FAQ About Holistic Microneedling
By Kari Pettersen
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also know as Collagen Induction Therapy ( CIT) is a medical cosmetic procedure where very fine needles puncture the skin to make various depths to cause a controlled injury and induce the skin to make more collagen, resulting in a clearer complexion, tighter skin and diminished look of wrinkles.
What Can Microneedling Treat?
Wrinkles, scars ( on face and body) , hyper-pigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks, sagging skin, and other common skin conditions
What is Holistic Microneedling?
Holistic Microneedling is the anti-aging combination of an acupuncture treatment with microneedling. This is to address the root of any skin issues as well as any constitutional causes of pre-mature aging. The acupuncture portion of the this treatment can be direct billed.
Why Is The DermaSpark Technology Considered Some Of The Best Technology on the Market?
DermaSpark uses Active Needle Retrieval Technology that results in no tearing or pulling creating safer treatments with better clinical results and minimal discomfort. Different depth can be adjusted for different sensitive areas of the face also allowing for less discomfort and better results.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Patients can expect to see some results from one treatment. Deeper wrinkles and scarring can require more treatments. In general, it is usually recommended on average to have three treatments each spaced 6 weeks apart.
What Is The Difference Between Microneedling and Cosmetic Acupuncture and Can I do Them Together?
Microneedling is better at addressing scarring, hyperpigmentation, mature skin with more wrinkles, and the neck area.
Cosmetic Acupuncture allows us to really address the root cause of any skin issues as well as constitutional causes of premature aging with a treatment plan. It is excellent at stimulating lymph circulation getting rid of puffiness and under eye bags/ discoloration. It can help relax or firm muscles in the face and neck by targeting trigger points. It can brighten the skin and help diminish wrinkles.
I always recommend starting with a cosmetic acupuncture appointment to assess which treatments are best for you and ensure that your skin and body are functioning optimally before investing in mirconeedling.
Some patients prefer to get cosmetic acupuncture between the downtime of the 6 weeks between microneedling appointments. For patients doing a cosmetic acupuncture treatment plan with microneedling, there will be a discount on the microneedling price.
What Does A Microneedling Treatment Look Like?
Start by coming with a clean and washed face. We then apply numbing creme to the face and/or neck for 15 mins. While resting with the numbing creme on we then apply acupuncture needles to address any constitutional concerns. CIT Hyal hyaluronic acid gel is applied to the skin to help glide the machine over the skin. The microneedling depth is adjusted to allow as much comfort as possible over sensitive areas of the skin. Once the treatment is over a relaxing hyaluronic acid mask is applied for 15- 20 mins to help reduce redness, discomfort, promote wound healing and hydrate the skin.
How Do I Prepare Before My Mirconeeding Treatment?
Fill out paperwork for the clinic. Check to make sure you are a candidate for microneedling
Microneedling is containdicated for the following conditions
Active Acne ( to prevent spreading of bacteria)
Roscacea with inflammation
Infection of any type - bacterial, viral, or fungal
Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis
Fresh Sunburn
Recent chemical peel, ablative skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, RF microneedling and any other medical- aesthetic procedure before complete healing
Fillers/ Botox- need at least 2 weeks of before having microneedling
Cardiac Disease
Pregnancy
Chemotherapy or radiation
Skin Cancer
Accutane ( within the last 6 months )
HIV
Uncontrolled diabetes
Stop using retinol 3 days before your treatment
Avoid alcohol or advil the day of or before your treatment ( can cause more bleeding)
Make sure to tell you practitioner in the case of
Blood thinning medication
Hormone replacement therapy
Bleeding disorder
Keloid/ hypertrophic scaring
Severe telaangiectasia or spider viens, erytherma or bruising
Breast feeding
Lidocane sensitivity
Take care to know that there is some downtime required after a treatment so make sure to book when you can allow rest time.
Take care to know that the treatment might have some discomfort. Numbing creme is used to minimize this but some discomfort might happen especially around delicate areas on the face.
Please be aware the we want pin point bleeding of the skin, thus resulting in red and sensitive skin about 24/48 hours after the treatment.
What Is The Aftercare of a Microneedling Treatment?
During the first 48 hours , refrain from hot showers, exercise, saunas, and hot tubs. Refresh your pillow case every 2-3 days
During the first 24 hours, apply only Dermaroller Hyaluronic acid serum ( given to you after your treatment) to soothe skin and keep it hydated.
During the first 24 hours, avoid sun exposure and do not use sunscreeen ( after 24 hours apply only mineral sunscreen during daytime and continue to avoid sun exposure as much as possible)
Avoid makeup for 24 hours
IMPORTANT- Do not pick the skin/ wounds during the entire healing period. After 7 days you may not exfoliate the skin manually or use the OxyGeneo to remove dead skin from the surface. DO NOT use devices that involve suction, as they can cause damage to your healing skin.
Again, skin is expected to be red and sensitive for about 24-48 hours after the treatment.
When Can I Expect To See Results?
Results are not immediate. It can take the healing process 4-6 weeks and collagen remodelling can linger for months. Results are most noticeable 1-3 months after the last session.
It is important to note that some results will not be permanent because aging skin is an unstoppable process. In addition, results can vary depending on the clients individual skin parameters, lifestyle, and adherence to home care routines. Acupuncture and TCM lifestyle advice is used to address any health concerns that could be contributing to aging to try to get longer lasting results.