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Micro-Needling at THE SPA at Laser + Skin Institute
Acne and its causes are the subject of ongoing debate amongst medical investigators and professionals. Acne occurs throughout the world and it’s occurrence is not solely confined to teenagers. Acne occurs more frequently in males during their adolescence but is more common in women after age twenty.
When it affects adult men and women, often they experience more severe consequences. Acne treatment usually focuses on a time limited condition. But, sometimes acne treatment becomes a challenge for skin care medical professionals because in some patients acne frequently becomes difficult to treat and control. It becomes a devastating and recurring condition that can lead to acne scarring. In the more severe cases of acne and for reasons not clearly understood, acne scarring occurs in up to 14% of women and 11% of men. Acne and it’s potential causes should be investigated by the clinician.
There are multiple causes of acne. These include:
- Hormonal dysfunction
- An improper diet (e.g. high sugar intake, cow milk products)
- Food allergies and sensitivities (e.g. gluten, soy, dairy products)
- Intestinal and digestive problems (e.g. constipation, bloating, gas)
- Chronic infections
- Environmental toxins (e.g. heavy metals, chemicals, xenoestrogens, pesticides)
- Lack of appropriate minerals and nutrients (e.g. low magnesium, zinc, Vit C)
- Excessive sebum production
Acne scars are the result of bacterial overgrowth that occurs in the skin follicles after they become blocked by excessive oils and by a change in the keratin (the residual of old skin cells) production process such that it triggers an intense inflammatory response. This intense response by the immune system, at its worst, results in large pus filled pockets leading to the formation of nodules or cysts which lead to scarring of varying degrees of severity.
Scarring occurs as the skin attempts to heal. The newly produced collagen becomes disorganized and thickens. Because the epidermis anchors to underlying skin layers, this results in scarring. The scars types are described by their appearance such as “ice-pick”, “rolling” or “boxcar”. Although most acne treatments target the normal bacteria residing in your skin and pores, the “infections” and pore blockage are usually a secondary response to a potential underlying problem. In order to control or stop the active acne process, one should investigate the potential causes of acne outbreaks. Acne is usually not just about the skin.
How can I treat acne scars?
It is well known that the esthetic disfigurement and the psychological damage caused by acne scarring can last a lifetime. Until recently, the prevailing medical thought was that acne scars are “very difficult” to treat given that past treatment options were so ineffective. This thought includes the more currently available treatment options that also provide limited results.
Unfortunately, the extent of the psychological stress resulting from acne scarring has been seriously unappreciated and misunderstood by the medical community. For many years the medical community felt that few effective treatment options were available. Often the patients were advised to “live with the scarring”. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with acne scars anymore!
What is Micro-Needling?
A Medical Micro-Needling treatment using the appropriate model is ideal for treatment of acne scars. We use sterile, ultra-fine, surgical strength micro-needles. The micro-needles cause new collagen and elastin to be deposited (collagenesis), new capillaries to be formed (angiogenesis) and new skin cells to be created.
Actual before and after examples showing acne scar treatment with Medical Micro-Needling treatment:
How many Micro-Needling treatments will I need?
Depending on the individual skin condition, skin sufficiently resurfaces after 1-3 Medical Micro-Needling procedures. To allow skin cell regeneration, one should wait at least 6-8 weeks between procedures. As aging continues, we recommend one refresher treatment every year.
Advice: Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When exposed to sun, always use sun screen SPF30 or above.
How do I care for my skin after Micro-Needling treatment?
Immediately after your Medical Micro-Needling procedure, do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation. Follow these simple steps:
Day of procedure: No lotions, makeup or other topical products on your face before your procedure. After your procedure your medical provider may apply a lipopeptide booster, skin moisturizer, and sun screen. You may clean your face with a gentle cleanser before bed.
Day 1: On the next day, you may clean your face as usual and apply makeup, lotions and other topical products as usual. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present is cleaners as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure. Be sure to use an approved SPF30 or greater sunscreen!
Days 2-7: Within two (2) days following your Medical Micro-Needling procedure, you will notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. During this period, you may apply your regular skin moisturizer. Follow the instructions given to you by your medical professional.
If your medical professional used the roller around the eyes, you may have a little micro bruising that may exist for three or four days. This can easily be covered with makeup.
Days later, your skin will start shedding. These are skin layers that would regularly shed a week later, but the Micro-Needling brings this skin to the surface sooner. During this temporary process, your skin will shed and be dry.
Days 7+: A week after the Medical Micro-Needling procedure, most patients notice that their skin is smoother and more radiant.
InStyle Magazine – Top Five Celebrity Body Beauty Secrets – In describing Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Flawless Skin’ “Jennifer Aniston reportedly uses the Dermaroller treatment to give her skin a fresh faced, natural look. The roller stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely, creating smoother, brighter, healthier, younger looking skin. It can be used on the face, neck and hands and is extremely effective at reducing stretchmarks and acne scarring.”
Are you ready to learn more about Micro-Needling for Acne Scars?
To schedule an appointment with our Physicians, fill up the form below or call our scheduling staff at 973-635-5050.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Schedule by phone at (973) 635-5050
or fill out the online consultation request
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/email/text
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Schedule by phone at (973) 635-5050
or fill out the online consultation request
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted via phone/email/text