Last Updated April 2022

What is micropen micro-needling?

Micropen micro-needling is a novel form of skin needling, used to treat skin problems such as acne scars and sun damage. 

SKINPEN micropen micro-needling (otherwise known as collagen induction therapy) oscillates multiple needles up and down within a pen hand-piece. It works like a sewing machine with multiple needles attached. The pen is passed across the skin in order to increase collagen production and improve skin texture. 

The penetration depth is very shallow, usually only millimetres. Thousands of fine puncture wounds are created in the skin in order to induce the skin’s healing response. Micropen needling usually involves minimal recovery time and is suitable for most skin types.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

The purpose of skin needling treatments is to create hundreds of thousands of micro-injuries to the skin, which triggers a healing response that promotes elastin and collagen production within the dermis whilst refining the texture and tone of the skin through cell turnover in the epidermis. This can be used to treat skin concerns such as acne scars (pigments, red or indents under the skin), improve fine lines and wrinkles and improve general skin quality and texture, helping you achieve glowing skin.

The advantage of micropen micro-needling over traditional skin needling is that the recovery time is significantly reduced. SKINPEN micro-needling produces very minimal shearing or tearing of the skin in comparison to traditional skin needling. 

Micropen micro-needling produces a force that is perpendicular to the skin, like a sewing machine. A roller, however, produces tearing or shearing of the skin as well as an uneven penetration of the needles as they are rolled across the skin. The downtime for micropen micro-needling is usually only a few days as a result but can be increased or decreased by adjusting the length of the needle penetration and the total time the procedure is performed.

As with all forms of skin needling, it is possible to infuse products such as hyaluronic acid, or vitamins into the skin after the procedure in order to further improve skin tone and texture. The needles create micro-channels into the skin, and allow for significantly increased penetration of products into the skin which usually would just sit on top. Infusing these products into the skin can help to increase hydration and lower recovery time.

Skin needling can be used to improve skin conditions such as:

  • Acne scars
  • Sun spots
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Large pores
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Other scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Melasma
  • Superficial pigmentation

Who is a good candidate for microneedling?

Skin needling is commonly used for conditions such as atrophic (indented) acne scars, but can also be used to improve the general quality of the skin, and skin texture. A good candidate for microneedling is someone in overall good health with no underlying skin conditions (including inflamed acne, rosacea and dermatitis) whose skin has not responded to other treatments.

Who is not suitable for microneedling?

You may not be suitable for microneedling if you have a skin condition such as eczema or if you have a clotting or bleeding disorder.

Skin needling will not improve conditions such as rosacea, broken blood vessels or skin pigmentation concerns.

If you’re not sure whether or not skin needling will be suitable for you, a consultation with one of our practitioners can determine whether you’re an appropriate candidate.

How to prepare for microneedling treatment

Skin preparation with the application of vitamin serums will be recommended for up to 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the procedure. A similar skin care regime will also be recommended for up to 6 months post-treatment to aid healthy collagen production and the rejuvenation of the skin.

Prepping the skin helps to strengthen and encourage cell turnover, optimising the very best results.

There are a number of products and treatments that you should avoid in the weeks leading up to your appointment. These include:

  • Accutane – You should avoid this for 6 months prior to the procedure
  • Topical agents that increase skin sensitivity such as retinoids or exfoliants – You should avoid these for a week prior to your appointment
  • Anti-inflammatory medication – You should avoid this for 3 days prior because this can increase the risk of excessive bleeding
  • Prolonged sun exposure
  • Waxing or shaving the area to be treated 7 days prior must be avoided
  • Blood thinning agents – You should avoid these for a week prior to the procedure as this will increase the risk of bruising. Please consult your doctor before stopping any prescription medications.

What does micropen micro-needling involve?

Skin needling involves having your skin cleansed. Numbing cream is then applied to the skin and left to work for approximately 40 minutes. Once an adequate degree of anaesthesia is achieved, the treatment can commence.

The depth of penetration of the needles can be adjusted by the practitioner depending on the skin concern being treated, the condition of the skin (including thickness of skin, age and overall health), and the amount of downtime that is acceptable to the patient.

Most treatments are very tolerable and a slight scratchy sensation can be felt.  For skin conditions such as atrophic acne scars it may be necessary to set the micropen to penetrate more deeply into the skin, and this will cause more discomfort. In most cases, the discomfort is well managed by patients.

After treatment, the skin appears red and the face may be slightly swollen. It is possible to infuse vitamins or antioxidants into the skin after the treatment. The penetration rates after skin needling are significantly higher than a simple application on untreated skin.

