The SkinPen® Precision Microneedling System (abbreviated: Skinpen® microneedling) is a medical device designed for the treatment of acne scars in people over 22 years of age. It is also designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, surgical scars, enlarged pores and certain types of excessive pigmentation of the skin and the treatment of vitiligo.

Procedure

The Skinpen® microdermabrasion procedure is performed on skin that has been thoroughly cleansed. To relieve pain during the procedure, an anaesthetic cream is used to completely remove the skin before the procedure, after which it is cleansed with antiseptic fluid. A gel with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid is applied to allow the device to glide smoothly over the skin surface. The depth of penetration of the needles ranges from 0.25 to 1.5 mm, the depth setting depending on the area of the face or body and the diagnosis of the skin lesions to be improved.

Skinpen® micro-needling effects

• It stimulates the skin’s healing process with the help of the skin’s own growth factors.
• It increases the thickening of the epidermis.
• It stimulates the remodelling of old and new collagen, elastin and capillaries in the dermis, restoring skin tone.
• It mechanically breaks the collagen threads in scars.
• It activates enzymes called MMPs that break down old collagen.
• It increases blood circulation to the skin, thus fading the red and purple patches that often remain after
• acne.
• It fades brown spots by stimulating the production of natural growth factors.
• It stimulates keratinocyte metabolism in the epidermis, normalising melanocyte activity in areas of excessive skin pigmentation and releasing growth factors that act on fibroblasts in the dermis, which in turn generate new collagen and elastin.
• It influences the activation of several genes that stimulate the formation of intercellular matrix in the dermis.
• Mechanical damage stimulates the migration of melanocytes from the pigmented area to the non-pigmented area (in scars or vitiligo). 
• It increases the number of melanocytes in the skin and increases the production of skin pigment.

 

How many repetitions of the treatment are needed?

Skinpen® micro-needling is one of the few procedures in aesthetic dermatology that has an application protocol looking at the diagnosis of the problem that we want to improve. The protocol has been developed following carefully conducted clinical studies that have proven the effectiveness of this therapy. After implementing the protocol for a specific condition or disease, we can expect at least a 50% improvement in the condition compared to that before the protocol was implemented:

• Acne scars: 3-6 repetitions, 4 weeks apart.
• Enlarged pores: 3-5 repetitions, 3-4 weeks between repetitions.
• Thin lines and wrinkles: 3-6 repetitions, 3-4 weeks between repetitions.
• Uneven skin pigmentation: 3-6 repetitions, 2-4 weeks between repetitions.
• Solar lentigo: 3-6 repetitions, 2-4 weeks between repetitions.
• Stretch marks: 3-6 repetitions, 4 weeks interval between repetitions.
• Surgical scar : 3-6 repetitions, 4 weeks apart, starting 6-8 weeks after the treatment
• Vitiligo: 8-12 repetitions, 2-4 weeks apart.

 

Skinpen® micronidling procedure instructions

After the Skinpen® micronidling procedure, the skin is cleansed with antiseptic fluid, then a soothing cream is applied, which is used 2X a day for a few days. Avoidance of direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours is advised, after which a cream with SPF 50+ may be used, however, exposure should still be limited until at least 72 hours after the procedure. In case of intensive treatment around the mouth, we recommend taking a virostatic for up to 5 days after the procedure. Physical activity that causes sweating should be avoided for at least 72 hours after the procedure and for several months after other aesthetic procedures. A repeat procedure can be performed at the earliest after four weeks. 

 

What are the symptoms and side effects after the Skinpen® microneedling procedure?*

Skinpen® micronidling therapy is extremely safe: no patient has experienced any lasting side effects 6 months after the procedure.

• Dry skin (12%) lasting 1-6 days after the procedure.
• Skin rough to the touch (7%) lasting 1-2 days
• Tight skin sensation (4%) lasting 1-2 days
• Redness, itching and slight peeling (31 %), discomfort, minimal sensitivity to touch (31 %) lasting 1-3 days.
• Burning (9 %) lasting 1-3 days.

 

Warnings before performing Skinpen® microneedling

• Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
• Stop using vitamin A creams at least 24 hours before the procedure.
• Not recommended in case of active inflammation of the skin in the area of the procedure.
• In patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, it may be performed 24 hours after the last therapy.
• The procedure can be performed at least 6 months after the end of isotretinoin therapy.

 

Who is Skinpen® microneedling not suitable for?

• Persons undergoing treatment for skin cancer in the area of the therapy to be performed,
• persons having an active skin infection, wounds or irritated and reddened skin in the treatment area,
• persons with a known allergy to metals or anaesthetics,
• persons suffering from a bleeding disorder (due to medication or disease),
• pregnant women and those breastfeeding,
• persons who are taking Roaccutane, or had finished taking this medication less than 6 months ago.

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Appointments and further information

To book an appointment, contact us Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 on the following telephone number: 064 12 80 15 or send an e-mail: info@derma-rogaska.si