Microneedling

Microneedling can be used on any part of the body and is effective for:

• Correcting overall photo-damage/skin rejuvenation- pigment, texture, wrinkles.
• Reducing the appearance of scars from acne, surgery, or burns.
• Fading stretch marks
• Reducing fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• Pigment disorders- age spots, liver spots, lentigo, melasma and post inflammatory pigment (from acne and other inflammatory disorders)
• Skin tightening – particularly around the neck and jowls

All skin tones can be safely and effectively treated. Suitable for thin and sensitive skin.

As opposed to ablative laser treatments, the epidermis (top layer of skin) remains intact and is not damaged. This leads to less down time and fewer risks of complications.

Specific or small areas can be targeted without the need to “blend” around the treated area. Microneedling does not leave a line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin, which can occur with other resurfacing procedures.

The procedure is well tolerated. It may take a few minutes or up to an hour to complete, depending on the area and the severity of the problem.

• No lotions, makeup or other topical products should be applied on the day of the procedure.
• A topical numbing cream will be applied for 15-20 minutes prior. Injection of a local anesthetic (lidocaine) is also sometimes used.
• The microneedling device is rolled over the skin multiple times for best results.
• Treatments are repeated every 6 weeks, allowing for new collagen to form.

If medically appropriate, avoid any medications or supplements that increase bleeding or bruising risk (see our handout- How to Reduce Bruising). Please arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to your appointment so topical numbing cream can be applied.

We recommend having a consultation prior to scheduling your microneedling treatment. This allows us to address all of your concerns so you can properly prepare for your treatment. If time allows, same-day treatment may be available.

If you plan to have same-day treatment after your consultation, please communicate this with your scheduler. We can block the appropriate time on our schedule to accommodate you. PLEASE NOTE- If you book your treatment and are unable to keep your appointment, we request a 24 hour cancelation notice. You may be charged 50% of your service fee if 24-hour notice is not given.

• Overall, microneedling is well tolerated with minimal downtime. Your provider will provide specific post care instructions during your appointment.
• Patients may have dryness, scaling, redness and swelling (similar to a sunburn) after treatment. This may last for several days or longer, depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment.
• Bacterial infection is extremely rare since the micro-channels heal quickly.
• Fever blisters/Cold sores- most people (over 70%) are infected with HSV (herpes simplex virus)- the cause of fever blisters . Many don’t know they carry this virus. Microneedling treatments disrupt the skin barrier and can “reactivate” the virus. Dr. Torosky will prescribe an antiviral medicine that reduces the chance of this reactivation. An outbreak will increase the risk of scarring, pain and healing time.
• Sun protection is necessary for several weeks after treatment.
• Your provider will recommend an appropriate skin care routine to follow.
• Emollients or antibiotic creams may be recommended.
• Rejuvenation of skin may be seen as soon as 2 weeks but improvements continue for 6-8 months.

The number of treatments depends on the individual skin condition being treated. Three to four treatments may be needed for moderate acne scars and wrinkles. Burn scars and stretch marks may require up to 5 treatments.

For long term maintenance of wrinkles and overall skin care, one or two refresher treatments are recommended each year.

Platelet rich plasma contains our body’s most powerful healing properties and growth factors. When these growth factors are concentrated and reintroduced into the skin through the open channels created with microneedling, they boost rejuvenation of damaged tissue. If you choose to add PRP to your microneedling treatment, we will begin by drawing a small volume of blood from your arm. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge where the red blood cells are separated from the plasma. This platelet rich plasma, which is dark golden in color, is then applied to the face during the microneedling treatment. No additional downtime in needed when adding PRP to microneedling.