MICRO NEEDLING
MICRONEEDLING also known as CIT (collagen Induction Therapy) and Growth Factor Facial, is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate skin and treat scars and wrinkles. The minimally invasive treatment can be used all over the face and body to improve the appearance of scars and boost collagen.
The treatment involves using a specialist device over the skin which causes minute, micro punctures/microchannels typically at a depth of 0.25mm-0.75mm (up to 2mm on some areas ie scarring), which not only enhances the absorption of specialist medical-grade skincare products but it also increases new collagen production deep within the skin.
These small contact points encourage the body to create its wound-healing response and renew the skin cells. As your skin repairs, the production of new collagen and elastin is triggered!
Benefits: Collagen helps fill in and smooth out wrinkles.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN MICRONEEDLING TREAT?
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Plumping, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
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Enlarged pores
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Scarring - inc acne scars
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Loose skin
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Stretch-marks
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Reduce hyperpigmentation and sun-damage
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Uneven skin tone
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Improve skin texture
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Dull Skin Tone
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Thinning hair
WHAT CAUSES THESE CONDITIONS?
As we grow older, the cycle of new skin growth slows and less collagen and elastin are produced. Exposure to UV light and inadequate UV protection over the years.This results in fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots (pigmentation). Applying creams and serums on your face may succeed in moisturising the outer layer of dead skin, but no penetration takes place to the living part of the skin. The active molecules are simply too big to pass through the ultra-protective epidermis layer.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Micro-needling is a process called collagen induction therapy (CIT). CIT is the skin’s ability to repair itself.
During this revolutionary procedure, a small, electronic instrument containing tiny needles moves over the skin to create thousands of microscopic channels in both the epidermis and upper dermis of the skin. The body responds to this controlled wound healing the same way it would to an injury by releasing powerful growth factors type 1 and type 3 collagen.
By stimulating the cells a natural healing response is an increase in collagen and elastin produced and the appearance of fresher, newer-looking skin.
The size, depth and angle of the needles mean no blood is drawn and it is a comfortable treatment.
The needle length is only 0.25mm-0.5mm (deeper for scars etc) and can be altered to make the treatment more comfortable around more sensitive areas and areas that need deeper penetration.
It is especially effective for addressing the visible signs of ageing as well as sun damage, scarring, slackened skin, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dilated blood vessels.
Furthermore, these "micro-channels" allow for deeper penetration of pharmaceutical solutions, resulting in higher efficacy.
At Westfield Clinic we use FILLMED NCTF® 135HA and M-HA®10 a unique combination of 59 Active ingredients PLUS hyaluronic acid. And importantly, CE marked for injection purposes providing THE BEST results.
There have been many studies on the effectiveness of microneedling, some of which you can read here.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING FACE & NECK TREATMENTS?
Not just microneedling!
Consultation
Double cleanse
FillMED chemical Peel lowering skin PH to 3 or 1.5 depending
Skin Booster NCTF® 135HA or M-HA®10 is applied
Microneedling with our medical grade needling device at varied depths depending on skin concern and area
Second pass if appropriate
FillMED HA Youth mask contains Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen & Aloe Vera.
Ice globes or a jade stone roller is massaged over the area cooling skin, aiding lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, firms and tightens the skin
DOES IT HURT?
There may be some very mild discomfort but the treatment is generally very well tolerated. Microneedling should not cause blood spots.
It is not advised to use numbing cream pre-treatment, as numbing cream causes vasoconstriction of superfical vessels.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
After microneedling, your skin will likely turn a little red/pink which generally lasts a few hours but may be longer. Your skin might look a little blotchy or be a little swollen.
Minor bruising, especially around areas of thin tissue is rare, but a possibility. Avoid microneedling if you wish to attend an event within 48 – 72 hours post-treatment. Avoid microneedling if you are feeling unwell or under the weather.
CAN I COMBINE IT WITH RF?
Yes! If you would like to improve scars, and skin laxity/sagging skin, the addition of radiofrequency therapy to microneedling treatments can give you dramatically better results. The combination of the two therapies helps further stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a healthier, firmer, rejuvenated appearance.
The cost of RF is reduced by 50% when combined with microneedling.
What makes RF plus microneedling better is that the microneedling part of the procedure creates numerous minuscule pinpricks in the skin. These pinpricks serve as microscopic channels for the flow of radiofrequency energy, which is applied subsequently. As a result, not only are the skin’s natural healing responses evoked, but collagen production is stimulated to give you smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin.
