The Three Types Of Microneedling
Did you know that there are 3 types of microneedling that have almost nothing in common with each other? Before choosing to undergo microneedling (or spending a lot of money on it), do your research and know the differences. Results can vary widely depending on which technique you receive. 1. MECHANICAL Mechanical microneedling uses a motorized pen with tiny slender needles to create thousands of channels that are up to 2.5 millimeters deep. These channels disrupt photo-aged, wrinkled, or scarred tissue to allow for remodeling of new skin to occur. This type of microneedling creates the most channels per square inch of skin. Because of this, patients do experience a mild amount of bleeding and redness. This is the most popular type of microneedling because it is both relatively economical and it is an excellent maintenance treatment for delaying the aging process. Good candidates: Individuals desiring to correct wrinkles or scarring. Individuals looking to lighten brown pigmentation. People with crows feet, forehead lines, or lip lines, people with body scars or acne scars. Examples: SkinPen Precision, MDpen, Skin Stylus 2. FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY Fractional radiofrequency microneedling uses thicker needles to transmit heat deep into the skin. The basis of this therapy is thermal coagulation of tissue to stimulate collagen denaturation and renewal. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling generates many less microchannels than mechanical needling, thus it should be thought of as a heat-based therapy. Unlike microneedling pens, this therapy involves no bleeding and no downtime. The main goal of RF is to lift the skin and thicken the collagen, whereas mechanical microneedling plays a greater role in resurfacing the upper layers of skin. Good candidates: Radiofrequency microneedling is desirable for people who want to tighten, lift or contour their skin. It is effective for scar reduction as well. The heat damages oil glands so RF microneedling is also effective for reducing acne and shrinking oil-producing pores. Examples: There are a handful of RF devices on the market. Endymed Intensif, Secret RF, Vivace, Virtue RF, Morpheus8 3. MESOTHERAPY Mesotherapy is the least invasive of all the needling options. This minimally invasive option only affects the very topmost layer of skin, about 600 micrometers deep which is very superficial. Mesotherapy increases the permeability of the stratum corneum, allowing skincare ingredients to penetrate a little bit deeper. Typical skincare products applied during mesotherapy include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, or Botox. The results are akin to a facial Good candidates: People who are relatively happy with their skin who are looking for an extra boost or glow for a few days. People preparing their skin for a big event like a wedding or vacation. Examples: Aquagold, stamps, dermarollers
6 Problems You Didn’t Know Vivace Radiofrequency Microneedling Could Treat
You’ve heard about the incredible power of Vivace for skin tightening and acne scars, and you’ve read the rave reviews, but have you heard of these 6 additional benefits of Vivace treatment? 1. ACNE The oil-producing glands in our face, called sebaceous glands, are very sensitive to heat. Vivace is able to use microneedles to delivery energy directly to these glands. A single session of radiofrequency microneedling,can result in a reduction in sebum (oil) secretion of 70-80%. 2 treatment sessions have been shown to result in a up to 50% reduction in blemishes, and 3 treatment sessions have been shown to result in up to a 76% reduction in acne blemishes. How long do these results last? Radiofrequency microneedling keeps acne at bay for up to 8 weeks, at which time another maintenance treatment should be performed. 2. SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS Radiofrequency microneedling has shown to be incredibly promising for 2nd and 3rd degree burns (watch the video below to learn more.) Unlike laser treatments, RF microneedling does not carry the risk of side effects associated with light-based therapies like fractional or CO2 laser, and it is much less painful than these laser treatments as well. The healing process is also much faster than laser, and with minimal downtime. 3. STRETCH MARKS Stretch marks form when collagen and elastin fibers tear during puberty, pregnancy, or significant weight gain or loss that occurs in a short period of time. Vivace penetrates to the middle layer of skin (the dermis) to rebuild collagen, improving the texture and color of the marks. Stretch marks occur in up to 90% of women, making Vivace an excellent option for nearly every woman. 6 sessions of Vivace are recommended for treating stretch marks. 