Medical Microneedling

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Medical Microneedling

Treatment Description

Medical microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a minimally invasive, clinically proven treatment that harnesses the skin’s own natural healing capability to stimulate the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. By creating thousands of precisely controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, the Eclipse MicroPen® triggers a natural wound-healing cascade that results in firmer, smoother, more radiant, and more youthful-looking skin.

The Eclipse MicroPen® is the most advanced medical-grade automated microneedling device available, used exclusively by trained medical professionals worldwide. Unlike traditional needle rollers, the MicroPen® moves in a precise vertical direction, creating consistent, controlled micro-channels at a depth tailored to each client’s individual skin concerns. Unlike lasers, it uses no heat, resulting in significantly less downtime and discomfort, with most clients experiencing redness for 24 hours or less.

The fibroblasts stimulated by the treatment remain active for up to six months following a session, meaning the skin continues to produce new collagen and elastin long after the procedure, with results that develop and improve progressively over time.

What to Expect

  • Consultation: Before treatment, your skincare professional will assess your skin concerns and select the appropriate needle depth and treatment settings for your unique needs. A topical numbing cream may be applied 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure to ensure comfort.
  • The Procedure: A sterile cartridge containing 12 tiny micro-points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen®. A thin layer of hydrating gel, typically containing hyaluronic acid or saline, is applied to the skin to allow the pen to glide smoothly while simultaneously delivering active ingredients deep into the skin through the open micro-channels. The pen is then gently pressed against the skin and moved in a controlled, sweeping motion until the entire treatment area has been covered. Hundreds of micro-channels are created per second, initiating the skin’s repair response almost immediately.
  • How MicroPen® Differs from Rollers: Automated microneedling devices like the Eclipse MicroPen® move in a precise vertical direction for consistent, accurate depth. Traditional rollers create an imprecise, dragging motion that can contribute to discomfort, tearing, and inconsistent results.
  • How MicroPen® Differs from Lasers: Unlike laser treatments, the MicroPen® uses no heat, making it suitable for all skin types, including darker and ethnic skin tones, without the risk of heat-related pigmentation changes. No heat also means less downtime: most clients are red for 24 hours or less, making it possible to have treatment on a Friday and return to normal activities by Monday.
  • Enhanced Product Delivery: The micro-channels created during treatment allow topical active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, growth factors, vitamin C, and peptides) to penetrate far deeper into the skin than they could through normal application alone, amplifying the treatment’s overall effect.
  • Results Timeline: A healthy glow is typically visible immediately after treatment. Initial improvements in texture and tone can be observed from approximately 30 days post-treatment, with full collagen-remodelling results continuing to develop for up to six months as the fibroblasts actively produce new collagen and elastin.

Benefits

  • Stimulates New Collagen & Elastin: Triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing response to produce fresh collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, smoother, more resilient skin that continues to improve for up to six months post-treatment.
  • Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles: New collagen production thickens the epidermis and softens the appearance of fine lines, dynamic wrinkles, and surface creasing.
  • Improves Acne & Surgical Scarring: The micro-channels break up scar tissue and prompt new cell regeneration to fill and resurface depressed or uneven scarring, one of microneedling’s most clinically significant applications.
  • Fades Pigmentation & Sun Damage: Stimulates new cell turnover to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun-damaged skin, while improving overall skin tone and luminosity.
  • Treats Stretch Marks & Loose Skin: Effective for improving the texture, colour, and resilience of stretch marks and crepey or loose skin, including post-weight loss or post-liposuction skin laxity.
  • Supports Alopecia Treatment: Microneedling to the scalp promotes blood flow and growth factor release in dormant hair follicles, supporting hair regrowth in cases of alopecia.
  • Enhances Topical Product Absorption: The open micro-channels created during treatment allow medicinal and active ingredients (including topical tretinoin, vitamin C, and growth factors) to penetrate at levels impossible through normal application, maximising their therapeutic benefit.
  • Safe for All Skin Types: Because no heat is involved, medical microneedling is safe and effective for all skin tones and types (including darker and ethnic skin) without the pigmentation risks associated with laser treatments.
  • Minimal Downtime: Most clients experience redness for 24 hours or less, significantly less recovery time than comparable laser treatments.

