Micro Needling

Available In Pittsburgh, PA or Columbus, OH

What is Micro Needling?

Micro Needling is fast becoming one of the most sought after collagen induction treatments in town for its ability to build new collagen, improve skin tone and texture and fade scars without surgery or downtime!

For even faster, more effective results, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Micro Needling is now available in our Pittsburgh location. Boost your collagen production, soften fine lines and wrinkles and have smoother, firmer skin with PRP.

Benefits of Micro Needling:

Increases new collagen and elastin production
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Fades acne scars, stretch marks and surgical scarring
Improves skin tone and texture

Before

After

Micro needling is a more natural and economical approach to anti-aging skin rejuvenation and the treatment of acne scarring and stretch marks.

By using the body’s own healing process, the micro needling treatment stimulates new collagen by creating very small, controlled wounds in the dermis by “stamping” the skin’s surface with very thin mico needles.

The treatment is very similar to the popular Dermapen treatment or derma roller, however the unique “stamping” technique allows the micro needle deeper and more controlled penetration into the dermis.

In Pittsburgh, micro needling treatments are performed in our Shadyside, PA, Mt. Lebanon, PA and Wexford, PA med spa locations. In Columbus, the treatments are performed in our Gahanna, OH location.

Treatment Information

At the Skin Center locations in Columbus and Pittsburgh, micro needling is used to treat acne scars, stretch marks and as an overall anti-aging skin treatment. To make the experience as comfortable as possible, a topical numbing cream is applied 20 minutes prior to the micro needling treatment. Once the treatment area is numb, the first topical infusion treatment (containing hyaluronic acid to improve skin hydration and/or phyto-boost to treat hyperpigmentation) is applied. Following the infusion treatment, the micro roller, which is a handheld device similar in shape to a pen with very tiny needles at the tip, is administered to increase the penetration of the infusion treatment.

Using an automated stamp-like motion, the micro needles penetrate the skin in a very controlled, precise manner; creating very small channels deep into the dermis layer of the skin. Depending on the depth of the micro needle penetration, the treatment may feel like a slight tickling sensation to more of a pinching sensation.

Once the micro-channels are created, the second topical infusion treatment is applied. Additional topical skin treatments, such as antioxidant serums or growth factors, may be applied depending on the individual’s skin condition. It is the unique vertical penetration of the micro needle that creates the ideal pathway for deep penetration and absorption of these nutrient-rich serums and anti-aging skin treatments.

Following the micro needling treatment, the body begins to heal the micro-channels by creating even more new collagen and elastin; resulting in smoother, firmer and more youthful-looking skin. The skin may appear slightly pink, similar to very mild sunburn, for a day or two after the treatment. Additionally the skin may feel slightly dry and tight.

Results achieved from the micro roller treatment have been compared to those achieved with laser skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel®, but without the associated cost, redness and downtime.

For best results, multiple micro needling treatments are needed, typically four to six treatments, two weeks apart to treat stretch marks on the body or acne scarring on the face. As an anti-aging skin treatment, single treatments every three months are recommended.*

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Micro Needling

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) micro needling treatments have generated a lot of media attention in recent years due to celebrity devotees like Kim Kardashian. Because micro needling with platelet rich plasma uses your own blood, the media has dubbed this treatment the Vampire Facelift. Platelet rich plasma treatments are commonly used in cosmetic applications to improve skin tone and texture, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production. In sports medicine and orthopedic medicine, PRP injections are used as a conventional medical treatment to heal soft tissue injuries.Platelet rich plasma is blood that has been processed so all that remains is concentrated and enriched platelets. As a concentrated source of platelets, PRP contains growth factors that encourage the skin to heal itself and promote new cell growth. When added to a micro needling treatment, the platelet rich plasma is delivered deep into the dermis where it activates new collagen growth, softens the appearance of scars and smooths and tightens the skin — even fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable!

To maintain the results from your PRP micro needling treatment we recommend having the treatment every six months to a year.

How do you take my blood for the PRP micro needling treatment?

Your blood is drawn the same way it is drawn when you visit your doctor. We use a very thin needle to draw blood from your arm and only a small amount of blood is needed for this treatment. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that separates the components of blood, to extract the PRP.

Is adding platelet rich plasma to the micro needling safe?

Yes! Because the platelet rich plasma is derived from your own blood – it is completely safe to use. PRP contains your very own growth factors. Growth factors help heal and repair your body – naturally. The PRP micro needle treatment uses your body’s natural ability to heal itself to improve the overall health and condition of your skin.

Does micro needling deliver the same results as laser skin resurfacing treatments?

The similarity between the treatments is the creation of microscopic channels or wounds, deep in the dermis of the skin. These channels trigger the body’s natural healing process which creates new collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of healthy, youthful skin.

Is this treatment appropriate for people with darker skin tones?

Yes! As a matter of fact, with the micro needling treatment the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation, which can be a problem for individuals with darker skin tones, is not a concern. For people with darker skin tones, post-treatment hyperpigmentation is a risk that can be associated with laser skin resurfacing treatments, making the micro needling ideal for all complexions.

Are there any side effects associated with micro needling treatments?

The risk of side effects from the micro needling treatment is minimal. Most people experience slight flushing and pinkness, similar to sunburn; lasting just one or two days. For people with sensitive skin, the pinkness and flushing may last a day or two longer.

Does the micro needling treatment hurt?

Most people describe the sensation during a micro needling treatment as a tolerable pinching or pricking sensation while the treatment is performed. To help minimize any discomfort, a topical numbing cream is applied 20-30 minutes prior to the treatment.

How many micro needling treatments are needed to see results?

The number of micro needling treatments will depend on the skin condition you are trying to correct. A customized treatment plan to correct your skin concerns will be developed during your complimentary skincare evaluation. However, to treat stretch marks or acne scarring, four to six treatments are generally needed every two to four weeks. For skin rejuvenation maintenance treatments, one treatment every three months is recommended.

Alternative Treatments

Chemical Peels – A Chemical Peel uses a precise chemical solution to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, revealing a bright, healthy, more vibrant complexion.
Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion deeply exfoliates the skin and removes the outermost layer of dull, dry skin for a bright, healthy glow.
Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing – Available in Pittsburgh, Fraxel® Dual 1550\/1927 laser treatment, the latest advancement in fractional technology, is the ideal laser treatment for people with active lifestyles who want to improve skin tone and texture without the downtime or redness associated with other laser skin resurfacing treatments.