4. C-SECTION SCARS C-section scars can be minimized in a 30 minute treatment every 4-6-weeks for 6 sessions. Vivace creates controlled thermal damage in the dermis and stimulates a wound healing response which initiates collagen remodeling of abnormal scar tissue. C-section scars are some of the deepest scars because they penetrate the entire thickness of the skin, however, Vivace needles are able to release heat directly into the skin that diffuses to the deeper tissue. 5. UNDERARM SWEAT Vivace is able to treat hyperhidrosis safely and comfortably. 2 treatments (spaced 4 weeks apart) can effectively reduce underarm sweat long-term. It is recommended, however, that sessions be repeated after 1 year, particularly in overweight patients with high BMIs. 6. REDNESS Studies have shown that radiofrequency microneedling reduces redness in as little as 3 treatments. Vivace prevents hemoglobin, the brightly colored protein in red blood cells, from presenting itself at the surface of the skin, reducing overall redness. COMPLIMENTARY VIVACE CONSULT NOW Wondering how many treatments you would need, or how much this would cost? Gain an answer quickly and free of charge when you book a consult with us: book now
Why SLK Offers The Best Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) In Nashville & Chattanooga
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A PRP PROVIDER PRP (platelet rich plasma) has received significant attention in the fields of tissue engineering, wound healing, bone grafting, and trauma surgery in recent years. This is because PRP contains up to 30 times the amount of growth factors your blood normally contains, making it the liquid gold of tissue regeneration and restoration. When combined with microneedling, PRP can virtually stall the aging process, making this procedure one of the greatest developments in dermatology of our time. However, not all “PRP” facials are the same, and it is important to know what you need to look for when selecting a provider in order to see maximum results. Human platelet containing alpha-granules, which are vesicles full of growth factors. 4 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN CHOOSING A PRP MICRONEEDLING PROVIDER: 1. THE CONCENTRATION OF THE PLASMA You should always receive your plasma treatment from a professional who has had formal laboratory training, for example a nurse or doctor who took chemistry and biology laboratory classes as a pre-req for their medical/nursing classes. The effectiveness of your PRP treatment is directly dependent on the concentration of PRP. Therefore, it is critical that your provider possess the technical training and correct equipment to generate a well-prepared sample. The wrong device, or the wrong lab technique could result in improper dilution of your blood sample, rendering your treatment ineffective. 2. BLOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Blood carries diseases like Hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV, so you want to ensure the provider’s facility has the proper protocols in place for containment of blood waste, and disposal of dirty needles. At SLK clinic, our nurses have been trained in infection control since year one of nursing school. We use hospital-grade disinfectant to clean each room and all equipment in between every patient. Additionally we are serviced by a bio-hazard collection agency regularly to safely dispose of all needles. 3. MULTIPLE HANDLERS OF YOUR BLOOD SAMPLE Most medspas do not operate like a hospital where every patient blood specimen is carefully labeled and barcoded with the patient’s information. Thus the chance for medical error can potentially be higher in a medspa setting. For example, if an aesthetician is performing your microneedling procedure (which, by the way, is considered legally problematic, read why here), they will first have a nurse draw your blood because because aestheticians do not have a license to do so. Ultimately, this results in your blood sample passing through multiple hands which is not ideal because of the well-known fact that every “hand-off” is an opportunity for to accidentally mix up one patient’s lab sample with another’s. Thus it is best to ensure the person drawing your blood is the same person performing your PRP injections. 4. THE PROVIDER At SLK, only nurses and nurse practitioners will perform your treatment from beginning to end. No other healthcare professional is taught to handle needles, inject medicine, and draw blood as early on as nurses are. Additionally, no healthcare professional is as well-versed in cleanliness, aseptic technique and infection control as nurses are, ensuring you have the safest treatment possible. Ready to make an appointment with one of our top board-certified nursing staff? Please call us or submit your contact info below and a representative will reach out to you very shortly! CONTACT US NOW Before (left) and after 4 sessions of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma
