During Microneedling, a roller with a series of fine medical needles is used to create small punctures in the skin. These punctures extend into the dermis, or deep layers of the skin, to create microtrauma and stimulate the production of new collagen. The punctures do very little damage to the epidermis, or top layer of skin, allowing it to heal rapidly.
Microneedling can be an alternative to laser resurfacing in patients not suitable for laser treatment or wishing to have a less invasive procedure with fewer risks. Conventional treatments frequently involve expensive, highly invasive procedures, chemical peels or laser re-surfacing. These procedures have at times offered inconsistent or disappointing results.
Acne Scarring
Sun Damaged Skin
Improve Texture
Skin Discolouration
Soften Lines and Wrinkles
Reduce Strech Marks
Restore tightness
Hypopigmented scars
Dialated blood vessels
Does not damage the skin.
No discomfort after the treatment.
Short healing phase.
Safe on all skin types.
Can be done on all areas of the face and body.
This is achieved by introducing a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin following the administration of a topical local anaesthetic, to reduce discomfort. The needles are attached to a single use, sterile roller which is moved over the surface of the skin to create many microscopic channels or columns, approximately 0.07- 0.25 mm wide, at various depths of penetration. In the case of medical rollers this is within the papillary dermal layer of the skin where collagen and elastin fibres are located, cosmetic rollers however reach a much shallower level in the epidermis where they aid absorption of topical ingredients. These minute punctures close over almost immediately as the skin heals.
This “damage” to the dermis encourages the body to produce more new collagen and elastin which generate new skin cells to literally “repair” itself, thus the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful. Although primarily used on the face, this procedure can be carried out anywhere on the body, such as on stretch marks on the thighs and abdomen, and generally on all skin types.
In general, aspirin, Vitamin E and medications that thin the blood should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to treatment to avoid excessive bruising. Microneedling is usually performed with a topical anesthetic applied to the area to be treated, and the roller is rolled firmly over the skin. The entire procedure usually takes about 1/2 hour.
Recovery may take 24 hours or up to a few days; most people should however be able to return to work within two days. Recovery time depends on the aggressiveness of the treatment, i.e. the length of needles used. The skin will be pink or red in appearance, much like sunburn, usually for 24 hours. Some minor bleeding and bruising is possible, depending on the aggressiveness of the procedure, i.e. the length of needle used for the particular indication being treated and the number of times it is rolled across the treatment area. The skin may also feel warm, tight and itchy for a short while. This should normally resolve in 12 – 48 hours.
Although noticeable improvements can be obtained with a single Microneedling treatment, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results. The effects are cumulative as new collagen production is stimulated in the deep layers of the skin. It can take between 4 – 8 weeks before visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing a gradual enhancement.
A single treatment can produce noticeable results, however a programme of 6 treatments over 6 to 18 weeks is recommended to achieve optimum results, in conjunction with an at-home regime. We also recommend an Environ Ionzyme DF machine treatment to be done once a week during the course of the treatment.
The specific number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the indication, as well as the level of natural response from the individual’s body.
Depending on the area of your face or body being treated, the procedure is said to be well tolerated and in some cases virtually painless; feeling like a mild prickling sensation. Your practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic to your skin prior to treatment to reduce any pain or discomfort. Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, with scab formation in rare cases. Milia (small white spots) may also form on the skin, which can be removed by the practitioner. Hyperpigmentation (darkening of certain areas of the skin) can occur very rarely and usually resolves after a month. If you have a history of cold sores, this could possibly flare up after treatment. We advise that if you are prone to cold sore that you pre-treat with Zovirex of one week prior to the treatment and taking Lysine will also minimize the risk of an outbreak.
Microneedling treatment is suitable for most skin types.
It is not suitable for patients who:
Have used Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within the last 3 months.
Have not been pre-treated with Vitamin A
Are on anti-coagulant therapy (warfarin, heparin)
People on aspirin should stop for at least 3 days prior to treatment.
Allergy to topical anaesthesia
Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions to the skin.
Have had radiation treatment within the last year, patients on chemotherapy or high doses of corticosteroids.
Active acne.
Have a current outbreak of herpes simplex (cold sores) or any other infection or chronic skin condition in the area to be treated.
Have areas of the skin that are numb or lack sensation.
Are pregnant or breast feeding.
Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing.
Following Botox wait a week or more
Fillers wait at least 10 days or more.
Cost per treatment €250
