Microneedling

PRE-TREATMENT:

 

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.

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It’s also used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sunspots.

Microneedling isn’t effective for hair loss, despite the possible role of collagen in hair growth.

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Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen.

The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.

This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture.

It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury.

By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.

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PROCEDURE:

During the procedure, your practitioner makes small pricks under the skin with a pen-like tool.

The pinpricks are so small that you likely won’t notice them after the procedure.

Your practitioner will move the tool evenly across your skin so that the new skin that rejuvenates will be even, too.

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Before getting started, your practitioner will use a topical anesthetic to reduce the chances of pain.

This is done about 30-60 minutes before your treatment.

The actual microneedling process takes approximately 30 minutes.

Your practitioner will then apply a serum or calming treatment.

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PRE-TREATMENT:

Avoid the following for at least 1 week prior to your procedure:

• Do not use any prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Mobic, or Celebrex) for 4 days prior and 7 days after the procedure, or as stated by your primary care physician– Tylenol is allowed.

• Certain nutritional supplements (Gingko, Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Flax Oil, Curcumin and other anti-inflammatory nutrients), Systemic Steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after PRP injections or as stated by your primary care physician.

• Alcohol, Caffeine and Cigarettes 3 days prior to treatment.

• Discontinue prescription blood thinning medications or supplements (Plavix, Coumadin, Xarelto, Heparin) one week prior to treatment unless you are taking them for a medical condition. If so, please consult your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate.

• If you are taking broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (propranolol), please contact your primary care physician as this medication may need to be changed in advance of the treatment.

• Prescription medications including heart and blood pressure medication should be taken as prescribed right up to and including the day of and the day after your treatments.

• Hydrate well the day before and the day of the procedure for ease of blood draw.

• You may start Arnica 5 pellets, 3 times a day starting 3 days before, and continuing the day of and for 3 days after the procedure to decrease the risk of bruising.

• Ensure you have not been on Accutane in the past 6 months.

• If you believe that you may have a medical condition or are taking any medications not listed above that could interfere with treatment, please speak with your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for PRP treatment.

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THE WEEK BEFORE:

• Avoid the following for at least 1 week prior to treatment:

-Retin A/Tretinoin or retinol containing products
-NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin)-Tylenol is allowed
-Certain nutritional supplements (Gingko, Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Flax Oil, Curcumin, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients)
-Systemic Steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone)
-Spray tanning
-Alcohol and Cigarettes

• Ensure that you have not used Accutane in the past 6 months.

• Hydrate well the day before and the day of the procedure for ease of blood draw.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR SKINPEN PROCEDURE:

• The treated area may be pink and mildly inflamed (similar to the appearance of a mild sunburn) for 24-48 hours following your SkinPen procedure.

• 24 hours post-procedure, your provider may advise you to keep your skin clean of cosmetics or sunscreen for the remainder of the day.

• If you are prone to herpes simplex outbreaks, such as cold sores, consult your provider on ways to treat prior or whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

• If your face or treatment area has irritated skin (sunburn, open wounds, sores) the day preceding your appointment, please contact our office before your appointment.

• This procedure may not be performed on active breakouts or open lesions. Please consult your provider prior to your SkinPen procedure to address any such issues.

• Wait at least six months post isotretinoin use before your SkinPen procedure, as isotretinoin use may impair proper wound healing.

• If you have recently used spray or self-tanning lotions on treatment areas before your SkinPen procedure, discuss with your provider.

• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours prior to the procedure.

• Discontinue the use of topical products containing AHAs, Retinol or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your SkinPen procedure.

• If you are on autoimmune therapy, ask your provider if the procedure is appropriate for you.

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THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE:

• Blood is drawn and PRP is processed.

• After cleaning your face, topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area for 20-30 minutes.

• PRP is applied to the treatment area then then micro-needling is performed.

• PRP is sometimes injected into specific areas as well, if appropriate.​​​​​​

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CONTRAINDICATIONS:

The use of the SkinPen Precision System should not be used on patients who:

• Have active skin cancer in the treatment
  area(s)

• Have open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment areas)

• Have an allergy to stainless steel or anesthetics

• Have a hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or hemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction

• Are pregnant or nursing

• Are currently taking drugs with the ingredient (such as Accutane)

Note: This product is not intended for transdermal (under the skin) delivery of topical products such as cosmetics, drugs, or biologics.

