What is skin needling?

 

Skin needling, also referred to as ‘micro-needling’ and ‘collagen induction therapy’, is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that improves poor quality skin and scarred skin. It actually stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production so that skin regenerates and repairs itself. At the Urban Aesthetix Clinic, skin needling treatment for healthier and younger-looking skin is performed with Dermapen™. The procedure maybe combined with PRP Therapy.

 

Skin needling treatment with Dermapen™ is used for skin tightening, lifting and rejuvenation, as well as to improve the appearance of acne scars and wounds and minimise facial skin pore size. It has been hailed as the gold standard of micro-needling technology.

 

Dermapen™ is an auto-micro needle therapy system, using multiple needles to vertically pierce the skin to create thousands of tiny holes. This causes serum growth factors to be released that stimulate the breakdown of old fibrous collagen and stimulate the development of new collagen and elastin to improve skin texture, firmness and hydration.

 

Dermal rollers for micro-needling can be painful with bleeding due to epidermal damage. They are also not ideal 
for small or curved areas that can be tricky to reach and treat, such as the upper lip, under the eyes and the side of the nose. It is also difficult to insert dermal roller needles into scar tissue because these can get bent.

 

However, Dermapen™ is much kinder on the skin and easier to manoeuvre around all facial contours. Because of the way in which it pierces skin vertically, its needles can also easily penetrate scar tissue.

TREATMENTS

TREATMENTS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is skin needling used for?

Dermapen™ skin needling is used for:

 

  • Skin: to tighten, lift and rejuvenate
  • Acne scars: to heal and even eliminate unsightly acne scars, whether mild or deep
  • Wounds and burn wounds: to treat and reduce unwanted scars and burns
  • Wrinkles and fine lines: to treat these signs of ageing
  • Large pores: to minimise pore size and improve complexion appearance
  • Sun damaged skin: by replacing damaged skin with healthy new skin cells
  • Stretch marks: to improve the appearance of stretch marks (striae)
  • Alopecia: to treat hair loss.

What does skin needling treatment involve?

Treatment is simple and safe if carried out by Dr Unnati, who is an experienced and fully qualified clinician, following a detailed consultation to examine the areas to treat and decide on what is best for you.

 

Before carrying out the skin needling treatment, Dr Unnati will administer a topical local anaesthetic cream or nerve block for a comfortable and pain free procedure.

 

Unlike a dermal roller, Dermapen™ uses a stamping method which means it can reach areas of the face that are normally tricky to treat, has adjustable needle heights and is easier to manoeuvre. Its automatic vibrating function increases the micro-needling effectiveness by increasing absorption of active ingredients, while also reducing pain and discomfort.

 

Dr Unnati may also include PRP Therapy (platelet-rich plasma) in the skin needling procedure. A small amount of blood is drawn, just like in a blood test, and spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma from the other components of blood. This platelet-rich plasma contains at least eight of your body’s own concentrated growth factors to rejuvenate facial skin quality and volume and is used in the Dermapen™. The procedure is used in the Vampire Facial® and Vampire Hair Restoration®.

How soon should you notice a difference?

Treatment times with Dermapen™ are shorter than with a dermal roller. Typically, you will see results after the first treatment, with lasting and more significant results after 4 – 6 treatments (spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart).

How long does skin needling treatment last?

Your skin should continue to improve over the next 6 – 12 months following a course of Dermapen™ treatments.

Are there any side effects to skin needling?

The side effects due to skin needling are minimal. Disposable needles are used, so there is no risk of cross infection.

 

You may experience facial redness, as if you have sunburn, for 12 – 48 hours after micro- needling treatment and your skin may feel tighter. Most people are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. If required, application of a medical grade make-up will seal the skin and camouflage any redness so you can return to your normal activities right away.

When should skin needling not be used/be used with caution?

 

  • If you suffer from a cutaneous allergy to metallic products
  • If you have advanced acne
  • If you have sensitive skin

Points to consider

Any clinical procedure carries a risk of complications, which is why it is always highly advisable to have non-surgical cosmetic treatments safely performed by a doctor. Dr Unnati is a GP and specialist Non-Surgical Aesthetic Physician, trained in dermatology and medical cosmetics.

 

The Urban Aesthetix Clinic follows strict guidelines in making patients fully aware of any possible cautions and complications, and in offering post treatment advice. Dr Unnati will undertake a full consultation before any new treatment can be given.