Micro-Needling at THE SPA at Laser + Skin Institute
What is Micro-Needling?
Micro-Needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of a micro-needling device. CIT is safe and effective on all skin types without the risk of discoloration. The micro-needling procedure can be performed by licensed qualified medical professionals.
What is the Micro-Needling procedure like?
There are many micro-needling device on the market. We believe that the most precise, most effective is a pen-like device. The device is embedded with up to hundreds of fine micro-needles for penetrating the skin. The entire procedure is all-natural and fast:
- The medical professional applies a numbing cream on the treatment area.
- Then moves the micro-needling device across the treatment area, puncturing the skin in a specific pattern.
- As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound.
- This creates a controlled injury on and below the skin’s surface. The “injury” triggers the body to “fill” these micro-wounds by producing new collagen and elastin, and by stimulating skin cell regeneration.
- The patient resumes regular activities almost immediately.
How does Micro-Needling work?
CIT or micro-needling works by stimulating the immune system and wound-healing mechanisms. As the micro-needles penetrate the skin causing micro-wounds, it triggers an intense inflammatory reaction that begins a cascade of subsequent reactions.
The important point is: a micro-needling intrusion is caused by tiny surgical needles. The skin’s nerve receptors and defense mechanisms sense these fine needle intrusions as a specific type of injury and heals accordingly. During the healing process, skin cells (within a 1 to 2 mm radius around the pricking channel) release growth signals to undifferentiated cells otherwise known as skin stem cells. These signals also stimulate rapid growth of new fibroblasts and other wound repairing cells.
Many cell types including new fibroblasts rush to close the wound by migrating to the point of intrusion. These new fibroblasts then transform into collagen fibers which integrate with existing collagen in the upper dermis. The new collagen fibers thicken the skin, filling in atrophic scars. The micro-needling procedure creates thousands of micro wounds in a treatment area. As each wound induces new collagen formation, it forms a new, healthy collagen layer in the treatment area. This reaction is called collagenesis.
The wound healing process also stimulates rapid growth of endothelial cells (the thin layer of cells which line capillaries and blood vessels). In turn, this creates new capillaries for better blood supply to the skin. This reaction is called angiogenesis.
During the micro-needling procedure, tissue damage is unlikely because the needles are very fine and thin. In fact, skin integrity actually remains intact even though the skin reacts as if it had been “injured.” The tiny wounds caused by the micro-needles are repaired and close very quickly. No tissue lesion can be detected, infections are rare, and there is nothing to repair.
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How many Micro-Needling treatments will I need?
Depending on the individual skin condition, skin sufficiently resurfaces after 2-3 Medical Micro-Needling procedures. To allow skin cell regeneration, one should wait at least 6-8 weeks between procedures. As aging continues, we recommend one refresher CIT treatment every year.
Advice: Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When exposed to sun, always use sun screen SPF30 or above.
How do I care for my skin after Micro-Needling treatment?
Immediately after your Medical Micro-Needling procedure, do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation. Follow these simple steps:
Day of procedure: No lotions, makeup or other topical products on your face before your procedure. After your procedure your medical provider may apply a lipopeptide booster, skin moisturizer, and sun screen. You may clean your face with a gentle cleanser before bed.
Day 1: On the next day, you may clean your face as usual and apply makeup, lotions and other topical products as usual. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present is cleaners as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure. Be sure to use an approved SPF30 or greater sunscreen!
Days 2-7: Within two (2) days following your Medical Micro-Needling procedure, you will notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. During this period, you may apply your regular skin moisturizer. Follow the instructions given to you by your medical professional.
If your medical professional used the roller around the eyes, you may have a little micro bruising that may exist for three or four days. This can easily be covered with makeup.
Days later, your skin will start shedding. These are skin layers that would regularly shed a week later, but the Micro-Needling brings this skin to the surface sooner. During this temporary process, your skin will shed and be dry.
Days 7+: A week after the Medical Micro-Needling procedure, most patients notice that their skin is smoother and more radiant.
InStyle Magazine – Top Five Celebrity Body Beauty Secrets – In describing Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Flawless Skin’ “Jennifer Aniston reportedly uses the Dermaroller treatment to give her skin a fresh faced, natural look. The roller stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely, creating smoother, brighter, healthier, younger looking skin. It can be used on the face, neck and hands and is extremely effective at reducing stretchmarks and acne scarring.”
Are you ready to learn more about Micro-Needling?
To schedule an appointment with our Physicians, fill up the form below or call our scheduling staff at 973-635-5050.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/text/email