Microneedling therapy, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT) and percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of a device that contains fine needles.
The needles are used to puncture the skin to create a controlled skin injury. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill these microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. Through the process of neovascularization and neocollagenesis, there is improvement in skin texture and firmness, as well as reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of microneedling can include increased hair growth making it an excellent natural alternative to mainstream hair loss measures. Microneedling can also offer a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, younger-looking skin with fewer signs of aging. It can have a positive effect on the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, dark spots, acne scars and stretch marks and create a fresher appearance or glow to the skin.
“Dr. Shelley is fantastic! I was a little scared and had a lot of questions about having acupuncture and microneedling but Shelley was very professional and answered all my questions. My hairline already looks fuller and I have new growth throughout my scalp. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone seeking this holistic choice over pharmaceuticals or surgical procedures. ”
— B.W., SCOTTSDALE, AZ
How is the procedure done?
A numbing cream is applied to the face for 20 minutes prior to the start of treatment. During this time, acupuncture needles will be applied to points along your body in order to treat your underlying condition. Once your face is numb, a sterile cartridge tip containing 12 points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen®. Next, a thin layer of solution, such as medical-grade saline solution, is applied to your skin and the appropriate pen setting is selected based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.
What does it feel like?
The feeling associated with the Eclipse MicroPen® is similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating Eclipse MicroPen® tip reduces discomfort while the post-treatment hydrating mask also makes the procedure more tolerable.
How long does each procedure take?
In total, your first appointment will take 75 minutes and follow-up visits will last 60 minutes.
Numbing cream is allowed to penetrate the area to be treated for 20 minutes. During this time, acupuncture needles will be inserted into points along your body to address your underlying constitution. Once the micro-needling begins, the procedure takes 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area treated.
What is the downtime?
Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the Eclipse MicroPen® setting used and the number of overlapping passes performed based on your skin's condition and your desired goals. On average, patients are red up to 2 to 4 days. Some patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours. Utilizing the quality skincare products recommended during your treatment, as well as adherence to post-care instructions, can help to speed up the healing process.
“Willing to explain procedure, patient, considerate, welcoming attitude. Thank you, Shelley!”
— L.A., SCOTTSDALE, AZ
When will I see results?
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results continue to improve up to 6 months after the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
It is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 4-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or acne scars, you may be recommend 6-8 sessions at 4-6 week intervals. Once you have completed the series of treatments, you may chose to receive maintenance treatments once or twice per year.
Who should not have micro-needling treatments?
Some patients are not candidates for micro-needling, including persons with pacemakers, heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, bleeding disorders, those taking blood thinners, having a history of keloid scarring, patients with auto-immune conditions, pregnant or nursing women, scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, active bacterial or fungal infection, facial melanosis, malignant tumors, and some pituitary disorders.
Does it really work?
Recent scientific studies investigating micro-needling have shown it to be an effective and safe modality. Research has demonstrated that micro-needling to be an successful therapy with improvement in the appearance of acne scars, skin discoloration, and wrinkles and enhance transdermal delivery of topical skincare products [1,2,3,4].
Micro-needling also poses little risk of bruising, does not result in an inflammatory response, and produces results comparable to laser treatment with less downtime and discomfort [5,6,7].
[1] Majid I. Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: An objective assessment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2009;2:26-30
[2] Doddaballapur S. Microneedling with dermaroller. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2009;2:110-1
[3] Fernandes, D., & Signorini, M. (2008). Combating photoaging with percutaneous collagen induction. Clinics in dermatology, 26(2), 192-199.
[4] Yoon, J., Son, T., Choi, E. H., Choi, B., Nelson, J. S., & Jung, B. (2008). Enhancement of optical skin clearing efficacy using a microneedle roller. Journal of biomedical optics, 13(2), 021103-021103.
[5] Arora, S., & Gupta, B. P. (2012). Automated microneedling device–a new tool in dermatologist’s kit–a review. J. Pak. Med. Assoc, 22(4), 354-357.
[6] Edgar, J. (2016). Later lasers. Why microneedling is the next big thing in skincare. Vogue. Feb 25, 2016.
[7] Johannes, L. (2014). Can microneedling improve the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars? Wall Street Journal. October 6, 2014.