MICRONEEDLING

What is Microneedling and what is its mechanism?: Microneedling, also referred to as Scarless Wound Healing, Skin Needling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), is an aesthetic medical procedure involving the creation of tiny, sterile needle punctures in the skin. This action prompts the body’s natural production of collagen in the skin.

Percutaneous collagen induction therapy (PCI), or medical microneedling, utilizes a fractional microneedling device with fine needles to reach the dermis or epidermis, causing micro-injuries that facilitate the release of serum containing cytokines—molecules that regulate cell-to-cell interactions and growth factors. These play crucial roles in tissue damage repair as they amplify the natural regeneration processes. Following microneedling, tissue proliferation commences, leading to an increase in dermal thickness. This technique has been shown to augment skin remodeling by establishing numerous minuscule channels through the skin. Subsequently, new tissues gradually develop, gaining flexibility and strength, resulting in more radiant, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. This process activates the body’s wound healing cascade, encompassing stages like hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. It falls under the category of non-ablative skin treatments, targeting the deeper skin layers without removing the top layer. Its aim is to address various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, minor acne scars, sun damage, and to improve skin tone and texture.

Didn’t you know that PRF can produce a higher cumulative release of growth factors than PRP?

Also, this release is slow and prolonged, making it ideal for tissue regeneration and growth stimulation. PRF  boost healing potential even further. Where PRP typically has a 5x concentration, PRF has 10x concentration.

That said, is a popular choice for improving skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, acne scars, under eye bags, and dull, tired looking skin. Microneedling with PRF is FDA cleared and scientifically proven to rejuvenate the skin on several levels by stimulating cell renewal and the triggering the production of collagen and elastin. Fluid PRF is highly effective, safe and simple procedure that can be used instead of PRP in the treatment of acne scars. Treatments are non-invasive, quick, comfortable, and require little recovery time. This makes Microneedling with PRF a great solution for anyone who wants to look younger and improve the appearance of his or her skin without surgery or downtime.

Also, PRF micro-needling PRF is highly effective, safe and simple procedure that can be used instead of PRP in the treatment of acne scars.

We’ve collaborated with COSMOPen™, the trailblazer in microneedling, on multiple research endeavors aimed at pushing the boundaries of the field. The COSMOPen™ is an advanced medical-grade microneedling system known for its high speed and efficacy. It delivers results comparable to a fractional laser, but without the discomfort, recovery time, high cost, or risk of thermal damage. This versatile device can effectively address a range of concerns, including acne and surgical scars (including keloids), wrinkles, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and various signs of aging.

Furthermore, through its vertical piercing action, the COSMOPen™  stimulates natural collagen production and aids in the treatment of pigmentation issues.

The COSMOPen™ employs a unique disposable 12-pin needle-head, providing precise control over penetration depth (0.25 – 2.50 mm) and needle speed, reaching up to 110 cycles per second. This results in nearly 1300 microchannels per second, a 20% faster rate compared to most initial generation devices!

What is the underlying principle of Microneedling?: The principle underlying Microneedling, specifically with COSMOPen™, is known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). This concept shares similarities with various non-surgical skin-tightening procedures. It revolves around inducing a controlled Non-Thermal injury beneath the skin’s surface. This prompts the body to initiate a response by generating new layers of elastin- and collagen fibers (neo-collagenesis) and creating fresh capillaries to enhance blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) in the treated area. In turn, the skin becomes plumper and denser as a result of this stimulus, leading to a reduction in the visibility of scars, fine lines, and other textural irregularities. Additionally, it can be utilized off-label to enhance the absorption of substances like Cosmeceuticals-MesoMedica® Solutions and biological materials such as Density Platelet Gel PRP. Whenever we create openings in the skin, we create an opportunity for topicals to more effectively permeate through the channels formed.

Certain individuals are not suitable candidates for microneedling with PRF. This includes individuals who:

1. Have a history of blood cancer.

2. Are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS.

3. Have Hepatitis C.

4. Have current skin cancer in the area to be treated.

5. Suffer from a bleeding disorder.

6. Exhibit low levels of hemoglobin or platelets.

7. Patients who are pregnant or nursing

8. Patients who dealing with active acne

9. Patients who are recovering from a recent illness or fever

10. Patients who are using Accutane® medications should refrain from undergoing this procedure.

11. Those with a systemic or autoimmune disease should seek clearance from their doctor prior to the treatment. 

12. Smoking can also diminish the effectiveness of the treatment.

Microneedling combined with PRF is effective in addressing the following skin concerns:

1. Wrinkles and fine lines

2. Sun damage and browns spots

3. Dull skin 

4. Acne, surgical scarring, & keloids

4. Stretch marks

5. Noticeable pores

6. Hyperpigmentation I Pigmentation Disorders

7. Rosacea

8. Hair loss (alopecia)

 COSMOPen is applicable to all skin types and serves as an effective solution for various skin concerns including facial rejuvenation, scarring (both acne and surgical), stretch marks, pigmentation disorders, and alopecia.

