Microneedling

Microneedling is known as collagen induction therapy. It creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to aid in the production of collagen and elastin. These micro-injuries creates micro-channels which allow topical solutions to be absorbed more effectively, enhancing the effects in deeper layers of the skin.

A sterile cartridge containing 12 tiny micro-points is attached to the microneedling device. We apply a solution best suited for your skin and select the appropriate depths based on your skin concerns. The pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding for multiple passes until the entire treatment area has been treated. This will result in temporary redness with pin-point bleeding.

Your session will treatment on the face with optional neck. If you want to include decollete, add-on $50. Each session includes numbing, Celluma red light therapy during the numbing, Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask while under the oxygen dome right after the treatment, and a post-care kit to take home. If you require additional comfort, we can offer zimmer cooling air throughout the treatment as needed.

When investing in a package of 3 or more, you will also receive a complementary hypochlorous acid mist (60ml) to enhance skin recovery throughout all your treatments (we absolutely LOVE this mist and know you will appreciate how effective this mist is in further reducing your downtime!).

Often, most people will need more than 1 and a minimum of 3 sessions to see optimal results. We recommend starting with 3 sessions and add-on sessions as desired. 

Each session can be up to 1.5 hours long from prepping to finish.

Collagen and elastin requires time to rebuild. You will begin to see superficial results such as brighter, smoother skin as early as 1-2 weeks after your first session. However, results continue to improve anywhere from 1 to 3 months from the last session. 

Our skin will continue to age every year so we will continue to lose collagen. OR your skin may develop new scars as a result of new acne breakouts. Therefore, maintenance is necessary to maintain your desired results. After completing a series of minimum 3 treatments, it is ideal to complete a maintenance session every 3-6 months or yearly depending on your skin goals.

Some discomfort is possible. To maximize your comfort, we offer prescription numbing before we begin. I If you require additional comfort, we can offer zimmer cooling air throughout the treatment, which is a hose that you hold close to the area and emits cold air. This cold air can reduce the heat sensation and make you as comfortable as possible.

Your skin will be red and hot immediately after. Some swelling is also normal. This can last several hours. We don't recommend applying anything other than hyaluronic acid serum or a non-alcohol hydrating mist or hypochlorous acid mist. By the next day, your skin will be light red or back to normal and beginning to heal. There is usually very minimal to no downtime with everything we're providing you :)

You will be given a post-care kit with all the essentials for skin recovery. You will only use the kit as instructed for up to a week and nothing else until directed to do so. Everything else in your routine will take a break for a week. It is very important to avoid sun exposure the first 1-2 weeks and wear sunscreen beginning the following day after treatment. 

Microneedling cannot be done when there is excessive active acne, rosacea, or other inflamed conditions, rash, open wounds or skin infection. 

Microneedling cannot be done if you have an allergy to topical lidocaine as numbing is necessary to relief discomfort. 

If you received botox or filler within the previous 2 weeks, please schedule your microneedling after 2 weeks from date of last injection. 

If your skin is newly and/or excessively tanned or sunburned skin within the previous 2 weeks, postpone microneedling for approximately 4 weeks until your skin is healed.

If you have cold sore history, we recommend taking valtrex starting the day before to prevent. Please contact your family doctor for a prescription or the pharmacist can also dispense this.

While most people don't require pre-treatment before microneedling, it does help you reach better results while minimizing side effects and adverse effects. We recommend incorporating Vitamin C and Retinol for at least 4 weeks to help stimulate collagen and elastin and strengthen the skin barrier. You will hold these 5-7 days before your appointment day.

For darker skin tones, we do highly recommend pre-treatment for at least 4 weeks to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to induced inflammation. This usually entails a skin brightener and retinol. 

• Focus on skin hydration. Keep your skin routine basic for the first 5-7 days such as a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Everything else in your skin routine can take a break. No actives.
• Change your pillowcase and towels.
• Disinfect any frequently used items that touch your skin like phone, headphones, etc.
• You can cleanse your face ~6-10 hours later, or you can wash the next morning.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning especially the first 2 weeks as your skin is very vulnerable to damage post-procedure.
• Wear sunscreen daily of at least SPF40 especially the first 2 weeks as your skin is very vulnerable to damage post-facial.
• Avoid active ingredients & any form of exfoliation starting the day of facial until a week later.
• Avoid makeup on the same day after the procedure. 
• Avoid hot temperatures.
• Avoid exercise and sweating for 24-48 hours. 
• Avoid treatments like laser hair removal, laser skin treatments, waxing and other facial treatments for at least 1 week post-facial

You may continue to get your routine botox or filler treatment. Just schedule them accordingly so that one doesn't interfere with the other. We recommend waiting 2+ weeks after microneedling before getting botox/filler or waiting 2+ weeks after botox/filler before getting microneedling. 

Depending how you schedule your microneedling sessions, you may receive a facial inbetween sessions. Leave at least 2 weeks gap inbetween.

Any laser hair removal methods: wait 2 weeks before or after microneedling.

Yes! Treatment stacking in the same visit can be possible to enhance results when safe to do so. You can discuss this at your consultation.

Short answer is YES -- providing you schedule it accordingly if you are expected to be in the sun or beach or travel to a sunny destination. Have this discussion with us so we can plan it accordingly. If you are going to be in the sun majority of the summer, it is then best to complete microneedling in the Fall or Winter.

As with any aesthetic procedure, there are possible but rare complications that are not limited to the following:

• Skin damage
• Infection
• Bruising
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Extended swelling or edema
• Cold sore flare up
• Persistent track marks
• Persistent redness (common in rosacea patients) 
• Scarring (rare)

Not limited to the following:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Patients who are immunocompromised 
• Currently receiving chemotherapy treatments
• Active skin infection in the proposed treatment area
• Active acne
• Active skin flare up like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, cold sore breakout, open wounds, or rash in the proposed treatment area
• Extensive melasma
• Patients with bleeding disorders
• Patients with a pacemaker
• Patients who are prone to keloid scarring
• Patients who are prone to healing slowly including diabetics
• If you are currently ill
• If you are currently taking anti-biotics
• If you are taking Accutane or Epuris - must wait at least 3 months after stopping
• Allergy to topical lidocaine numbing