MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation, however, now it is being used for a very wide range of indications including facial lines/wrinkles, acne scars, acne, post-traumatic/burn scar, alopecia, surgical scars, hyper pigmentation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and many more.
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling triggers the body’s natural regenerative properties to rebuild collagen and elastin in the skin. Using nothing more than a few incredibly fine needles that create small punctures in the skin, microneedling can achieve comprehensive skin rejuvenation that works on a wide range of conditions. There’s no sutures, lasers, or incisions needed – it’s just the patient and their skin. With its advanced mechanism, microneedling is the key to rejuvenating the skin with no downtime and no painful recovery. The Forest Park Wellness staff lead by Dennis Kasunic L.Ac. proudly uses the trusted MdPen to deliver every microneedling treatment. Patients are encouraged to learn more about the technique by scheduling a consultation at our NW Portand, OR practice. Over a short period of time, it has gained mass popularity and acceptance as it is a simple, affordable, safe, and effective technique.
Microneedling Dermal Skin Treatments are also mistakenly known as the “Vampire Facial” made famous by Kim Kardashian. Well, our Microneedling treatments are NOT near as scary looking as those on social media but still highly effective at reducing lines, wrinkles, scars and much more.
A short video explanation of the procedure: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ7Ad3i732w
Commonly Treated Conditions
MDPEN IS AN INCREDIBLE DEVICE THAT USES MICRO-NEEDLING TECHNIQUES TO PRODUCE A NUMBER OF BENEFITS, INCLUDING:
– Stimulating Collagen Production
– Increasing Elastin Production
– Removing Fine Lines
– Improving the appearance of wrinkles
– Reducing Acne Scars
– Decreasing Surgical scars
– Improving Sun-Damaged Skin
– Tightening Skin Pores
– Improving Skin Tone/Color
– Rejuvenating Skin
– Improving Rosacea
– Hydrating Skin
Frequently Asked Questions
First, you will have a in office consultation with one of our certified Micro-needling Providers to determine the right treatment for your concerns. Then, you will receive a numbing agent on the area that will be treated, during this time you will also receive an Acupuncture treatment at no additional cost. The combined treatment takes 60 minutes to complete. After, you will be able continue normal activities.
The number of treatments will depend on the area of concern, the condition of the skin, and the aftercare. Micro-needling is a nonsurgical therapy and some of our patients have been able to heal after 24 hours. Some patients experience redness and swelling in the treatment area – almost like a sunburn and this is completely normal. The results depend on each patient’s individual response to the process but should expect their results to appear gradually. We highly recommend that patients undergo a series of multiple treatments to get the best micro-needling results.
In total, your initial intake and treatment will take 75 minutes and follow-up visits will last 60 minutes. A numbing agent is allowed to penetrate the area to be treated for 20 minutes. During this time, your Acupuncturist will insert Acupuncture needles into points along your body to address your underlying constitution (your specific diagnosis). Once the micro-needling begins, the procedure takes 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area treated. You will leave the treatment relaxed and rejuvenated.
Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin, some patients describe as a sunburn. The total healing time depends on the skin’s condition being treated and the number of overlapping passes and your desired goals. On average, patients are red up to 2 to 4 days. Some patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours. Utilizing the quality skincare products recommended during your treatment, as well as adherence to post-care instructions, can help to speed up the healing process.
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results continue to improve up to 6 months after the treatment. The addition of topical serums will enhance your results and your provider will discuss the options available to you for your specific skin type.
It is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 4-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or acne scars, we may recommend 6-8 sessions at 4-6 week intervals. Once you have completed the series of treatments, you may choose to receive maintenance treatments once or twice per year. Your provider will talk to you about the topical serum options post treatment that will further enhance your micro- needling results.
Some patients are not candidates for micro-needling, including persons with heart conditions, pacemakers, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, diabetes mellitus, those taking blood thinners, having a history of keloid scarring, patients with auto-immune conditions, pregnant or nursing women, collagen vascular disease, active bacterial or fungal infection, scleroderma, facial melanosis, malignant tumors, and some pituitary disorders.
Recent scientific studies investigating micro-needling have shown it to be an effective and safe modality. Research has demonstrated that micro-needling to be a successful therapy with improvement in the appearance of acne scars, skin discoloration, and wrinkles and enhance transdermal delivery of topical skincare products [1,2,3,4]. Micro-needling also poses little risk of bruising, does not result in an inflammatory response, and produces results comparable to laser treatment with less downtime and discomfort [5,6,7].
References
[1] Fernandes, D., & Signorini, M. (2008). Combating photoaging with percutaneous collagen induction. Clinics in dermatology, 26(2), 192-199.
[2] Alster, Tina, S., MD*; Graham, Paul, M., DO. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide, Dermatologic Surgery: March 2018 – Volume 44 – Issue 3 – p 397–404
[3] Majid I. Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: An objective assessment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2009;2:26-30
[4] Yoon, J., Son, T., Choi, E. H., Choi, B., Nelson, J. S., & Jung, B. (2008). Enhancement of optical skin clearing efficacy using a microneedle roller. Journal of biomedical optics, 13(2), 021103-021103.
[5] Edgar, J. (2016). Later lasers. Why microneedling is the next big thing in skincare. Vogue. Feb 25, 2016.
[6] Arora, S., & Gupta, B. P. (2012). Automated microneedling device–a new tool in dermatologist’s kit–a review. J. Pak. Med. Assoc, 22(4), 354-357.
[7] Bahuguna A. Micro needling-Facts and Fictions. Asian J Med Sci. 2013;4:1–4.
