Microneedling

Microneedling, also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment which can help to improve a range of skin concerns, by encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. 

At our skin clinic near Wigan, we use the raffine pen to carry out Microneedling treatments.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the connective tissues of your body. When we don’t have enough, it causes our skin to look dull and start to sag. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which is part of the reason that our skin loses its youthful appearance and elasticity over time.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) is a safe and effective treatment to rejuvenate skin, give it a more youthful appearance, and treat a range of skin problems. 

Microneedling can be carried out with either a pen or a roller. We use the raffine pen as it causes less damage and offers more precision than a roller. 

The needles in the pen penetrate your skin vertically, which causes less damage to your epidermis. The needles on a roller penetrate at an angle, which increases the risk of tears. This in turn leads to a longer recovery time after treatment. 

The needling pen is better for small or contoured areas, and allows us to adjust the needle depth to deliver the correct treatment, according to the treatment area and the type of skin concern in question. 

This treatment is suitable for use all over the body, and can help to improve:

  • Acne scarring
  • Ice pick scarring
  • Closed acne lesions
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Signs of ageing
  • Stretch marks
  • Hair loss
  • Enlarged pores 
  • Enhances texture of skin
  • Collagen production
  • Skin rejuvenation

How Does It Work?

Microneedling involves pricking the skin with tiny needles, causing ‘micro-injuries’ to the treatment area. As the skin detects these pinpricks, the body’s natural healing process kicks in. 

This process triggers the body to produce more collagen and elastin in the area, which has a positive effect on the skin. In fact, the amount of collagen produced after a single treatment has been shown to equal the amount lost in a year! Furthermore, it has been shown that skin treated with four sessions spaced a month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment.

microneedling

What To Expect

Prior to needling we apply a cocktail of vitamins to your skin, selected specifically for your skin concerns. These will then penetrate into the dermis, via the microchannels created by the microneedling process. 

The punctures delivered by the fine needles of the pen are more like pinpricks, that enter only the surface level.

Contraindications

  • Allergies to steel (surgical steel)
  • Keloid scars
  • Active eczema
  • Psoriasis and other chronic conditions
  • History of actinic or solar keratosis
  • History of herpes simplex infections
  • History of diabetes
  • Presence of raised moles in the area to be treated
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Suffer from scleroderma, collagen or vascular diseases
  • Have cardiac abnormalities
  • Suffer from blood clotting conditions
  • Have active bacterial or fungal infections
  • Suffer from immunosuppression

If any of the above apply, or you are unsure if microneedling is the right treatment for you, please email us on [email protected] so that we can advise further.

Before Your Treatment

  • No retinoids/products containing Vitamin A for at least 7 days before treatment
  • Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure
  • No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior

After your treatment

Aftercare depends on the type of treatment you have.

Microneedling for mesotherapy: for fine lines, wrinkles acne scarring

  • Avoid exercise and sweating for 24 hours after your treatment
  • Avoid hot water on the treated area for 24 hours
  • Do not apply any other products to your skin for 24 hours 
  • Avoid makeup for 24 hours
  • Avoid swimming, saunas and spas for 48 hours
  • No chemical peels or skin treatments for 2 weeks
  • Avoid strong retinol or glycolic acid products for 5-7 days

Microneedling for stretch marks and deeper scarring

  • Avoid sun exposure for 14 days. Use sunscreen minimum SPF 30+ for at least a month post treatment if the area treated is exposed to the sun. Failure to do this can damage your skin and result in hyperpigmentation. 
  • Avoid soaking in the bath for 10-14 days, whilst the area is healing. 
  • Avoid swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis and spas for 2 weeks.
  • Do not apply any products to your skin for 2 weeks other than aloe vera or Lynton Light soothe. 
  • Wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment and for 72 hours after your treatment. Leave the area uncovered to let air circulate. 
  • Do not apply any perfumed products, shower gels, creams or essential oils to the area. We would advise you to use a gentle cleansing shower gel.
  • Change your bed sheets and towels the day of your treatment. 
  • Keep the area clean and remember it’s a wound site during your healing. 
  • Do not pick, scratch or rub the treatment area. Avoid touching it unnecessarily.

For Best Results (How many treatments)

Microneedling is typically performed in a series of four to six sessions, spaced about a month apart.

Down Time

Your skin will look like you have mild sunburn immediately after treatment. This will subside within a couple of days depending on the depth of the needle used. 

Peeling may occur from day 3-5 this is nothing to worry about. Ensure that you have no events coming up within the following days if needling.

Skin Type

Suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types.