Skin Needling Treatment in Sydney
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), also known as microneedling, dermarolling, or skin needling, is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that stimulates your skin to produce more collagen using small needle pricks. Collagen is a special protein that is responsible for maintaining the structures of your skin. With increased collagen production, your skin can become elastic and firmer. The procedure is also effective for scar minimisation treatments after surgery.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan can help you with facial rejuvenation treatments and scar treatments in 5 convenient locations in Southwest Sydney and Southern Ranges NSW.
Benefits of Microneedling
Compared to other skin treatments, microneedling offers the following benefits:
- Quick procedure: Depending on the body area being treated, it can be completed in 30 minutes or less
- Little to no downtime: You will be allowed to resume your work and daily activities immediately after the procedure without the need for a longer recovery time
- Tolerable side effects: After the treatment, it is normal to experience some flushing, redness, irritation, and minimal discomfort in the treatment area
- Safe for any skin type: The treatment can be safely performed on any skin type with a higher level of efficacy
- Can be used on different body areas: This non-surgical skin rejuvenation method can be safely and effectively used on body areas such as around the lips and eyes, cheeks, forehead, thighs, and abdomen
- Localised effects: During the treatment, the rejuvenating effects are limited only to the target area while minimising cellular damage to the surrounding tissue
- Minimal discomfort: Before the treatment, a numbing cream will be applied to the target area to minimise discomfort and provide a relaxing experience
How Microneedling Works
This treatment involves the use of a skin needling device (Dermapen or SkinPen) that pricks your skin with very fine, short needles. As a result, your body’s natural wound healing mechanism is activated. This process rejuvenates the treatment area from the inside out while minimising cellular damage. Your skin responds by creating new collagen-rich tissue.
The Microneedling Procedure
Before the procedure, your dermal practitioner will apply numbing cream or anaesthesia on the target area to minimise discomfort. This is usually done before the microneedling procedure. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the practitioner will create small pricks under your skin using a pen-like device. During the process, they will move the device evenly across your skin to ensure optimal results. Depending on the body area being treated, the entire procedure can take around 30 minutes to complete.
After the procedure, you may notice skin irritation and redness in the treated area but these will subside after a few days and are a natural response to the controlled injuries created by the needles in your skin. You can go back to work and do activities of daily living immediately after the procedure. However, there are some aftercare instructions that you need to follow to prevent complications and achieve the best clinical outcome.
Skin Concerns treated with Microneedling
The treatment can address a broad range of skin concerns including:
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Fine lines
- Large pores
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Skin texture issues
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Surgical or traumatic scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Wrinkles
Ideal Candidates for Microneedling
The procedure is right for you if you have:
- Signs of skin ageing
- Different types of scars
- Large pores
- Skin texture issues
- Realistic expectations and a positive outlook
- Commitment to a good skincare regimen
Microneedling is not recommended for you if:
- You are pregnant
- You have an active skin infection
- You have open wounds
- Your expectations are not realistic
- You have had radiation therapy recently
- You have bleeding or clotting disorders
- You have had radiation treatment within the last year
- You have body areas that are numb or lack sensation
- You have a history of severe scarring
Potential Risks and Complications of Microneedling
Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling also has potential risks and complications. The most common side effects are minor skin irritation, redness, dryness, and flaking of the skin. However, you should seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Bleeding
- Changes in skin sensation
- Infection
- Severe bruising
- Swelling
- Poor cosmetic results
Find out more on the plastic surgery risks page.
Preparing for Microneedling
Before the procedure, it is best to do the following:
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid laser treatments
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure or sunburn
- Avoid waxing or depilatory creams
- Do not shave 24 hours before the procedure to prevent skin irritation
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications
- Stop smoking
- Stop taking acne medications and other meds that can make your skin more sensitive
- Stop taking medications or supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding
Aftercare for Microneedling
After the treatment, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your skin. These aftercare instructions will be based specifically on your overall health, age, and skin type. Here are some of the things that you need to do following the treatment:
- Avoid extreme temperatures such as saunas
- Avoid intense workouts and other activities that can lead to sweating
- Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure because your skin will be more sensitive than usual
- Avoid swimming pools
- Use sunscreen constantly for the first 2 weeks
- Wash your hands before touching the treated area
Skin Needling Cost Sydney – How much is Microneedling in Sydney?
The cost of the treatment will be discussed during your consultation. This will be based on your individual needs and desired results. In general, the total costs associated with microneedling will depend on the following factors:
- The practitioner you choose
- The condition of your skin
- The fee of the clinic or medical facility
- The number of treatment sessions needed
- The size of the body area that needs treatment
- The number of procedures that will be performed in conjunction with microneedling
Learn more about plastic surgery fees on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.
