We offer a plethora of services here to help with a variety of antiaging concerns. But even with so much to choose from, we still have our staff favorites. Micropen (and Micropen with PRP) is one of them. I love this procedure about as much as I love fillers, and that’s A LOT. I have had Micropen treatments for my stretch marks on my hips on stomach, and on a surgical scar. I’ve also had Micropen with PRP on my face. With only a couple of treatments, I noticed quite a difference on the larger, deeper stretch marks, and definitely on the surgical scar (the thickness of it was probably reduced by 50% or more). At least three treatments are recommended to achieve optimal results.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, previously known as dermal rolling or collagen induction therapy, is a process that involves penetrating the skin with tiny needles to stimulate collagen production. Microneedling used to be done with a hand rolling device that has tiny needles and is rolled over the skin. Micropen, the device we use, is the newest form of microneedling and it has distinct advantages over traditional dermal rollers, particularly for certain areas of the body. Micropen is easily maneuverable and allows for greater precision in treatment, particularly in the facial area, under the eyes, and around the lips.
What Is Micropen Used to Treat?
reduce wrinkles, fine lines, & folds
lessen the appearance of stretch marks
diminish acne scars
minimize crow’s feet
improve elasticity and firmness
diminish brown spots
improve skin radiance
How Does Micropen Work?
The purpose of microneedling is to stimulate the production of new collagen, using our skin’s ability to heal itself. The tiny needles make microscopic channels in the skin, triggering the body’s healing response: it stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally. Your skin reacts to any injury by initiating the healing process. The result is increased blood supply to the skin layers and the formation of more collagen and elastin (which give your skin elasticity and firmness).
This treatment also allows for combining topical agents because it gives direct access to the deeper skin layers. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment by promoting the absorption of skin care ingredients for enhanced results. We generally use Hyalis, which is a Neocutis product that contains growth factors for healing and hyaluronic acid for intense moisture.
When Are Results Visible?
Visible results of skin rejuvenation can be seen as early as the week of treatment, but full results are generally seen six to eight weeks following the procedure, and improve further over time.
Beth's Story (That's me!)
I gained 55 pounds when I was pregnant with my daughter, 16 years ago. And I got some pretty bad stretch marks all over my abdomen and hips. Actually the ones on my hips were so bad that I asked my mom (while I was pregnant) if they were varicose veins. She said, no honey, that’s a stretch mark.
Before my session, numbing cream was applied to my treatment area. They began the treatment on my abdomen, drawing the Micropen horizontally then vertically and then diagonally. On the deeper stretch marks the aesthetician used a stamping motion to help encourage collagen stimulation even more. This is the same technique they used on my surgical scar. Does it hurt? It mainly feels scratchy, although the area around my hips was more sensitive. My treatment area was very red after the treatment and one-day post treatment. By the third day though, the redness was considerably subsided.
Gina's Story (our nurse injector)
I've recently been battling hyperpigmentation issues with melasma post pregnancy. My overall skin tone has been really uneven. I received one Micropen treatment and my skin overall has been more even and bright, with the melasma significantly lightened. Hyaluronic acid was the product used to during my treatment. Post treatment I've been using Skin Ceuticals Phloretin CF during the day and Blemish + Age Defense at night. I can't emphasize enough the significant difference in one treatment how much lighter my discoloration is, and with little to no downtime. This will definitely be something I will be adding to my regimen throughout the year to help manage my stubborn melasma!