Skin Needling

General Information

You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment.

• Some discomfort may be experienced during the treatment.
• During and after the procedure, expect redness, itching, warmth, irritation, tightness, swelling with a hive-like reaction or bruising.
  • These sensations will gradually diminish over 48 hours with mild skin flaking then from day 2-7.
• Some clients may react differently. In severe cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
• There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
• There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’. Skin Needling cannot be performed if active cold sore is present.
• There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
• Some other common side effects may include persistent erythema, irritation and increased sensitivity.

Contraindications

The treatment can not be performed if:

• Currently Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
• Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, cold sore, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
• Severe Acne or Rosacea
• Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
• Systemic infection or local skin infections

Precautions

Additional care must be taken. Inform your clinician of any of the following:

• History of skin cancer – Must have completed recent skin cancer check (<6m)
• Diabetes – May impede wound healing
• Injectables/dermal fillers – Wait 2 weeks following any injectables, 6 months treating directly over dermal fillers
• Pacemakers – cannot treat within 6” of implant
• History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
• History of vitiligo – Depigment may occur
• Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
• Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment (6-12m)
• Hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or dysfunction, blood thinner medication

Before Your Treatment

Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations

Prior to your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
• Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
• Arrive at your appointment free from makeup

Do Not…

• Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
• Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

After Your Treatment

Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations

After your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Apply broad spectrum SPF daily
  • Simple cleanser, growth factor serums, moisturisers can also be applied
• Keep the area clean, cool and calm
  • Cold compresses and antihistamines can be applied post treatment.
• Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
• Maintain high level of skin hygiene
  • A fresh pillowcase and bath towel are recommended. Avoid lakes, dams, rivers etc.
• Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have

Do Not…

• Do not expose the area to the sun (wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30+ or higher, daily).
• Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 3 days
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours
• Do not pick, scratch or rub the skin
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • No hair removal or products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

Possible Adverse Effects

Laser Hair Removal is considered a very safe and effective hair removal treatment when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional, however all laser treatments have risks.

Although rare, these are possible adverse side-effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre and post treatment advice provided:

• WOUNDS – Low Risk – Skin Needling is classified as a micro-wound and should be treated as such.
• INFECTION – Low Risk – Any type of wound can develop into infection. Highest risk in the first 24 hours.
• SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Low Risk – The treated area may become either lighter or darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. Further de-pigmentation may be seen in Vitiligo. There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation.
• HAIR LOSS – N/A – No effect on hair growth.
• DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional care may be required to maximise skin protection.