Microneedling
It’s pretty exciting when a new device becomes FDA cleared for cosmetic treatments, it’s the government’s way of saying that the studies prove the results are real. At Azul, we always want you to have the best, most impactful treatments, so we can now bring you microneedling with SkinPen.
SkinPen takes a tried-and-true model of creating small skin injuries to stimulate growth of new cells, collagen, and elastin. However, the way in which SkinPen does this is the part that excites us – and should excite you!
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is the use of super-fine, short needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. These tiny skin injuries stimulate your own natural healing process. The healing process results in younger looking skin, lessens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores – and can greatly improve the appearance of scars.
But while a Model T and a Ferrari are both cars, you would never say they are the same. And for that matter, not everyone wants a Ferrari, you might be perfectly happy with a Land Rover! Microneedling devices are a bit like cars. There are a lot of microneedling devices and they are definitely not all the same.
At Azul, we offer two different microneedling treatments. They work at two different tissue layers and use different methods to accomplish the goal of tighter, smoother, more resilient skin. INIFINI with Radio Frequency is ideal for deeper tissues and uses gold-plated microneedles to deliver therapeutic Radio Frequency thermal energy that “wounds” the deep tissue, stimulating a healing response. SkinPen uses stainless steel acupuncture-grade needles made in Japan to create tiny perforations in the more superficial layers of the skin, stimulating a healing response.
SkinPen is a Class II medical device and can only be operated by appropriately licensed and trained professionals. Each Azul Paramedical Aesthetician has received training in how to create and maintain aseptic conditions and maximize results while maintaining safety (like around the delicate tissues surrounding your eyes).
12 Reasons SkinPen at Azul is Best In Class:
- Creates up to 1,600 micro-injuries per second
- Vertical micro-injuries with no dragging or tearing of skin
- Variable depth with the same treatment needles during the same session
- Aseptic technique – it’s clean, clean, clean!
- FDA cleared
- Results last and last
- Class II medical device – built for accuracy and results
- Acupuncture-grade stainless steel needles manufactured in Japan
- Specialized water-gel for hydration and purity
- (Almost) no downtime – no makeup or lotions for 24 hours
- Safe for all skin tones and types
- No need to avoid sun exposure after 24 hours
What Skin Issues Can Microneedling Improve?
SkinPen renewal can targets and improves the following skin issues:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Inelastic areas of skin
- Large pores
- Acne and acne scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
- Rosacea
Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinPen Microneedling?
Almost everyone could use the skin improvement offered with this procedure. The only restrictions are for pregnant or nursing women, Accutane treatment within the past 6 months, or a history of keloid formation.
SkinPen Microneedling Procedure
We first apply a light topical numbing cream to the treatment area, followed by a special water-gel to keep the area hydrated. Next, we begin treatment, making several passes until we see the appropriate pink response. While the SkinPen has a pen-like appearance, the disposable needle cap is powered by a motor turning at 7,000 RPMs to create extremely rapid “tapping”, rather than dragging of a typical device across the skin. Tapping creates micro-injuries with clean vertical edges. This is a stark contrast to the “cat scratch” effect that other devices may create when dragged quickly across the treatment area.
Once the entire area has been treated your Aesthetician will usually apply an Azul- formulated moisturizer with growth factors and hyaluronic acid (HA). The thousands of micro-perforations allow for improved absorption deep into the tissues. The entire procedure takes about an hour in most cases.
What Results Can I Expect from Microneedling?
Results take time, as the body begins to heal the microscopic wounds, it produces new collagen and elastin. Patients can begin to see results in as little as two weeks. These results will continue for the next 5 months. We can also provide patients with SkinPen Microneedling Aftercare Serums. These serums enhance your results at home by continuing to stimulate keratinocytes in the skin to release growth factors that induce the production of new collagen.
SkinPen Microneedling Before & After
Courtesy of Kingwood Spa
What is the Recovery from Microneedling?
While skin reactions can vary, most patients will go home with slight redness, like a mild sunburn. There may be some pinpoint bleeding, but this is rare and depends on the patient’s skin thickness. The growth factor serum applied after your microneedling acts to reduce inflammation. For the first 24 hours we ask that you limit your skincare to gentle cleansing and a simple moisturizer (not an anti-aging moisturizer). After that, you can return to your regular skincare and apply makeup. After the first 24 hours, there are no restrictions on sun exposure (other than common sense – which means sunscreen every day).
How Many Microneedling Treatments Should I Have?
Microneedling at Azul has a cumulative effect. Your own natural skin-healing response, coupled with Azul’s growth factor serum, creates a two-pronged skin renewal. The number of recommended treatments can depend on what we are treating. For light anti-aging treatments, 2-3 treatments could be sufficient. For deeper wrinkles and scarring, 4-6 treatments may be necessary to achieve the results you want. Treatments are usually 3-5 weeks apart when undergoing a treatment series.
We recommend continuing semi-annual or annual re-treatments. This is because the collagen and elastin stimulation effect ends approximately 5 months after your treatment. So, try to schedule routine semi-annual treatments to re-stimulate your skin. It’s a bit like keeping the engine tuned in a Ferrari – we want to keep you in fine form!
Schedule a Consultation
For more information on SkinPen microneedling contact us at (239) 415-7576 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa serves Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples, Florida