Skin Needling is a procedure used to encourage formation of collagen in the dermis of the skin and to 're-arrange' scarred or wrinkled outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Laser re-surfacing and dermabrasion act by destroying the epidermis in order to create a denser fibrosis in the dermis. Skin needling preserves the epidermis, and stimulates collagen deposition in the dermis.

The area to be treated is cleansed and a local anesthetic cream is applied. For more sensitive areas a local anesthetic block may be performed to aid in the comfort of the patient during the treatment.

The procedure is performed using a tattoo-artist's gun, and only penetrates through the epidermis and does not remove it. It looks at first like a graze and is pink with some moist oozing and some small blood pricks. As the skin swells, the holes are closed and the edges of the epidermis are approximated. The needle prick injures the upper 1 - 2 mm of the dermis. This injury, minute as it might seem, does cause some localized damage and bleeding. This will promote the normal processes of inflammation, which ultimately result in the release of growth factors and deposition of collagen.

Healing
The skin is deep pink/red immediately after the treatment but bleeding is minimal and stops within an hour. The treated area is then covered with an antioxidant cream or gel and kept moist throughout the next 3 - 4 days. By day 4/5 the scabs have come away with cleansing and the skin is pink beneath.

It is important to maintain good sun care throughout the treatment and from that time onwards to achieve the best results.

The treatment may be repeated 2 - 3 times over a year depending on the extent of the lines, scarring or wrinkling of the skin. Collagen maturation and ongoing improvement in the quality, texture and thickness of the skin are noticed for many months following the treatments.

Although immediate improvement is noted, inner healing (dermis_ continues to smooth and tighten the skin for the next 6 - 9 months as collagen is laid down in a smoother, more regular manner.

• Can treat sensitive areas: lower eyelids, neck, back of hands
• Cost effective
• Short healing time (one week)
• Does not damage the skin
• Thickens the skin
• No sun sensitivity

• Over-aggressive needling may cause scarring
• Potential hyper pigmentation

Acne Scar Reduction
Skin Needling creates a softer skin texture and softens the fibrous bands in the base of the acne scar to give more flexibility in movement and a more natural blended appearance of the skin surrounding the scars.

Skin Needling for scars and wrinkles has been popular in other countries and its use for scar tissue is well known and utilized by plastic surgeons in the United States, Europe, Canada and South Africa. This treatment is ideal for Acne Scarring