Alternatively, you can contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a skin needling price estimate or to set up an appointment today.
Microneedling Treatment FAQs
What does skin needling do?
- The treatment helps you achieve firmer and smoother skin by stimulating the production of new collagen-rich tissue. It involves the use of a device that pricks your skin with very fine, short needles. This causes your body to activate its natural wound healing mechanism. As a result, the production of collagen is increased in the treatment area. Over time, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and other skin imperfections are significantly reduced. Because the treatment is non-surgical, it does not require a long recovery time and you will be allowed to resume your activities of daily living afterward.
Does skin needling actually work?
- Microneedling is considered effective in reducing the appearance of minor scarring caused by acne and injury. It can also treat signs of skin ageing and other skin concerns. However, a single treatment session will not achieve your desired results. Depending on your skin condition, you will need to undergo multiple sessions to get the results you want.
How often should you do skin needling?
- As instructed by your practitioner, You could undergo the treatment once a month or every 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to keep in mind that this will depend on a number of factors such as your skin condition and overall health.
How long does skin needling last?
- The effects of the treatment are not permanent so you will need to undergo multiple sessions in the future to maintain the results. The number of treatments and exact time frame of the results will greatly depend on a number of factors such as your age, skin type, skincare regimen, and how your skin responds to microneedling.
- In general, the results of the treatment can last anywhere between 6-12 months. In some cases, the results can last up to 18 months. After the treatment, you will receive specific aftercare instructions on how to prolong the results of microneedling.
How long does it take to see results from skin needling?
- You can see some of the effects of microneedling soon after treatment like reduction of pores and initial skin tightening. However, you will need to wait for 4-6 weeks for the final results to become noticeable.
How much downtime do you need after microneedling?
- Healing from the treatment usually takes 24 hours. However, it may take 2-3 days depending on your skin condition and the extent of the treatment. After microneedling, you will be allowed to return to your work and daily activities.
What is better, microdermabrasion or microneedling?
- Microdermabrasion and microneedling are common skincare treatments that are used for a broad range of skin conditions. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation process that involves the removal of the outer layer of your skin, where the old, damaged, and dead skin cells are found. The procedure makes use of tiny crystals to break up these impurities. After microdermabrasion, the treated area becomes smoother and softer. Just like microdermabrasion, microneedling also targets your skin. However, microneedling pricks your skin with very fine, short needles to stimulate the body’s natural wound healing mechanism.
- The difference between the two is that microdermabrasion works at the top layer of your skin while microneedling targets both the top and inner layer of your skin. Therefore, we suggest microneedling is more effective.
Does skin needling help with wrinkles?
- Yes. Microneedling makes use of a device that pricks your skin with very fine, short needles. As a result, your body’s natural wound healing mechanism is activated. Your skin responds by creating new collagen-rich tissue. Over time, the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing can be reduced.
What does microneedling feel like?
- During the procedure, you may feel a warm, scratching sensation as the handheld device is moved around the treatment area. This is usually tolerable and does not cause significant discomfort. Before the procedure, a numbing cream or anaesthesia will be applied to the target area to minimise any discomfort.
What should I put on my face after skin needling?
- After the treatment, it is important that you maintain a good skincare routine with frequent hydration. Using a hydrating gel and moisturiser will help promote healing and encourage the regeneration of the skin layers.
Can I wash my face after microneedling?
- After the treatment, it is recommended to use tepid water and natural soap to cleanse your face for the next 2 days. Pat dry your skin after using a clean towel. In addition, make sure that your hands are clean when washing your face to prevent infection.
Is skin needling the same as microneedling?
- Yes. Skin needling goes by many names such as microneedling, skinpen, dermapen dermarolling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). The treatment stimulates your skin to produce more collagen using small needle pricks. Over time, the treated area becomes smoother, tighter, radiant, and more rejuvenated.
Can skin needling help minimise scars?
- Whether we are talking about acne scars, surgical scars, or traumatic scars, microneedling can help reduce their appearance by promoting the growth of new collagen in your skin.
Can I scrub my skin after microneedling?
- It is not recommended to scrub your skin soon after the treatment as this can lead to further skin irritation or injury. The treatment creates controlled injuries in the target area by using a handheld device that pricks your skin with very fine, short needles. As a result, your body’s natural wound healing mechanism is activated. During this process, it is important not to scrub the area to allow your skin to fully heal.
How many microneedling treatments do I need?
- This may vary from patient to patient. In general, you will need 3-4 treatments if you have moderate scarring and wrinkling. After the initial treatment, you will need maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 weeks.
