Skin Needling
What is skin needling?
Skin needling is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin multiple times with a small needle to induce collagen growth and improve;
Acne scars
Surgical scars
Wrinkles
Skin tightness
Skin texture
The procedure has been performed for many years, with a variety of different methods being used, including the use of tattoo guns (without pigment). Although effective, this method is time consuming and required many sessions to achieve results. The method used at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute utilises a cylindrical roller with micro-needles that are rolled over the skin. This method was popularised by Dr. Des Fernandez, a well-known and regarded South African plastic surgeon, and is faster and more effective than other methods of skin needling.
How does skin needling work?
The needles cause thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin without tearing the skin. This induces the skin to begin a process of wound healing that is followed by the production of new collagen. The production of new collagen continues for up to 12 months after the procedure. Depressed acne scars, wrinkles, skin texture and tightness are all improved as a result.
How is skin needling performed?
Local anaesthetic cream is applied to the treated area for one hour. A nerve block is also be administered to numb the treated area(s). The roller is rolled over the skin multiple times to induce thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin. Saline or local anaesthetic is used to keep the treated area moist during treatment. There may be some discomfort associated with the procedure, but it is well tolerated by most individuals.
After skin needling, it is possible to add
topical retinoids or vitamin C to the skin to further enhance the effects of skin needling and collagen production.
Also a dressing is usually applied to the skin, as there can be some weeping of the skin post skin needling. This is removed after 24 hours.
What areas can be treated?
The face, hands, neck, back and chest can be treated with skin needling, but most commonly the face/cheeks are treated.
Am I a suitable candidate for skin needling?
Skin needling is particularly suited to those with acne scarring, fine lines, and for people looking to improve skin texture and tightness. It can be used on all skin types from light to dark skins. As opposed to lasers treatment of skin, there is no chance of pigmentation problems after treatment.
It is not suitable for people who have open cuts, wounds, sun-burnt skin, and those who are pregnant or lactating. It is also not advisable for those who are prone to keloid scarring.
What is the difference between skin needling and Fraxel?
Fraxel is a laser that induces a 'fractionated' delivery of laser energy to the skin. In other words, the whole skin surface is not treated. Individual columns of laser energy are fired into the skin, each penetrating about 1.4mm. This stimulates collagen production and helps with problems such as as acne scarring, wrinkles and pigmentation. With darker skin types especially, there is a chance that Fraxel laser treatments can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are areas of skin that have become darker than the surrounding skin due to the laser.
Skin needling in comparison, uses a multiple fine needles to penetrate the skin via a roller. This causes thousands of small injuries to the skin which each penetrate around 3mm. Therefore, it tends to be more useful for acne scarring and wrinkles as it can get down to the base of the problem. There are no changes to normal skin pigmentation after skin needling, and it is a safe treatment even in olive or darker skin types.
What are the side effects of treatment?
Generally, you will experience some redness of the skin for up to one week after the procedure and time off work may be needed at this time. There is also a large amount of swelling that can persist for a few days. For about 24 hours post skin needling, there may be some weeping/oozing of the skin. A dressing is applied for 24 hours to help with this.
If you are prone to cold sores, the healing area may become infected if you have a cold sore breakout during this period. Bacterial infection is also possible but very unlikely. As the skin is not torn, scarring is extremely rare.
Some people develop milia (small white dots) on the skin as it heals. These can be removed easily. Also acne-breakouts may occur after treatment.
How much does skin needling cost?
Skin needling costs $1800 per treatment of a full face, or $1200 per treatment for cheeks only. The number of treatments will depend on the response, but generally speaking, you may need 1 to 5 treatments. Most people will require around 3 treatments.
Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider
of skin needling?
The doctors at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute will carefully assess the condition of your skin and your suitability for the procedure. We take ample time to prepare your skin for the procedure to make it as comfortable as possible.
The first step is simply contacting us for your initial skin needling consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your treatment. Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you and gain an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate. as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.
Otherwise, you can phone us directly on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).
