Micro-Needling (Mesotherapy)
Microneedling is a treatment for wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, scarring and stretch marks. A small hand-held device is used to create thousands of tiny injuries to the skin with surgical needles that promote skin repair from the inside out, and stimulate elastin and collagen production in the skin without causing visible damage.
Does microneedling work?
Microneedling is supported by clinical studies to be effective in a variety of skin conditions, including aging, (wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks), scarring (acne and surgical), as well as cellulite and hyperpigmentation.
Studies have also shown that microneedling is often a more effective treatment than dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. It is proven to be just as effective in their ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Regular use of microneedling can thicken skin, smooth scars of all sizes, reduce wrinkles, and reduce pore size.
It is possible to do skin needling at home, but rollers sold for home use have the shortest needle lengths and therefore cannot produce the same benefits as practitioner-only microneedling.
What you need to know
After a microneedling treatment your body will start to naturally regenerate and repair the skin, working below the surface in the dermis. This takes time as new collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced. It can take up to six weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing you with a natural and long-lasting enhancement.
Commonly three to four treatments are required, at one month intervals, to achieve the desired results. In the treatment of stretch marks, acne scars and other types of scarring, up to six procedures may be necessary. Your practitioner will advise on the appropriate treatment schedule.
What will happen at your appointment?
Before the procedure, your medical practitioner will fully review your General Medical Questionnaire and may have some questions for you to ensure Microneedling is safe for you. They will explain to you about possible side effects, aftercare and follow up, and will take time to answer your questions. Some photographs will be taken for insurance purposes. These are not shared unless you agree to this.
You will have some numbing cream applied to your skin, which will take around 30 minutes to start working.
Your skin will be carefully cleaned prior to the microneedling, and a lubricating product will be applied to your skin to help the microneedling pen glide over your skin smoothly. Your practitioner may have recommended a “glide” with targetted ingredients to promote hydration, tightening or brightening of your skin.
Microneedling is described by most patients as uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel a vibrating or mild burning sensation as the microneedling pen glides over your skin.
Afterwards your skin will be cleaned again. Your practitioner will explain to you what to do in the next few hours and days, and give you an aftercare leaflet to take with you.
Some people are surprised to hear that they will need to avoid direct sun, alcohol and exercise in the days after their treatment, but it’s so important to follow the aftercare guidance to reduce the risk of side effects and to get the best result.
Possible side effects
It is normal for the skin to look flushed and red like “sun-burn” for 1-3 days. The skin may feel tight, dry, swollen, and sensitive to touch. You will be advised to apply sunscreen regularly and avoid extremes of heat and cold, exposure to the sun, saunas, sun beds and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
Skin infections can develop, but following the aftercare guidance will reduce the chance of this happening. Your practitioner will be able to advise if you develop any increased soreness, redness, or weeping skin after the first few days.
Allergic reactions can happen when products are applied to the skin. This is more likely if you are prone to allergies, so make sure you let your practitioner know before your treatment.
Cautions and Contraindications
Microneedling is a very safe treatment, but it is not recommended if you have any of the following:
Any active infection near the site, or are feeling unwell in any way
History of abnormal scarring (such as keloid)
Loose skin (if treating stretch marks)
A poorly controlled medical condition
Allergic reactions to local anaesthetic
Bleeding disorders or autoimmune disease
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are taking steroids
Are taking medicines that affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin
Injections to the face can trigger the cold sore virus, so you should advise your clinician if you are a sufferer.
Remember- You need to fill out a general medical questionnaire and have a consultation with your aesthetics practitioner before making the decision to have a treatment at Glo-aesthetics. We want to make sure it’s safe for you. We expect you to be open and honest about your medical history, and will give you the chance to ask questions if there is anything you are not sure about.
Pricing
Micro-Needling (Mesotherapy)
Collagen induction & skin quality improvement. Course of 3 to 6 sessions recommended
Single Treatment - £150 - (3x treatments - £130 ea)
Aftercare - Micro-Needling (Collagen induction therapy)
What’s normal after a procedure?
It is normal for the skin to look flushed and red like “sun-burn” for 1-3 days. The skin may feel tight, dry, swollen, and sensitive to touch.
How to protect your result and reduce side effects:
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid touching or washing the area for 6 hours .
If you have to touch the area, ensure your hands are clean and sanitised.
Avoid makeup until the day after your treatment. Ensure your make up brushes are clean and sanitised.
Sleep with a freshly cleaned pillowcase
Apply sunscreen regularly even on cloudy days, and avoid extremes of heat and cold, exposure to the sun, saunas, sun beds and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
To reduce the risk of infection, swimming in pools or the sea should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
Do not tweeze or wax the treated area for at least one week after your treatment.
Avoid anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen, unless prescribed by your doctor, as they can interfere with the healing process.
Skincare Products
Day 1: Skin will be erythematous and flushed after treatment. After six hours you may wash your face with water and apply hydrating products, hyaluronic acid or other post care soothing products.
Day 2-5: Use a gentle cleanser and blot dry. You might notice some skin peeling, but don’t scratch, rub or exfoliate the skin, as this can lead to scarring. Continue to apply hydrating and calming products, but not active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C. Check with your practitioner if you are not sure. When your skin feels back to normal, you can resume your usual skincare routine.
When to contact us:
Serious complications are rare, but it’s vital you seek urgent review if anything like this occurs:
If you experience any signs or symptoms of infection after treatment. Infection can present as hot, red shiny skin, there may be pus formation and you may have a fever or feel generally unwell.
If you notice any other unwanted side effects.
If you have any questions or if you do not understand any of the aftercare instructions provided above.
If you are advised to attend a follow up appointment, please do make every effort to attend them. You should do this even if you believe that the recovery process is going well and you cannot see that there are any visible complications.
