Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen-induction therapy, uses fine pins to penetrate your skin. This stimulates the healing cascade which consists of collagen and elastin. This collagen and elastin rejuvenates the skin contributing to healthy looking skin. This treatment can be used on the face, neck or chest. Similar to RF microneedling but without the heat generated by radio frequency waves. A smaller price point than its counterpart but still packs a punch! PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma can be applied topically to the skin following treatment further stimulating healing and growth of collagen and elastin.
What to expect during treatment?
A topical numbing cream is applied to the face for about 45 minutes. The face is cleansed and a hyaluronic serum is applied. The pins are then inserted at various depths in a circular pattern. Some bleeding may occur.
What to expect after treatment?
After your treatment, Alastin Skincare’s Regenerating Skin Nectar is applied to the face which contains TriHex technology to promote healing, reduce redness and irritation. This serum is encouraged to be continued at home as it also promotes collagen and elastin production.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally, 3-5 treatments are recommended spaced 4 weeks apart. Treatments can be banked if not used in a series for maintenance throughout the year which is about every 4 months.
When will I see results?
About 2 weeks after treatment but peak results are generally seen after 3 treatments and continue 6-12 weeks later as collagen and elastin continue to proliferate.
Risks associated with treatment
If settings are too aggressive, scarring or PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) can occur. If the skin is not prepped there is risk for infection.
Microneedling improves the appearance of:
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Dull skin
- Poor skin texture
- Scarring
- Fine lines
- Mild skin laxity
- Large pores
MICRONEEDLING PRE TREATMENT CARE
GENERAL CARE
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid using all anti-inflammatory medications (ie: ibuprofen, aspirin) for 1 week prior to treatment.
- Avoid fish oil, gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other supplements/herbals 1 week before treatment as these supplements can lead to increased bleeding.
SUN EXPOSURE
- If your skin has been sunburned or artificial tanner has been used over the areas to be treated, wait 4 weeks before receiving this treatment.
MICRONEEDLING POST TREATMENT CARE
DOWNTIME
- Downtime is generally 2-3 days where the skin is red and irritated but can last for 1 week in some depending on how treatment approach. There may be pinpoint scabs.
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Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas for 1-2 days after treatment or until fully healed.
- Mineral based makeup can be applied if needed the following day.
GENERAL CARE
- Wash the area with a gentle cleanser mornings and evenings. We carry Alastin Gentle Moisturizer.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
- Have cool compresses on hand to help soothe the skin. Do not use ice.
- Use Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex technology to further promote healing, collagen and elastin production. If you prefer, a non comedogenic moisturizer may be used.
- Avoid exfoliating treated areas for 4 weeks following treatment.
MEDICATIONS
- Tylenol is ok to use for discomfort, avoid ibuprofen for 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid retinoid containing products, hydroquinone, vitamin C, glycolic acid for 2 weeks after treatment.
SUN EXPOSURE
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks after treatment. If you plan on going out into the sun, use at least 30 SPF daily. If you need a good sunscreen we recommend Alastin SildSHIELD Mineral Sunscreen. We carry this in our office.
Real Self Score
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Worth it rating
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The World of Fillers
Fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which restores volume and improves the overall texture of the skin. As we age, we lose fat in the face, the muscle wears down and even the bone structure changes. This all contributes to an ageing face. In our youth, the face is shaped like an upside-down egg, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. As we age, this flip around. We become narrower up top having lost volume around the temples and wider at the bottom. This is because of the changes we mentioned above – loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and changes in bone structure.
When tackling volume loss, we start with the midface. It fills the cheeks, elevates the midface, and in doing so can improve the hollowing of the eyes and smooth the lines around the mouth. Filler can restore definition to the jawline. Not only can it plump the lips, but also restore its color and hydration too. Don’t forget the hands, always a dead giveaway of our age. The hands can also be filled, we use Restylane Lyft for this area. With the correct type of filler and amount used most won’t know what you’ve had done, just that you look rested, refreshed, youthful.
Prior to coming to the clinic there are a few things you should do to prepare. Avoid alcohol and Ibuprofen 48 hours prior to injection as this will minimize bruising. Of course, there still is a risk of bruising as we have hundreds of thousands of blood vessels in our face but taking this precaution will help. We locally anesthetize the area and in some, perform a nerve block. Other practices just use a topical anesthetic. We do not find this to be as effective. After your procedure you should avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Sleeping upright can help with swelling. Keeping hydrated and using a topical hyaluronic serum is great to support your treatment at home. By staying hydrated and using a good skin care regimen, we support and maintain our results following treatment.
We love Galderma’s Restylane line of fillers. Their line of fillers with XpresHAn technology integrates into the tissues and moves with the face keeping a natural look. We’ve included a list of Restylane’s line of filles and areas we like to use them:
Restylane Refyne – can be used anywhere on the face
Restylane Defyne – lower face such as nasal labial folds (laugh lines), chin
Restylane Contour – midface
Restylane Lyft – midface, temples, jawline, hands
Restylane – L – can be used anywhere on the face, lips
Restylane Kysse – lips, wrinkles around the mouth
We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Consultations are complimentary. Call or schedule online at themdskinclinic.com
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