Microneedling has the effect of creating many very small and superficial wounds. The treatment is usually carried out by the use of a derma roller, or a special piece of equipment known as a derma pen / microneedling pen.
Mesotherapy is the introduction of a serum or hyaluronic acid to the surface of the broken skin from injection or needling, which will take advantage of the ability to settle deeper into the cells of the skin, allowing for better hydration, faster action, and increased plumpness of the skin.
Superficial microneedling helps the body to stimulate more effective use of fibroblasts, which in turn, creates new collagen and elastin. What that means, is that the skin is traumatised without causing damage to the surface of the skin.
Recovery time is speedy, and there is very little downtime or pain involved. At a depth of 0.25 – 0.5mm, there is a definite knowledge that the skin is being manipulated, however the feeling is a minor pinprick sensation. The needling helps to strengthen collagen in the cell walls and aid connective tissue repair. This is the process which can hep reduce the visibility of broken capillaries. Fibroblast production aids tissue repair and improves the look/texture of skin, helping to rejuvenate and tighten skin over time.
Barriers to Treatment – Who Can’t have Microneedling?
As Microneedling and Mesotherapy require the skin to be broken as part of the treatment, there are some conditions where Microneedling and Mesotherapy cannot be carried out. You will complete a consultation with your therapist, where we can discuss appropriate treatments. Even though Microneedling and Mesotherapy are not suitable, there may be other treatments which can be carried out.
- Under 18.
- Current localised skin infection.
- Pregnancy / Breastfeeding.
- Keloidal Scarring.
- Autoimmune diseases such as HIV, HEP B and HEP C.
- Heart conditions.
- Raised moles.
- 7 days before or 14 days after any injectable treatment.
- Cancer/skin cancer until 12 months post treatment.
- Ongoing Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Blood thinning medication.
- Recent Roaccutane use, or any other medication to treat skin conditions in the last 12 months.
- Active acne.
- Localised eczema or psoriasis.
- Skin allergy to metal.
- Low pain threshold.
- Avoid numbing agents.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diabetes.
Before your Treatment
- Avoid excessive sun exposure 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Discontinue use of topical retinoids 48 hours prior to treatment.
- Change your appointment if you have active breakouts or open lesions.
- Wait six months following oral Isotretinoin/Roacutane use.
What to Expect
- Your therapist will be wearing PPE, including an apron, gloves and a mask to carry out this treatment.
- There will be no soft furnishings in the area where treatment is carried out. Disposable single use sheets and towels may be used.
- There will be a sharps box on the trolley, and trolley handles/microneedling pens will be barrier taped. Don’t worry, these are simply for hygiene reasons during your treatment.
- Pictures will be taken before and after the treatment to assess changes and reactions to treatment.
- Your skin will be cleansed, analysed and cleansed again. We will pass a toner potion across your skin to prepare the skin for treatment, and finish the preparation by sterilising the area of face or body which is about to be microneedled.
- Microneedling is not painful, however some clients may find it uncomfortable.
Aftercare
- Your therapist will use a nourishing balm to soothe your skin. It will help your skin to stop from drying out after your treatment. Using balm for a few days after treatment would benefit your skin and aid the healing process.
- Avoid excessive exercise and sun exposure for 72 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid AHA’s and BHA’s 48 hours post-treatment.
- It is recommended to avoid other invasive facial treatments 4 weeks following the Microneedling Treatments.