Micro-needling - you may have also heard it called dermal rolling or collagen induction therapy - is a process that involves penetrating the skin with tiny needles to stimulate collagen production. Micro-needling has previously been done with a hand rolling device that has tiny needles and is rolled over the skin. Dermapen is the newest tool in advanced micro-needling and it has distinct advantages over traditional dermal rollers, particularly for certain areas of the body. Dermapen is easily maneuverable and allows for greater precision in treatment, particularly in the facial area, under the eyes, and around the lips.
How Does Micro-needling with Dermapen Work?
The purpose of micro-needling is to stimulate the production of new collagen, using our skin’s ability to heal itself. The tiny needles used in micro-needling make microscopic channels in the skin, triggering the body’s healing response: it stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally. Your skin reacts to any injury by initiating the healing process. You are essentially encouraging your skin to continue healing through this micro-needling process. The result is increased blood supply to the skin layers and the formation of more collagen and elastin (which give your skin elasticity and firmness). Dermapen helps optimize this process.
What Is What is Micro-needling Used to Treat?
The amount of collagen in the skin is lost as we age, and can also be damaged or diminished from sun exposure. Micro-needling treatments are especially effective for reversing sign of age and sun damage. Treatments can:
- Minimize crow’s feet
- Improve skin radiance
- Improve elasticity and firmness
- Diminish brown spots
- Diminish acne scars
- Lessen the appearance of stretch marks
Our skin has two layers, the epidermis (the outermost layer) and the dermis (the second and deeper layer). To effectively treat these skin issues, the epidermis has to be penetrated. This can be achieved safely and easily with the Dermapen.
The Dermapen also allows for combining topical agents with your micro-needling treatment. Because micro-needling gives direct access to the dermis, there are many treatment possibilities for directly delivering topical products to the area where these skin problems originate. This increases the effectiveness of treatments by promoting and evening the absorption of skin care ingredients into the skin for enhanced results.
When Are Results Visible?
Visible results of skin rejuvenation can be seen as early as one week after treatment, but full results are generally seen six to eight weeks following the procedure, and improve further over time.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Typically two to six treatments are needed, depending on what you are having treated and the level of results desired. Each person’s skin conditions are different and require different levels of treatment. Those with mild wrinkles and fine lines may see improvement after just one treatment while more advanced skin conditions like acne scarring may need multiple sessions. The number of required sessions will be determined during consultation.
What to Expect After Treatment
Immediately after your Dermapen treatment, you will look as though you have moderate sunburn and your skin may feel warmer and tighter than usual. This is normal and will subside after a few hours, and should return to normal within the same day or 24 hours. You may see slight redness after 24 hours but only in minimal areas or spots. Your skin may also feel tighter and drier than normal for up to three days post procedure.
How to Care for Your Skin After a Dermapen Treatment
Your aesthetician can advise you on how best to care for your skin after the procedure, based on what area you are treating and your specific needs. In general, a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid is ideal to hydrate and restore the skin back to its normal balance. In the days following your Dermapen treatment, as the skin starts to regenerate, products with collagen stimulating peptides can help to reinforce collagen stimulation. It is recommended that make up is not applied for 12 hours after the procedure. It is also recommended that direct sun exposure be avoided for up to 10 days after your Dermapen treatment.
Treatment Options:
Full Face - $250
Full Face and Neck - $375
Small Area - $150
Consultations are required prior to scheduling your first Microneedling treatment.