Skin Needling (Collagen Induction Therapy)
At Skinologie, we use SkinPen, the only TGA-Listed micro-needling device on the market. This device has been created for physician-directed practices around the globe and can only be used under the direction of a medical professional.
What is Skin Needling?
Skin Needling, also referred to as microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure involving the movement of a pen-like device with an attached sterile, disposable cartridge top containing small needles over the skin’s surface. The microneedles puncture the skin and create tiny micro injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. These tiny punctures stimulate tissue regeneration through a process called collagen induction therapy (CIT) which improves the appearance of the skin.
The process of CIT is instigated through the breaking of the old and damaged strands of collagen in target tissues via microneedling. This leads to the production of new collagen, which improves the structure and function of the skin while improving its appearance.
By utilising CIT, skin concerns such as acne scars, enlarged pores, surgical scars, fine lines and general anti-ageing. It generally takes up to 3 months before a physical improvement can be seen, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve a desirable result.
How is the procedure performed?
The skin is cleaned and a topical numbing cream is applied. After 15-20 minutes this is removed, your skin is wiped over with an anti-septic solution and then the procedure will begin. Serum is infused while the guide glides over your skin and micro-needles penetrate to a desired depth (between 0.25mm to 2.5mm). Minimal discomfort is felt, usually bony areas (forehead and top lip/chin) are the places you will feel the most discomfort.
Once the entire area has been worked over, you may experience uniform redness, or blotchy redness. Your skin may feel a little tight and sensitive to the touch and have mild swelling. Post-cream is applied to nourish the skin, and the treatment is done. Treatment from start to finish is 1-1.25 hours, the needling is not a big portion of this.
At Skinologie, we perform SkinPen™ 2 ways:
- CIT using a TGA-Listed Hydrogel.
- CIT using a serum made from your own blood called RegenPRP. This an autologus platelet-rich plasma serum (additional cost for this method)
Research shows both methods to be successful in enhancing the outcomes of skin needling, but you may get better results in having a combination a course of treatments using both serum options.
Skin Needling FAQs
People may feel instant results after their first treatment, but collagen remodelling is a lengthy process and collagen starts forming around week 6 and takes months, so there is a reason you have multiple sessions at designated timeframes. Great results can start to be seen after about 3 months, however full tissue remodelling goes on for 6-12 months.
Skin quality, age, lifestyle factors, general health, sun exposure, and homecare regimes all affect treatment outcome. We recommend you stay out of the sun and wear SPF daily, while following a prescribed homecare regime consisting of cosmeceutical grade ingredients that support your skin health and promote collagen production.
Depending on your concerns and the quality of your skin, you may need a course of treatments usually consisting of 4-6 treatments about 4 weeks apart.
For best results, we may require you to be prepped on a series of actives at home for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment to ensure your skin is functioning optimally to ensure the best possible outcome. These actives may include AHA’s, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.
The inflammatory response (which we want to see- this is what builds our new collagen), makes our skin look sunburnt after the treatment. Redness, tightness and tenderness are all normal. There may also be some dots of blood under the skin. Redness fades to pinkness over night, and your skin is usually back to normal by about day 3 or 4. There is no obvious swelling so you can go straight back to work the next day with mineral make up and SPF. Some people will get dryness on about day 3, a mild exfoliation can be done.
After your treatment, you will likely be experiencing heat, redness and sensitivity in your skin. It is advised to avoid hot showers, un-protected sun exposure, do not exercise for 24 hours, no make up for 24 hours and avoid any active skincare for at least 5-7 days.