An added advantage of the microneedling plus RF combination is that it is less aggressive than deep chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. This means you can achieve noticeable improvements in the appearance of your skin with a shorter recovery time, usually less than 5 days. Most clients experience only minor redness and dryness after microneedling plus RF and can return to work immediately after the treatment. You should be aware that you will require multiple treatment sessions of RF and microneedling for optimum results.
You can read more on RF here: Ice-Wave for the face and Heat-Wave for the body.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This treatment can be tailored to your concerns, it takes around six weeks for your skin to build new collagen. A course of 3-8 treatments is usually required, spaced across 4-6 week intervals. If your concerns are more severe a longer course is advised (i.e. significant acne scarring).
If you also use the FillMED products at home (especially the intensive boosters) you will get even quicker results and even better quality to your skin! FillMED are medical-grade products with clinical evidence for each product. Our customers receive 10% discount on the homecare range when having treatments in clinic click here!
Follow-up treatments twice a year to maintain results are recommended.
IS IT SAFE?
Infection control is taken very seriously at Westfield Clinic. The skin is carefully assessed, prepared and sanitised. The treatment is performed using single-use sterile needle cartridges in a protected CE-approved microneedling device.
Medical Micro-Needling is an option that even those with a fear of needles can consider, as they are so small and within the cartridge that you don't see them.
Please note we do not use micro-needling rollers, these are not recommended.
FOR SCARS AND STRETCHMARKS...
To reduce and improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, acne scarring and chicken pox scars you need to treat the skin at the dermis level to kickstart the body's healing process. Microneedling combined with radio frequency is a good combination when treating scarring.
The tiny micro-needles create small punctures on the top layer of the skin and penetrate the dermis at a depth of around 1.5mm. The wounds “traumatize” the skin and trigger the body’s natural response of creating more collagen and elastin to heal the wound, improve texture and firmness, and reduce scars and stretch marks. It is important to have realistic expectations when treating scarred skin.
When it comes to your skin, there are 3 different layers: the epidermis (outer), the dermis (middle), and the subcutaneous/hypodermic (deepest).
Stretch marks occur in the dermis when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond its power of flexibility. As it’s stretching, the collagen weakens and the normal production to keep the skin youthful is disrupted. What is left behind is the appearance of lighter skin, some redness at first, as well as what may look like bruising within the mark.
The natural healing process of the skin happens in three phases:
1) Inflammation – Once skin is pierced, it triggers the response from the immune system to naturally disinfect wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and create new tissue.
2) Proliferation – The wound starts to rebuild itself with new cells and temporary collagen and elastin, as well as a new network of blood vessels.
3) Remodeling – The collagen produced in Phase 2 is replaced by even stronger collagen, allowing the skin to contract and create a tightening effect on the skin.
If you’re wanting to combine a topical product alongside your microneedling, Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for its anti-ageing and skin regenerating benefits.
Old stretchmarks often need a longer course of treatments, especially if they are silver in colour.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE?
External products after microneedling (such as serums) work best when applied within the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, all the microchannels that were made are closed. When choosing skincare products to apply after microneedling opt for products with a high purity of ingredients, low-irritants and hydrating ingredients (Hyaluronic Acid is amazing)
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Do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare for at least 7 days post-treatment.
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Avoid extended periods in the sun and apply an SPF of 30 or higher when you leave the house - for 7 days.
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Do not go swimming for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
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No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments should be avoided as they can expose you to dirt and bacteria which may cause adverse reactions.
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Do not apply makeup to the skin for 72 hours
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If possible avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications or supplements for at least one week after microneedling. Some products to avoid include NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, or ginger, turmeric, fish oil, vitamin E, arnica and bromelain supplements (Inflammation is a crucial part of the skin healing process and taking anti-inflammatories will slow the rate at which your skin heals).
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
Do not have/use (in the area to be treated) one week prior to your appointment, any products containing topical retinoids (Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin A etc), blood thinning agents (this includes aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E), and avoid electrolysis, depilatory creams, waxing, sunburn/windburn, cuts or skin abrasions. To minimise bleeding, please avoid drinking alcohol for 2-3 days prior to your treatment.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM MESOTHERAPY?
Microneedling creates thousands of channels in the skin, the needle action causes collagen and elastin production to increase.