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PRECAUTIONS:

The SkinPen Precision System has not be evaluated in the following patient populations (i.e. patients with the following conditions or taking the following medications): Actinic (solar) keratosis; active acne; collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities; diabetes; eczema, psoriasis and other chronic conditions in the treatment area or on other areas of the body; immunosuppressive therapy; history of contact dermatitis; raised moles in the treatment area; rosacea; active bacterial, fungal, or viral (i.e. herpes, warts); keloid scars (a scar that grows outside of the boundaries of an original scar); patients on anticoagulants; scars and stretch marks less than one year old; scleroderma; and wound-healing deficiencies.

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POST-TREATMENT:

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WHAT TO USE AND AVOID:

• For the first few days after your microneedling procedure, you’ll need to avoid any skin care product that contains harsh chemicals meant to exfoliate. Avoid anything that’s scented, and don’t use glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.

• Retinol A and vitamin C serum should be avoided for the first 48 hours, minimum, after microneedling. Once 2 full days have passed, you might want to gradually add products back into your daily beauty routine instead of doing your usual regimen, especially if you use products that have strong anti-aging formulas.

• Be sure to run any cleansers, toners, or scrubs that you plan to apply in the 2 to 3 days after microneedling by your practitioner to make sure the ingredients won’t worsen side effects.

• Hyaluronic acid can be used following micro-needling, and it’s even recommended in some cases to help stimulate collagen production after your procedure.

• If your skin is feeling dry, it’s generally safe to apply coconut oil as an emollient to lock in moisture and hydrate your face after microneedling. Diluted, alcohol-free witch hazel may also be used to cleanse dry skin. Stick to using gentle, natural ingredients that you’re familiar with.

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POST SKINPEN PROCEDURE GUIDELINES

• Unexpected complications may occur when products not proven safe for use with microneedling are applied post-procedure.

• Avoid strenuous exercise or excessive perspiration, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin for 72 hours.

• Strictly avoid sun exposure as you will not be wearing sunscreen. You may return to sunscreen use 24 hours following the procedure. Continue to minimize sun exposure for 72 hours following the procedure.

• Expect mild inflammation, redness, swelling for a few days.

• Bruising may last several weeks.

• Avoid the sun & use a physical sun block daily to prevent permanent discoloration for two weeks post-procedure. Use a minimum of 30 SPF. 

• Avoid manipulating or pressing on the treated area(s) for 48 hours (including having other treatments done). If you are concerned with any lumps felt, please call the office for a follow-up appointment within 48 hours.

• Try to sleep on an incline and not on your belly.

• Avoid any massages to the areas treated.

• Avoid touching your face and ensure you wash your hands before you do so.

• Eat healthy and hydrate very well ( at least 64 ounces of water daily)

• You may wear a hat immediately after your PRP treatment.

• It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your procedure. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen containing products as directed.

• Don’t put on makeup in the 24 hours following micro-needling. When you do apply makeup, ensure you wash all makeup brushes thoroughly beforehand.

• Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and situations where you might sweat heavily, including intense workouts at the gym, to protect your newly treated skin. After 72 hours have passed, you may be able to resume these activities.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING FOR AT LEAST ONE WEEK:
• Retin A/ Trentinoin or retinol containing products
• NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin)- Tylenol is allowed for pain reduction
• Certain nutritional supplements (Gingko, Garlic, Vitamin E, Flax Oil, Curcumin, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients)
• Systemic Steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone)
• Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Cigarettes 3 days post treatment

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CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MICRONEEDLING THERAPY:

Have a medical condition that could worsen or spread with injections, such as an active infection, a metastatic disease, or certain skin diseases

Have certain blood and bleeding disorders

Undergoing anticoagulation therapy (and cannot temporarily suspend treatment)

Anemia

Pregnant or breastfeeding

Diabetes

Neoplastic Diseases

Blood Diseases

Cancer

Speak with your primary care physician to see if you are a good candidate for PRP treatments if you have any known medical condition or are taking any medications that may have a contradiction with PRP treatments. Your primary care physician can let you know if you are a good candidate.

PRP therapy is not suitable for everyone and caution should be taken especially in patients with a history of heavy smoking, drug or alcohol use, or a medical diagnosis such as platelet dysfunction syndromes, heart disease, chronic skin diseases or cancer, metabolic and systemic disorders. In some cases, clearance by a primary care physician is required.

If considering PRP therapy, it is important to fully disclose your medical history to the specialist. For those suitable for PRP, remember results will vary between individuals and, as with any medical treatment, no specific result can be promised.

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CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE REACTIONS

Such as severe swelling, burning, redness, rash-like appearance, or severe pain

408.838.4774

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IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY LIFE-THREATENING REACTIONS

PLEASE CONTACT 911