Preparation Instructions

  • Vitamin A & Retinoids: Discontinue the use of Retin-A, retinols, vitamin A creams, and other topical vitamin A medications for three to five days before your microneedling treatment.
  • Active Skincare: Avoid AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating acids, and any other active or potentially sensitising skincare ingredients for at least three days prior to treatment.
  • Night Before Treatment: Avoid strong vitamin A products. Also avoid alcohol and the use of aspirin and omega oil supplements for the 36 hours surrounding your treatment, as these can increase the risk of bruising.
  • One Hour Before Treatment: You may take a paracetamol if desired to help manage any discomfort during the procedure. Please do not take ibuprofen, as this may cause bruising.
  • Sun Protection: Wear a daily broad-spectrum SPF throughout your treatment programme and use appropriate homecare products as directed by your practitioner.
  • Contraindications: Microneedling is not suitable for those with active skin infections, active acne breakouts, keloid scarring, bleeding disorders, or those taking blood-thinning medications. Disclose all relevant medical history to your practitioner before treatment.

Aftercare

  • ⚠️ Crucial Rule: Leave all serums and products applied in clinic on the skin until the following morning, do not wash your face on the evening of treatment. SPF is non-negotiable from the day after treatment onwards.
  • Evening of Treatment: Your skin will appear red and feel warm, like a flushed, glowing complexion. This is completely normal and expected. Leave all serums and products applied in clinic on the skin overnight. Avoid smoking this evening, as this will impair your skin’s ability to heal effectively. Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area.
  • Day After Treatment: You may now gently cleanse your skin using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and a soft cloth. Avoid fruit acid serums, retinoids, vitamin A, and all active skincare ingredients for the next few days. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF; this is essential.
  • Day 2 After Treatment: Some patients experience slight flaking or dry patches, this is completely normal as the skin renewal process accelerates. Do not pull at or pick the flaking skin. Apply a calming, rich moisturiser to help soothe and support the skin barrier. Continue daily SPF application without fail.
  • Ongoing Aftercare: Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning throughout your recovery and beyond. Sun exposure during the healing phase can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. Continue to avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and strong vitamin C products for five to seven days post-treatment. Refrain from saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours following treatment. Keep the skin well moisturised and drink plenty of water to support the healing and collagen-building process. A daily collagen supplement taken alongside your treatment programme can support the skin’s natural repair process from within.

FAQ

What are the risks?
Medical microneedling is considered safe and effective by the medical community when performed by a trained professional. The most common side effects are temporary and include redness, mild swelling, skin sensitivity, dryness, and flaking, all of which typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours. Bruising is uncommon but possible, particularly after deeper treatments or in clients taking blood-thinning medications. More serious but rare side effects can include infection, post-inflammatory pigmentation changes, or a reaction to topical products applied during treatment. Keloid-prone patients, those with active acne or skin infections, and those on anticoagulants should discuss suitability with their practitioner before proceeding.

How many treatments will I need?
Most clients see a noticeable improvement after a single session, with a healthy glow visible immediately and continued results emerging over 30 to 90 days. For optimal and sustained results, a course of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is typically recommended, depending on the concerns being addressed. Deeper concerns such as significant scarring or stretch marks may benefit from additional sessions.

When will I see results?
An initial healthy glow is typically visible immediately after treatment. Visible improvements in texture, tone, and firmness begin to appear from approximately 30 days post-treatment. Because fibroblasts remain active for up to six months following treatment, collagen remodelling continues progressively, meaning results keep improving for months after the final session.

Is it suitable for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because medical microneedling uses no heat, it is safe and effective for all skin tones, including darker and ethnic skin types. This makes it a highly versatile treatment for concerns such as acne scarring and pigmentation, where heat-based treatments such as lasers carry a greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in high-melanin skin.

Can microneedling be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Medical microneedling is commonly combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) known as the ‘Vampire Facial’ where the client’s own growth factors are applied to the skin during the procedure for enhanced collagen stimulation and healing. It can also be paired with LED light therapy post-treatment to accelerate healing, reduce redness, and further boost collagen production. Your practitioner will advise on the most appropriate combination for your skin concerns.

How does it compare to a laser treatment?
Microneedling and laser treatments both stimulate collagen production and address similar skin concerns, but they work differently. Lasers use heat energy to create their effect, which can cause more significant downtime and carries a greater risk of pigmentation changes in darker skin tones. Microneedling uses mechanical energy only (no heat) meaning it is safer across all skin tones, causes significantly less downtime (most clients are red for 24 hours or less versus several days for lasers), and can be performed year-round including on skin with an active tan.

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