HOW DOES IT WORK?

SkinPen is the world's first FDA-cleared, Micro-Mechanical, Skin Remodelling device. Offering an advanced medical-grade skin treatment using stainless steel needles to create a wound healing response to the skin, stimulating the production of collagen. SkinPen is the perfect option to treat a wide variety of skin concerns by stimulating the skin to naturally heal itself. 

As we age and battle skin conditions, the natural architecture of our skin deteriorates. Collagen induction therapy, also known as microneedling, is a great way to address these signs of ageing at the cellular level as well as being clinically proven to reduce pigmentation, scarring, stretch marks and large pores. 

• Phase 1 inflammation: Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to cleanse the wound, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
• Phase 2 proliferation: The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
• Phase 3 remodelling: The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.

Treatment time is about an hour (inc 20-30 minutes for a numbing cream to take effect) and spaced at least six weeks apart. Three to four treatments are required for best results and up to six treatments for more severe scarring and stretch marks. For anti-ageing, one to two treatments a year. 

• Treats acne scarring, scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation conditions such as melasma, vitiligo and solar lentigines. It can also reduce the appearance of large pores.
• Not limited to just the face and is safe for all skin types.
• Minimally invasive procedure and healing continues after the procedure is over. Results are seen within days, weeks and even months.

This treatment may not be suitable if you are or have:

• Pregnant &/or nursing
• Any open wounds or sores in the treatment area
• Any current viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic skin infections – including colds, conjunctivitis, sties and cold sores
• Any lesions that are new and unexplained - check with GP
• Any Keloid Scars in the treatment area or elsewhere on the face or body
• Active Skin Cancer – Check with your GP. 1 year all clear required for Basal Cell Carcinoma (Rodent Ulcer) / 5 years all clear for Malignant Melanoma AND Squamous cell carcinoma
• Any active cancer and under a consultant care – 5 years all clear required
• Any bleeding disorders and dysfunction eg Haemophilia & Von Willebrand disease
• Diabetes – Type 1 and type 2 patients on high medication are contraindicated
• Taking any prescribed medications for blood thinning such as Heparin, warfarin & Aspirin (Anti-Coagulants)
• Any Chronic Psoriasis, Eczema or other conditions in the treatment area or anywhere else - Note * chronic means life-long and severe. Note * Those who have mild and occasional issues can be treated
• Current Severe Active Acne Vulgaris and Active Acne Rosacea (grade 3 and above)
• Currently taking the drug Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) – 6 months non-usage required
• Any Collagen vascular diseases – Scleroderma and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
• Allergies to Stainless steel
• Recent sunburn – skin will need to be fully recovered

With courtesy the following conditions may limit or prevent treatment. Your consultation will determine your suitability.

• Any Actinic Solar Keratosis –can be worked around but you may be referred to a GP & dermatologist prior to treatment
• Any Raised moles in the treatment area – Can be worked around
• History of Herpes Simplex – use of prophylactic anti-viral medication prior to treatment can be useful
• Any Cardiac abnormalities
• Immunosuppressive Therapy & autoimmune disorders– Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease - need letter from GP first to confirm treatment can go ahead
• Diabetes - Dietary controlled or those taking lower dosage medications MAY be able to be treated, if good healing capacity can be established
• Elected use of Aspirin – Could be treated – Medication should be ceased for 3-7 days prior to treatment if possible
• History of mild Psoriasis & Eczema can be treated if it is not active and not present in the treatment area
• Current Grade 1 & Grade 2 (Less severe) Acne Vulgaris and Acne Rosacea can be treated
• History of contact dermatitis- Consultation will establish potential risk
• Scars & stretch marks under a year old
• History of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – If caused by any previous aesthetic skin treatment this may limit or prevent treatment
• Allergies to topical anaesthetic - patch testing could be considered – and treatment parameters will be limited to low needle depth
• Sun exposure – minimum of 24 hrs – 1 week pre & post procedure
• Any other medical conditions or medications not mentioned- please discuss with your practitioner to ascertain if treatment is safe

Day 1 – Mild to moderate redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn.

Day 2 – Some persistent redness and swelling may be present.

Day 3 – Most redness, bruising and swelling almost gone.

Day 4 – Skin should return to normal appearance without makeup.

Immediately after treatment the skin may feel warm and tighter than usual or may be slightly swollen. You may also experience dryness, flakiness and itchiness. All of this is normal and will normally diminish within 24hrs. You may see slight redness after 24 hours, but only in minimal areas or spots. There may be small pin-prick blood spots where the depth has been increased – this will disappear within a few days.

• 6 months prior - avoid Accutane six months prior.
• 14 days prior - avoid IPL/laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure or sunburn.
• 7 days prior - avoid the use of topical agents that may increase sensitivity of skin: retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, acids that may be drying or irritating to the skin (such as alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) beta hydroxyl acids (BHA), exfoliating masks, salicylic acids, hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide acne products).
• 7 days prior - No waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis in the treatment area.
• 7 days prior - Avoid blood-thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, omega-3, vitamin E)
• 3 days prior - do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
• Shaving - No shaving the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there is dense hair present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive to your appointment.

Post-treatment care is also crucial in preventing potential side effects.  

DO

• Use the Lift HG Gel the day of treatment, followed by the Rescue Calming Complex 24hrs post-treatment until empty. 
• Keep out of the sun the day of treatment and the following 24hrs.
• Use a clean pillowcase and towel.
• Use a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry the treated area 48hrs post-treatment and up to 72hrs. After 24 hrs resume the use of a minimum SPF30+. 

DON’T

• Touch the skin unnecessarily post-treatment to avoid infection.
• Apply any makeup or product, including any harsh perfumed, astringent, AHA or alcohol-containing products for 24-48hrs post-treatment.
• Engage in any heavy exercise sessions for 24-48hrs post-treatment.
• Shave or use any after-shave type products over the treated area for 24-48hrs post-treatment.
• Go swimming or in chlorinated water for four to five days post-treatment.
• Have any other clinical treatments one to four weeks post-treatment.
• Allow any pets to lick the treated area as this is likely to lead to major infection.

While microneedling is considered safe for most skin types and carries fewer risks than more invasive procedures, it's essential you are aware of the possible side effects before deciding on the treatment.

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The most common side effects of SkinPen Microneedling are minor and temporary. Immediately after the treatment, you may experience redness, swelling and a sensation similar to a sunburn. These effects are normal and usually subside within a few days after the procedure. Your skin may also feel dry or tight and there may be some peeling as the skin begins to heal and rejuvenate itself.

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Some people might experience slight bleeding during the microneedling procedure. This is generally minimal and is a part of the process, given that the treatment involves creating micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production. Any bleeding typically stops almost immediately after the treatment. If this happens, you may experience small pin-prick blood spots which will disappear within a few days. 

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Less common side effects include breakouts, bruising, infection and pigment changes. Bruising is relatively rare and usually occurs only if the treatment is done at a deeper depth or if the individual has a predisposition to bruising. Infections are also rare as the SkinPen device is designed with safety in mind, using disposable, single-use needle cartridges to ensure a sterile procedure.

In some cases, changes in skin pigmentation can occur after microneedling. This risk is higher in individuals with darker skin tones or those who have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

You must undergo a thorough consultation prior to microneedling as not everyone is suitable.