MICRONEEDLING

The human body has an amazing capacity for healing and improving itself, which is the basis for a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments, including microneedling, at the Charleston area’s Germain Dermatology. This minimally invasive option encourages collagen production, creating more of the protein that gives skin its structure and capacity for moisture and elasticity.

While microneedling is often performed on its own, results can also be enhanced with treatments that make use of a patient’s own blood—frequently used to augment the benefits of other treatments. Dr. Marguerite Germain and her team will help each patient to make the right choice from the available services to deliver beautiful, youthful skin.

Skin care and beauty_Germain dermatology

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is considered to be one of the safest treatment methods for natural skincare. There are many benefits to microneedling, including that it is suitable for all skin types—even thin and sensitive skin on any body part—and there is no fear of hyperpigmentation.

At Germain Dermatology, our providers use SkinPen® by Bellus Medical, the first microneedling device approved by the FDA. The clearance is particularly for acne scar treatments, though the device can be used for a range of other applications at the hands of an experienced provider. SkinPen® works on a wide range of pigmentation, as proven in clinical trials.

The SkinPen® microneedling device employs a sterile needle cartridge filled with precisely spaced micro needles that create invisible, vertical, micro perforations in the epidermis and the top layer of the dermis. As this micropen moves across the skin, the needles create hundreds to thousands of tiny holes each second, prompting the skin to shift its natural repair mechanism into high gear and start producing collagen and elastin to repair these micro-perforations. This self-repairing property is an entirely natural form of skin renewal from the inside out.

Microneedling is a revolutionary procedure, in that it will act the same as lasers and ablative methods by increasing collagen production, but without removing the protective layer of skin. The healing also does not involve the formation of scars, as it simply remodels tissue in the treated area.

The advantage of microneedling compared to other treatments is that it not only activates cell regeneration, it also enhances the absorption of hyaluronic acid and other beneficial treatment administered before the skin closes.

What will microneedling do for you?

  • Minimize pore size
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lift, tighten, and rejuvenate skin
  • Improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars
 

How Do I Prepare for Microneedling?

When preparing for your microneedling procedure, it is important that you adhere to certain guidelines so that you obtain optimal results.

  • Avoid retinoids for 24 hours prior to your treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure to the area to be treated for 24 hours prior.
  • Arrive at our office ready for your procedure with a clean face and no makeup.
  • Do not schedule this procedure if you have used Accutane® or Isotretinoin within the past six months.

Preparation and an understanding of facial resurfacing are key to a successful treatment.

The Microneedling Procedure

A provider will delicately pass the SkinPen® device over the skin to be treated. The treatment should take around half an hour. Hyaluronic acid or other beneficial components may also be introduced at this time.

Three or four treatments, spaced a suitable span of time apart, may be required to achieve ideal results. Patients must typically wait one month between sessions.

What Can I Expect After a Microneedling Treatment?

Your skin may appear red, similar to the look of sunburn, for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment. It also may feel warm and tight. As new collagen grows or hyaluronic acid is absorbed and does its work, skin becomes firmer and regains its elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, pores become finer, circulation is stimulated, and the overall condition of the skin tone and texture improves.

Germain Dermatology recommends taking these special precautions after a microneedling treatment:

  • Use a gentle cleanser with tepid water for the first 48 hours following treatment. Gently pat dry.
  • Use only gentle skin care products for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.
  • Avoid makeup, retinoids, glycolic acids, Vitamin C products, and sunscreens for the rest of the day following your procedure.
  • Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours.
  • Avoid swimming, strenuous activity, and exercising during the first 24 hours following treatment.

Skin improvements can continue for up to six months after a SkinPen® microneedling session. Dr. Germain and her team recommend sun-safe practices throughout this entire time—and beyond—to keep the skin healthy and to best maintain the results. The skin will continue to age, though protecting it against ultraviolet radiation and other forms of environmental damage will slow the destruction of new collagen. It is also important to ensure adequate sleep, proper nutrition and hydration, and regular exercise.

Because microneedling with SkinPen® is a relatively gentle treatment, it can be incorporated into long-term skincare regimens, with maintenance visits scheduled over a course of years as needed.

BEFORE AND AFTER

MICRONEEDLING FAQ'S

Microneedling is considered to be one of the safest treatments for natural skincare. Microneedling can be used for all skin types, thin skin, sensitive skin, multiple parts of the body, and does not cause hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling can minimize the size of pores, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lift and tighten skin, improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars, and rejuvenate the skin.

As new collagen grows or hyaluronic acid is absorbed and does its work, skin becomes firmer and regains its elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, pores become finer, circulation is stimulated, and the overall condition of the skin tone and texture improves.

Your skin may feel warm and tight and appear red, similar to the look of a sunburn, for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

We recommend taking the following precautions after a microneedling treatment:

  • Use a gentle cleanser with tepid water for the first 48 hours following treatment. Gently pat dry.
  • Use only gentle skincare products for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.
  • Avoid makeup, retinoids, glycolic acids, Vitamin C products, and sunscreens following your procedure for the rest of the day.
  • Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours.
  • Avoid swimming, strenuous activity, and exercising during the first 24 hours following treatment.

You will see continual improvements for up to six months following your microneedling treatment. Dr. Germain and her team recommend sun-safe practices to keep the skin healthy and to best maintain the results.

 

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