Mesotherapy creates fewer channels and concentrates on the health of the skin cells.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Course of 3 - save 10% Course of 6 - save 15% Course of 9 - save 20%
Face area microneedling
PRICE INCLUDES CHEMICAL PEEL, FILLMED SKIN BOOSTER (NCTF®135HA or M-HA®10), FACE MASK & ICE GLOBES MASSAGE
Half face (i.e. cheeks OR forehead) £69. Course of 3 £186. Course of 6 £351 Course of 9 £496
Face £99. Course of 3 £267. Course of 6 £504. Course of 9 £712
Neck £69. Course of 3 £186. Course of 6 £351. Course of 9 £496
Decolletage (neck & upper chest) £149. Course of 3 £402. Course of 6 £759. Course of 9 £1072
Face and Neck £149. Course of 3 £402. Course of 6 £759. Course of 9 £1072
Face and decolletage £219. Course of 3 £591. Course of 6 £1,167 Course of 9 £1,576
Scar reduction - One 2x2cm area £39. Course of 3 £105. Course of 6 £198 Course of 9 £280 (no peel or mask)
Face area microneedling & RF (ice-wave) combined
PRICE INCLUDES CHEMICAL PEEL, FILLMED SKIN BOOSTER (NCTF®135HA or M-HA®10), FACE MASK & ICE GLOBES MASSAGE
Half face (ie cheeks OR forehead) £94. Course of 3 £254. Course of 6 £479 Course of 9 £676
Face £129. Course of 3 £348. Course of 6 £657. Course of 9 £928
Neck £94. Course of 3 £254. Course of 6 £479 Course of 9 £676
Face and Neck £194. Course of 3 £524. Course of 6 £989. Course of 9 £1396
Decolletage (neck & upper chest) £194. Course of 3 £524. Course of 6 £989. Course of 9 £1396
Face and decolletage £284. Course of 3 £766. Course of 6 £1448 Course of 9 £2044
Body microneedling
The size of the area can be measured upon consultation. One area is up to 10x10cm which is the smallest size. Approx prices are as follows:
One 10x10 area £49. Course of 3 £132. Course of 6 £249 Course of 9 £352
Two 10x10 areas (or one 20x10cm) £69. Course of 3 £186. Course of 6 £351. Course of 9 £496
Three 10x10 areas (or one 30x10cm) £103. Course of 3 £278 Course of 6 £525 Course of 9 £741
Four 10x10 areas (or 40x10cm or two 20x10cm) £137. Course of 3 £402. Course of 6 £759. Course of 9 £1072
Alopecia/hair loss treatment using CLINICCARE's Hair Energy mesotherapy cocktail - POA
Cellulite - POA
Body microneedling & RF combined
The size of the area can be measured upon consultation. One area is up to 10x10cm. Approx prices are as follows:
One 10x10 area £63. Course of 3 £170. Course of 6 £321 Course of 9 £453
Two 10x10 areas (or one 20x10cm) £89. Course of 3 £240. Course of 6 £454. Course of 9 £640
Three 10x10 areas (or one 30x10cm) £134. Course of 3 £361. Course of 6 £683. Course of 9 £968
Four 10x10 areas (or 40x10cm or two 20x10cm) £178. Course of 3 £480. Course of 6 £907. Course of 9 £1281
Upper arms (bingo wings), above knee £89. Course of 3 £240. Course of 6 £454. Course of 9 £640
Abdomen, Buttocks, or Inside/Outside Thighs £178. Course of 3 £480. Course of 6 £907. Course of 9 £1281
Front or back of thighs £206. Course of 3 £556. Course of 6 £1050. Course of 9 £1483
AM I SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT?
Contra-indications can include:
Botox or Fillers in the treatment area are to be avoided 2 weeks prior.
Allergies to local anaesthetic (if using) or ingredients in mesotherapy products.
Pregnant or breastfeeding.
Anti-coagulant therapy – increases potential for bleeding - coagulation status should be
checked to confirm normal clotting/bleeding profile.
Haemophiliacs.
History of keloid scarring.
History of radiation therapy within the application area (6 months post chemo & radiotherapy).
Raised moles or warts.
Skin cancers – melanoma.
Skin infections including any bacterial, viral, fungal, or herpetic infection.
Wounded, sunburned, excessively sensitive skin.
Inflammatory acne within the application area.
Uncontrolled diabetes.
Active eczema, psoriasis or inflamed/severe rosacea in the area.
Oral retinoids (Roaccutane) used within 6 months prior to treatment.
We recommend carrying out a patch test for Fitzpatrick skin types 4 or above.
Unrealistic expectations
Medications - If you’re taking medications such as Accutane, antibiotics, antidepressants, or medications that cause photosensitivity or high blood pressure, please consult before commencing microneedling.
Cosmetic treatments - If you’re undergoing cosmetic treatments including chemical peels, laser, cosmetic surgery, filler injections, or cosmetic surgery, it’s necessary to wait until your skin fully recovers before commencing microneedling. Make sure to check with your medical professional before you start microneedling to make sure it will not interfere with any of your cosmetic procedure results.
Gallery
Medical microneedling
For scar and stretchmark reduction