Microneedling

The Collagen P.I.N. electric powered micro needling pen is a handheld device used to create precise microscopic punctures in the skin of varying depths. The pen is composed of a series of fine needles which vibrate rapidly, penetrate the dermis, and allow for controlled induction of the skin self-repair mechanisms by creating ‘micro-injuries.’ These ‘micro-injuries’ are created by gently pressing and gliding the Collagen P.I.N.  microneedles across the skin surface. These tiny needles vibrate rapidly, more than 7,000 RPM. The end point is the development of “pin-point bleeding.”

The Collagen P.I.N. has been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of acne scars, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and the improvement of skin tone and texture.

Scientific studies have shown that the creation of abundant micro-injuries to the skin directly stimulates the release of various growth factors that play a role in collagen and elastin synthesis and deposition within the dermis. Increases in TGF-beta3, in particular, is felt to be largely responsible for the regeneration collagen and improvement of the appearance of scars. It has been hypothesized that the creation of numerous microchannels in depressed acne scars physically breaks apart the compact collagen bundles in the superficial layer of the dermis while simultaneously inducing the production of new collagen and elastin underneath the scar.

The microneedling procedure is normally completed within 30 minutes depending on the required treatment and anatomical site.

Microneedling is well tolerated with minimal discomfort. The skin is pre-treated with a topical anesthetic which renders the procedure virtually painless.

The process of collagen remodeling and deposition takes weeks to occur and multiple sessions over several months are typically needed to see results.

Typically, we recommend a minimum of 3 sessions, though often people will need closer to 6 sessions to see meaningful results.

Results may last several years, but future micro-needling sessions may be necessary to maintain improvement.

We use the Collagen P.I.N. due to its ease of use and ability to avoid cross contamination between patients.

A sterile disposable needle tip is used with each patient, avoiding cross contamination.

The Collagen P.I.N. is awaiting FDA clearance for the treatment of scarring. Micro-needling has been successfully used for the treatment of acne scars, wrinkles, photoaging, and melasma.

Micro-needling is considered a noninvasive aesthetic procedure and has a low rate of associated adverse effects. The most common and expected side effects of the treatment include:

1. Temporary redness
2. Localized swelling
3. Skin flaking and peeling which typically resolves within three days.
4. Pinpoint bleeding is the desired endpoint of the procedure and typically resolves within minutes using pressure and cold wet gauze pads.

Potential rare side effects include:

1. Temporary discoloration
2. Scarring (including stamping type) -very rare.
3. Infection and worsening of pre-existing infection
4. Granuloma formation
5. Reactivation of herpes simplex virus “cold sores”

1. Active inflammatory acne with pimples and pus bumps
2. Active herpes infection (cold sores)
3. Presence of warts
4. Recent history of sun exposure (or those who are visibly tanned) until all traces of suntan have faded to minimize post-treatment discoloration.
5. Those who have received facial filler (e.g. Restylane and Juvederm) within the previous seven days
6. Those with a history of keloids
7. Those with immunosuppression (weakened immune system)
8. Those with a history of connective tissue disease such as Lupus and Scleroderma