How many treatments will I need?

It can take between 2 weeks to 6 months after each treatment before visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing a gradual enhancement. It is recommended to have the treatment sessions spaced at 4 to 6 week intervals to ensure the skin has had adequate time to heal prior to inducing a supplementary controlled wound to the skin.

The specific number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and the severity of the skin issue, as well as the level of natural response from the individual’s body. Between 6 and 8 treatments are generally advised, however acne scars can require further sessions depending on the individual’s response to the procedure.

What will I look like after treatment?

Rejuvenation treatments will leave you a little pink with a sunburn like glow, this will last anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours depending on the tolerance of your skin. You will be able to wear mineral make up 24 hours after your treatment. If you wish, your practitioner will be able to advise you of the correct mineral make up for you.

Skin needling for acne scarring is a deeper treatment, it will leave you with mild to moderate redness with a little swelling. This will last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours depending on the severity of the scars and depth of needles used. A gravel rash appearance will be apparent by day 2 and 3, this heals very quickly. You will be able to wear mineral makeup 24 hours after your treatment.

If applicable it is possible to use mineral makeup to cover the redness post treatment.

How do I care for my skin after the treatment?

There are a number of things you will need to avoid immediately after treatment. These include:

  • Prolonged sun exposure – Your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage, so you should avoid sun exposure where possible and wear sunscreen.
  • Makeup – You should wait 24 hours before applying makeup after treatment.
  • Swimming pools and saunas – These locations can contain bacteria that could affect your skin’s healing, so you should avoid them for at least a week following treatment.
  • Harsh products such as retinol and vitamin c – Your skin will be extra sensitive, so you should only use gentle moisturisers and cleansers to relieve any redness.
  • Ice – You may be tempted to use ice on your face to cool the redness, but this can interfere with the healing process.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication

Skincare products post-treatment

You should avoid any harsh skincare products, such as retinol, vitamin c, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. You should be able to use your regular cleanser and moisturiser, as well as any products that may be given to you at the end of your treatment. 

You should also apply sunscreen every morning following your cleansing routine.

Makeup use post-treatment

You may be tempted to use makeup to cover the redness you experience after treatment, but this can irritate your skin and cause the treatment to be less effective. You should wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup.

You should also wash your makeup brushes before using them again after treatment.

How long does it take to see results from microneedling?

Most patients begin to see the first signs of results within a week, with dramatic results becoming visible over 3-4 weeks. However, full results may not be visible for up to a year, depending on how many treatments the patient receives.

Skin needling usually requires between three and six sessions over the course of nine months to take full effect.

What are the risks and side effects of microneedling?

The most common side effects after skin needling treatment are mild skin irritation and redness. These should subside within a few days. Other possible side effects can include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Dryness and/or flakiness
  • Redness

More serious side effects are unusual, but can include:

  • Infection
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • An allergic reaction to topical medication applied during treatment

You should not have a skin needling treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have an active skin condition.

FAQ

What does microneedling do to your face?

Microneedling is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that improves skin tone and texture by boosting the production of collagen. Microneedling involves making a number of tiny punctures in your skin using very fine needles, in order to provoke the skin into producing more collagen and healing itself.

Is microneedling painful?

The procedure is minimally invasive and should not be too uncomfortable. Topical anaesthetic will be used to reduce discomfort, but you may experience some mild irritation after the procedure. Microneedling will usually require multiple sessions to be effective.

How much does microneedling cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs, including the number of sessions you require, the severity of your skin concerns and your skin type. Your practitioner will discuss this with you in your initial consultation. 

For a general understanding of treatment prices, click here.

Can microneedling be used with other skin treatments?

You can combine microneedling with other treatments in order to enhance your skin rejuvenation and achieve smoother skin.

Microneedling allows products to be absorbed better into your skin, so a facial or a hydrating mask can help to further revitalise your skin. Other procedures that you can get in addition to microneedling include:

  • Anti-wrinkle injections
  • Chemical peels
  • Radio frequency skin tightening
  • Skin care

How long does microneedling last?

Results will usually last up to 18 months, many patients choose to have follow-up treatments twice a year after the completion of the skin needling program. Following a thorough skin care routine and regularly wearing sunscreen will also help to maintain the results.

Why choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of micropen micro-needling treatments?

The practitioners at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute are skilled at providing microneedling to patients in Melbourne. We 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 a realistic and achievable outcome, and let you know 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 to book online. We can then contact you and gain an understanding of the results you hope to achieve and ensure the treatment is appropriate.

Otherwise, you can phone us directly on 1300 863 824.