SkinPen Microneedling

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As we age these proteins naturally decline, contributing to lines/wrinkles, sagging skin, reduction in skin thickness and suppleness. The precise and uniform microchannels (or tiny holes) that are created within the dermis layer during a microneedling treatment cause the skin to synthesise new collagen and elastin to repair the damage caused by the micro “injuries”.

The increase in new proteins and new skin cells rebuilds the tissues forming fresh, new layers which results in smoother, firmer and younger looking skin. Inducing the skin’s own repair mechanism can also help to heal damage such as acne scarring, scarring caused through other trauma/injury to the skin and stretch marks. Studies have shown microneedling can boost collagen production by up to 400% over a course of 3-6 treatments.

We use a medical grade device called SkinPen Precision – the first FDA cleared microneedling device in the world which sets the industry standard for safety.

The device also has CE Mark medical grade registration which provides treatment providers in Europe with a safe, reliable and effective device compliant and certified to ISO and BSI standards.

The SkinPen device has a number of innovative safety features:

– the patented disposable cartridge with its in-built reciprocating mechanism essentially allows the device to act as a disposable pen, unlike cosmetic pens

– “ingress protection” is of paramount importance in mechanical needling pens to ensure blood/fluids from the procedure do not migrate into the device to prevent cross contamination

– a “bio-sheath” covers the entire device and acts as a barrier during treatments to add further protection against cross contamination

– the ultra-sonically sealed base ensures the device is watertight so no body fluids can enter

– single-use lockout feature ensures cartridges cannot be reused

– accurate precision depth dial gives us ultimate control of the needle depth

– exhaust ports and a scalloped edge prevent suction and bruising

– 14 state of the art smooth, sterile stainless steel Japanese needles give precision sharpness to prevent tearing caused by blunt/hooked needles

The lightweight and ergonomic design of the SkinPen in conjunction with the vertical delivery of the needles allows us to use the device to treat hard-to-reach places that other needling devices cannot, such as around the nose and mouth.

The device also produces significantly more microchannels with one pass (98,000 channels per minute) compared to rollers and stamps. It is a more effective and precise method of skin rejuvenation as needle length is precise and can be customised and varied throughout the treatment.

It is less painful and creates less damage to the skin as the needles enter the skin at a 90 degree angle, causing less drag on the skin as with rollers. The treatment time is faster and there is minimal downtime.

Clients will experience some downtime (as detailed later) but other risks arising from SkinPen treatments are unlikely.

Due to all of the safety features mentioned above, the risk of cross contamination between treatments is completely eliminated.

SkinPen microneedling can help to correct/reduce:

• fine lines and wrinkles
• acne scarring
• uneven skin texture
• melasma
• hyperpigmentation/sun damage/irregular skin tone
• stretch marks
• other scarring such as trauma or surgical

Microneedling can also minimise pore size, induce skin tightening and stimulate collagen production which promotes rejuvenation and renews tired looking skin.

SkinPen can be used on many different body parts, including the face, neck, décolletage, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back.

SkinPen needles adjust to different lengths, allowing us to customise your procedure based on skin thickness and your specific needs.

During a separate consultation appointment we will carefully assess your skin to establish if you are a candidate. We will thoroughly explain the procedure, risks and benefits prior to treatment.

Immediately before the treatment a topical anaesthetic product will be applied to the skin for 15-30 minutes, a patch test will then be performed to check sensitivity levels.

Once the skin has numbed sufficiently the anaesthetic product will be removed. A gliding gel is then applied before the SkinPen device is slowly moved across the skin in small sections.

On completion of the treatment the skin is cleaned with saline solution and a soothing moisturiser is then applied. On average, a full face treatment lasts for 20-30 minutes.

The topical anaesthetic applied to the skin prior to the microneedling treatment will ensure client comfort during the procedure.

The treatment does not feel “painful”, clients often report feeling a gentle vibrating sensation which is very tolerable. More sensitive areas tend to be the forehead and upper lip.

The total healing time depends on each individual but the side effects and downtime of microneedling is minimal. Most clients experience slight swelling and redness/pinkness (like a mild to moderate sunburn) for 24 hours post-treatment following the microneedling procedure.

The skin may also feel tight immediately after the treatment. Mild shedding of dead skin may also be experienced for a few days afterwards.

Full aftercare instructions and post-treatment products will be provided.

We use the Fitzpatrick Scale to classify an individual’s skin type before recommending any skin-specific cosmetic procedure. This is very important because different skin types have different vulnerabilities
to procedures and therefore may carry more risk for procedure- related problems and after-effects. These can include lightening or darkening of the skin in the procedure area, blotchiness, skin discolouration, burns, or even scarring.

When it comes to issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), individuals with lighter skin types (I-III) are at less risk while those with darker skin types (IV-VI) are at greater risk. For this reason, procedures such as certain laser treatments are not recommended for clients
with darker skin. Microneedling is not a light-based procedure, nor does it involve harsh chemicals or techniques that can instigate significant inflammation of the skin.

Furthermore, it does not significantly damage the epidermis. For these reasons, microneedling is both safe and effective for every skin type. Burns, scarring, and pigmentation issues are not typical when the procedure is performed correctly.

There are some medical conditions which prevent us from proceeding with treatment such as active cancer, open wounds or active bacterial, fungal or viral (cold sores, warts) skin infections and pregnancy.

Medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane) are also treatment contraindications.

A full consultation will be carried out prior to any SkinPen treatment to ensure client suitability.

Most clients experience brighter and healthier skin within a few days following treatment. If the goal is to rejuvenate already healthy skin, one treatment may be sufficient. For other skin concerns multiple treatment sessions will be recommended; typically a course of 3-6 treatments depending on the amount of repair required. The typical treatment interval is 6 weeks.

Improvements will continue to be seen for 3-6 months after treatment as new collagen is produced giving the skin a more youthful, healthy appearance.

Microneedling is not an aggressive treatment but is designed for incremental results, the treatment cannot halt the ageing process.

The longevity of the new collagen produced will depend on whether or not the skin is further damaged by sun exposure, smoking or external factors. To maintain results top-up treatments can be performed as and when required.