MICRONEEDLING FAQ

+ Why microneedling is the most effective for scarring

Microneedling helps to remodel existing scars by breaking down the old scar tissue mechanically and triggering the body’s natural wound healing process to create new skin. When scar tissue forms due to injury, the body prioritizes closing the wound as quickly as possible. This results in abnormal collagen and tissue forming as thick bundles in the deeper dermis layers of the skin. To improve the appearance of scars, the old abnormal tissue needs to be broken down and replaced with new, rejuvenated skin.

• It is the only treatment that physically breaks up abnormal scar tissue, required for remodeling.
• It releases epidermal growth factors (EGF) and TGFB3 for healthy skin formation.
• It promotes regenerative healing from the inside out, forming more resilient skin, rather than top-down healing common in other treatments.

Microneedling is the only treatment that leaves the top layer of skin (the epidermis) intact, which is responsible for normal barrier function. Acid peels and lasers that remove the top layer of skin can cause more sensitivity in the long-run and have more complications during healing. Any treatments using heat on the skin will impact the wound healing process, as excessive heat creates heat shock proteins that trigger inflammation in the skin.

Microneedling results in the following:

• More resilient and tighter skin
• Increase in elastin production
• Decrease in visible sun damage
• Evens out skin pigmentation and redness
• Restore pore size to normal
• Improve appearance of acne and scars
• Improve appearance of stretch marks (limited)
• Promotion of hair growth

How microneedling helps with the following skin concerns:

• Sun damage: treats hyperpigmented spots by regulating melanin deposit and production, encourages new normal pigmented skin.
• Uneven skin tone: encourages new healthy cell growth and turnover, increasing elasticity and resiliency of skin over time.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: stimulates production of new collagen and elastin fibres to the dermis to smooth out fine lines. For deeper wrinkles, a more aggressive targeted treatment using single needles will yield better results.
• Enlarged pores: increases cell turnover and regulates function of sebocyte skin cells, which are responsible for cleaning and maintaining pores. Factors such as age, pollution, hormonal changes, and skincare can contribute to enlarged pores.

+ What should I avoid prior to my microneedling treatment?

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking ibuprofen the night before. Facial treatments or creams containing acids, retin-A or retinol, should be stopped 3 days prior to treatment.

Fillers and Botox should be done at least 2 weeks prior.

Other skin resurfacing treatments should be completely healed before microneedling.

Microneedling is not recommended for the following conditions:

• Use of Accutane within the last 6 months
• Use of medication that slows blood clotting (blood thinners, anticoagulants)
• Severe autoimmune disorders
• Body Dysmorphia

Clients with these conditions are to be cautious:

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Hormone therapy

+ How long before I see results?

Three to six sessions are recommended for optimal results, depending on your original skin condition and what you are looking to treat. The deposition of collagen peaks around 4 weeks, but the results will gradually improve up to a year after the first treatment. This is why it is beneficial to do multiple sessions, as the effects will compound over time. A personalized treatment plan will be created for you in the first consultation.

+ How often can I get microneedling done?

Treatments are spaced at a minimum of 4 weeks apart, to allow one complete skin repair cycle. It is not beneficial and actually potentially harmful for treatments to be done more often than 4 weeks apart because the skin will remain in the inflammatory state and will not allow time to fully heal.

+ Does microneedling hurt?

At Mandala, our preferred method is to selectively numb** the sensitive areas of the forehead, upper lip, and under eye for routine microneedling. In the areas without numbing cream, it is extremely tolerable for most clients and additional numbing is often unnecessary. Most clients find the overall experience to be fairly comfortable. The machine we use has an extremely short duty cycle (how long the needles are inside the skin), causing no microtearing and minimizes pain and trauma to the skin.

** Full face numbing is not required, but can be offered as an add-on service. Alternatively, no numbing is also an option for clients who prefer not to have it and have higher pain tolerance.

+ What is the aftercare for microneedling? How soon can I wear makeup and use my regular skincare routine?

After microneedling, your skin is more sensitive to the sun. Anything you apply topically is much more easily absorbed, so what you apply is very important. Do not apply sunscreen on the day you received the treatment, however, you may apply it every morning thereafter and avoid direct sun for at least 5 days post-needling.

For 48 – 72 hours post treatment, you should continue applying the provided hyaluronic acid serum and ointment to promote faster healing and decreased dryness. During this time, you should not apply or substitute this for any other serums.

If your skin feels comfortable enough the day after microneedling, you may also apply light makeup. After 48 – 72 hours, you can resume using your regular skin care products. However, please refrain from using any products containing acids including AHA, BHA, and retinol-based until 7 days post treatment. Refer to the skincare ingredients aftercare guide for more details.

Other factors that can negatively affect the healing process include: smoking, poor sleep, drug use, dehydration, and hygiene.

+ Can I get microneedling done if I’ve done laser / skin tightening treatments / fillers / Botox?

Yes, laser and other medical skin treatments should be done at least one week prior and/or fully healed before microneedling. Fillers and Botox should be done at least two weeks prior to reduce the risk of migration (movement of fillers or Botox within the skin). We advise to wait one week after microneedling before having any other treatments done.

+ What can I expect during the healing process?

In the first 24-48 hours, your skin may look flushed and feel slightly warm and tight. Some clients may also have very small pinpoint spots following treatment, which quickly resolve in a couple days. Three to five days after, the skin will feel slightly rough or flake. At one week post treatment, skin feels and appears completely back to normal - most experience the most “glow” in their skin at that time.

That being said, every individual’s healing process is different. Proper aftercare is extremely important! Post-microneedling, your skin is more vulnerable so special care needs to be taken on any topicals applied and sun exposure should be avoided if possible. Be sure to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided.