Needling

Skin needling is a minimally invasive procedure used for skin-rejuvenation, scar reduction, hyperpigmentation and various other skin conditions and ailments. It involves the use of a device that contains a group of fine needles. The needles puncture the skin and create tiny controlled injuries. Each injury creates a trigger of events in the cells that stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. This results in an improvement in skin texture and firmness.  Scars, wrinkles and pore size are reduced by the natural activity of the cells in the epidermis and dermis during the healing process.

The beauty of this treatment is that unlike laser and deep peels, the epidermis improves, thickens and more importantly remains intact. Furthermore it is suitable and effective for all skin types. The procedure is not overly aggressive and patients have little to no downtime and discomfort.  Unlike ablative options, there is no risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and there is no limit to the number of treatments one can have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is skin Needling?

Needling has been in practice since the late 1980s, but has gained momentum in the last five years. Needling treatment is the preferred method for 100% natural scar and wrinkle reduction. This technique promotes the body’s natural collagen production and also melanocytes (pigment producing cells). Needling will relax and smooth out scars, wrinkles and helps to improve skin tone and reduce  hyperpigmentation.  Needling has also proved   helpful in the reduction of stretch marks. This procedure is commonly used in German and UK hospitals for post-surgical scar reduction and burn victims

Some other names for needling are:
Intradermabrasion
Needle Abrasion
Needle-dermabrasion
Percutaneous Collagen Induction (PCI)
Multitrepannic Collagen Actuation (MCA).

How does it work?

A high-speed digital machine (150 to 230 punctures per second) places thin needles in the lower and higher dermis skin layer, breaking the already established collagen chain. The brain receives messages to repair the disruption caused to the existing collagen chain. The effect is an immediate response from the skin cells. The skin immediately starts to produce and generate new collagen and forms new bonds. The exterior effect of needling is that your own collagen is forming and pushing the skin up, which will smooth and reduce up to 80% of scars and plump up the wrinkles and erase fine lines.

How about wrinkles and large pores?

Needling is great for face, neck, decollete and hand wrinkles. The procedure also works for large pores, age spots and blackheads too.

Are results for wrinkles similar to those of BOTOX?

YES THEY ARE!!! The difference is that NEEDLING IS 100% NATURAL!!! It’s your own collagen and nothing else, and no poison is injected! The needling effect lasts even longer…not 6 to 8 months but 3 to 8 years. Needling is also much less expensive!

What kind of scars can be treated?

Needling can be used to treat any kind of scars except Keloid.

The needling procedure works  for:

• Acne scars
• Chicken Pox scars
• Burn scars
• Post-surgery scars:
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Breast Augmentation and Reduction
  • Face Lift
• Dog Bite
• Post-Cancer surgery scars
• Hair transplant scars
• Post-car accident scars
• Stretch marks.
• Pigmentation Issues
• Hair Growth Stimulation
• Laser Damage
• Wrinkles and Lax Skin

Can an old scar be treated with good results?

Definitely, yes!!!

How soon can I expect results?

Most people see and feel results within a week of the procedure. The results will continue to improve and you will really see the results from about 4 to 8 weeks. Needling has similar effects to laser treatment, but often works faster, is much less expensive, and doesn’t damage the epidermis to get the desired effect. There are some differences between scar and wrinkle healing after the procedure. A lot depends on an individual’s skin healing abilities. The individual’s age and immune system can also support or slow down the healing process of the procedure. After the Needling procedure, wrinkle lines may not disappear completely but will be more shallow and smoother.

What’s the percentage difference after each procedure?

Scars – a visible change in appearance is 50- 80%
Wrinkles – 40-80%

How long does each procedure take and how many do I need?

Most procedures take 1 to 3 hours. However, each procedure varies from person to person. It depends on the size of the scar; how many you want to treat during one session; and how large, or intense the wrinkles or scars are.
The number of procedures you will need depends on your own unique body regeneration abilities. You will have complete control over how many needling procedures you want to have done. After approximately 4 to 6 weeks you will know if you need another procedure or if you are completely satisfied with your results.

How long does the effect last and are aftercare products important?

Each case is different, and so is everybody’s skin regeneration. In general after needling, for scars they will get smoother, softer, and be reduced for the rest of your life. It not only depends on your skin type, but also on muscle structure, and your habits of facial expressions. After needling, your results will depend on your regeneration process, but also on your genetics, and how much and how often you wrinkle your skin (forehead; area around your eyes). The habits of facial expressions vary in every person.

There is also a huge impact from how you treat your skin on a daily basis. Sunscreen and Vitamins A, E, and C will definitely help your skin appearance in all cases! In general, the results from needling will last anywhere between 3 to 8 years.

Is Skin Needling Natural and Safe?

Skin Needling is 100% Natural! There is nothing injected into the skin. Allergic reaction and side-effects rarely exist. Needles are working in the dermis layer of the skin and bring an immediate reaction from the brain to the skin. Your body produces more and more collagen to plump the wrinkles, smooth and reduce existing scars. The equipment, techniques, and hygiene standards used for the needling treatment of an adequately qualified technician will ensure you are subject to virtually no risk.

Does Needling hurt?

For all Needling procedures, it is recommended to use topical anaesthetic to minimize discomfort.  Most patients don’t feel any pain or discomfort at all.

Does the Needling Roller give this same effect?

Personally I feel that using a professional needling machine will allow one to focus on the exact places that need to be treated. The needling roller is mostly for home use. It is broad, and therefore will not deal with fine lines or scars as effectively as your technician. With acne or chicken pox scars, precision is everything. A roller may help you on large areas (stretch marks, etc.) or can stimulate successful scalp hair growth, and enhance product absorption. To get the right results in Needling treatment, it’s extremely important how deep and how frequent the needle will penetrate the skin. The experience and education of the person who will provide the Needling service for you is extremely important.

Can anybody do the procedure?

Definitely not!!!! Salon needling comes with certain restrictions regarding anaesthetic. Medical Needling is a very advanced technique and therefore, specialized training is required. Spend some time to find the right person, who knows how to successfully perform the required Needling procedure so you will see positive results. In the right hands, this can be a very helpful procedure giving you amazing results.

What training do you have?

Our Needling therapist has completed advanced training with Dr. Lance Setterfield and Dr. Des Fernandes, including “ in theatre” treatment of burn victims.  After completing the standard PMU and Needling courses, she was drawn to the treatment of post- accident scars, acne scars,  dog bites, skin grafts, and burn victims.

In addition, she has studied post needling protocols and has extensive knowledge of effective and safe aftercare products and skin care to optimise results.