Here are the advantages you can experience from a PRF Microneedling procedure:

1. Diminishes wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and scars

2. Elevates collagen production

3. Enhanced skin color, texture, and tone

4. Enhanced skin vitality and look

5. Revitalized hair volume

Benefits of COSMOPen™ :

 1. Vertical movements minimize potential trauma

2. Utilizes disposable pinheads, eliminating the risk of cross-infection

3. Its compact tip facilitates treatment of challenging-to-reach areas

4. Ensures precise and consistent speed and depth

Which body areas can undergo treatment, and am I a suitable candidate?:

COSMOPen™ is applicable to all skin types and serves as an effective solution for various skin concerns.

What sensations can be expected during the treatment, and how long is the recovery period?: Typically, a topical anesthetic is administered before the COSMOPen™ procedure to minimize discomfort, making the treatment painless. The downtime is brief, with potential redness lasting from 12 to 48 hours post-treatment.

When can I anticipate seeing results?:  Initial improvements are usually noticeable after the first or second treatment. More significant changes occur after undergoing 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 10-15 days apart. Collagen restructuring happens gradually. With a proper skincare routine, skin will continue to enhance over the next 6 to 12 months following  COSMOPen™ treatments. It’s important to note that results may vary from patient to patient.

Preparation Guidelines:

1. Do not take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for 3 days leading up to the treatment, as they can interfere with the natural inflammatory process crucial for skin rejuvenation.

2. Refrain from using Accutane for the past 6 months.

3. Avoid topical agents that may heighten skin sensitivity, such as retinoids, topical antibiotics, and exfoliants like alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), beta hydroxyl acids (BHA), exfoliating masks, salicylic acids, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide acne products, 5-7 days prior.

4. Steer clear of IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for 2 weeks before the treatment.

5. Refrain from waxing, using depilatory creams, or undergoing electrolysis in the area to be treated 5-7 days before.

6. Avoid shaving on the day of the procedure to prevent skin irritation. If there is dense hair in the treatment area, closely shave it the day before your appointment. Note that moles, warts, or actinic (solar) keratosis cannot be treated.

7. For those prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days before and on the day of the treatment. Contact the office for a prescription.

8.  Refrain from blood-thinning agents like aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, and Vitamin E for 1 week before the treatment. You may resume these the day after the treatment.

9. Please inform us if you have a significant event (such as a wedding or photo shoot) scheduled within two weeks after the treatment, as it may take up to 1-2 weeks for redness, dryness, or bruising to  diminish.

On Treatment Day:

1. Ensure your skin is free from lotion, oil, makeup, powder, perfume, or sunscreen. You may wash your face in the office upon arrival.

2. Inform the provider of any recent changes in your medical history and disclose all medications you are currently taking.

3. Let the provider know if you have any cosmetic tattoos in the areas being treated.

4. Topical Lidocaine will be administered in the office 30-45 minutes before the treatment for numbing.

5. We will collect 1-2 vials of blood, which will then be placed in a centrifuge. Following the spinning process, the PRF is isolated from the other blood components and extracted from the top of the vial. 

6. Right after your Micro-Needling procedure, your healthcare provider will administer a hyaluronic mask for 5-10 minutes.

7. The entire procedure for PRF Microneedling typically lasts about 40 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

Aftercare Instructions

1. Refrain from exercising for 24-48 hours.

2. Avoid applying makeup for the first 24 hours.

3. Steer clear of exfoliating face washes and products like scrubs, Clarisonic, retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic, Malic Acid, Salicylic), enzyme peels, or microdermabrasion for 10-14 days following the procedure.

3. Incorporate lightening products (such as Lytera 2.0, vitamin C) into your skincare routine starting 5 days post-treatment.

4. Male patients are advised to refrain from shaving for a week after treatment.

5. For the three nights following your procedure, make sure to use a freshly laundered pillowcase. If necessary, sleep on your back with the head of the bed elevated to reduce swelling or discomfort.

6. Additionally, remember to thoroughly clean all your makeup brushes, glasses, or any item that may come into contact with your face. 6. Steer clear of direct sunlight for a minimum of 3 days, and ideally up to 10 days if feasible.

What can be anticipated post-microneedling?

Days 1-3:

Experiencing a sunburn-like effect is typical. The skin may feel tight, dry, and sensitive to touch. Be gentle with your skin; use a mild cleanser, cool water, and wash with your hands only. It’s normal to observe some redness or sensitivity.  Swelling can be present for 2-5 days, varying based on the intensity of the treatment you underwent.

Days 2-7:

Exfoliation may commence 3-5 days post-treatment. You may observe dryness and flaking as a result of heightened skin cell turnover. Resist the urge to pick, scratch, or scrub the treated skin! Let the old skin shed naturally. Ensure that the skin remains well-moisturized at all times. If your skin is particularly dry, consider applying moisturizer every two hours if necessary.

Days 5-7:

• You can resume using your usual skincare products and Retin-A once your skin is no longer irritated.

• Several patients have reported ongoing enhancements in their skin for months after the treatment.

• To optimize results, we suggest scheduling follow-up appointments and considering repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks. The exact number of treatments, ranging from 3-5, will be determined based on your individualized care plan.

• For additional details or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 949-228-9308.