitive.

Do:

Avoid the sun
Avoid sunscreen immediately after your treatment – once your skin has calmed, use SPF30 daily
Use collagen stimulating peptides
Keep hydrated

Don’t:

Use ‘active’ skincare products such as retinols and acids until after 5 days post-treatment
Use make up for 24-48 hours after treatment
Do strenuous exercise - sweating can enable bacteria to enter the channels created during the treatment

Your skin may become red, itchy and inflamed post-treatment, a little like sunburn. This should last no longer than 48hrs.

Some other side effects include:

Minor flaking/dryness
Scabs/skin peeling
Milia (small white spots) may appear on the skin
Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening)

These occur rarely.

If you are susceptible to cold sores, you may find that you have a breakout following a microneedling treatment. Taking a course of Acyclovir prior to your treatment can help prevent this.

Microneedling is unsuitable for anyone who has/is:

pregnant or breastfeeding
used Roaccutane in the last 6 months
open cuts, abrasions, wounds
had radiation therapy in the last 12 months
active cold sores or skin infections
skin numbness
keloid or hypertrophic scars
poor wound healing

Microneedling

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