The Face - Aesthetics Clinic | Botox Cardiff | MEDICAL AESTHETICS CARDIFF | SkinPen Precision Cardiff

Micro-needling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that helps minimize the signs of aging. The SkinPen micro-needling device causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body's natural wound healing process.

The micro-injuries trigger the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodeling of the tissue.

Most people are candidates for SkinPen. SkinPen doesn't cause changes in pigmentation that may be seen with other energy devices, so it can be used on all skin types and tones, including darker skin that's more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.

BEFORE A SKINPEN PRECSION TREATMENT YOU MUST:
- Avoid exposure to the sun (sunburned skin cannot be treated)
- Discontinue use of any topical retinoids at least 24 hours pre-treatment
- Any active acne breakouts or open sores/lesions in the treatment areas cannot be treated
- It's important to wait at least six months following oral isotretinoin use

SkinPen's variable needle depth allows for ultimate versatility.

The SkinPen procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Based on your needs we may apply a topical anesthetic to the skin prior to micro-needling. The topical numbing agent makes the SkinPen procedure comfortable and relatively pain-free.

Most people report feeling just the slight vibration of SkinPen during the procedure. In one study of micro-needling used to treat acne scars, the client's average pain rating was only 1.08 out of 10.

The number of SkinPen procedures required will be determined during your consultation ,and based upon your individual goals and the health of your skin. We will recommend a course of procedures (typically three to six) appropriate for your skin's needs and request you return within four to six weeks for your next procedure to ensure optimal results.

While 3 to 6 sessions are recommended to achieve optimal micro-needling results, you may see noticeable improvements just one week following the first procedure. Your skin will gradually improve as your body's healing process promotes collagen remodeling.

Most clients receive a series of three SkinPen procedures spaced about four weeks apart.

The total healing time depends on each individual. Most clients have some slight swelling and redness/pinkness (like a mild to moderate sunburn) for two to four days following the micro-needling procedure. Some people may heal completely in 24 hours.

We will apply a Skinfuse LIFT HG Calming Complex immediately post-procedure to soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. LIFT HG was formulated by Crown Aesthetics as part of the Skinfuse post-procedure protocol specifically to calm the skin following the SkinPen micro-needling procedure. You will be given a tube of this product to apply to the treated area over the 24 hours post procedure.

Aftercare advice will be given to you before you leave the clinic.

Most people can return to their normal activities just one day after their SkinPen procedure.

**Individual results will vary.

Most of our treatments include injections to the skin. Whenever the skin is punctured there's a risk of bruising and swelling. Our practitioners are highly skilled and do their clinical best to ensure veins are avoided, though it's impossible to avoid all underlying structures of the skin.

It's our advice to time your treatments, to avoid any special occasions within a 14-day period of a procedure. This should ensure that any residual bruising or swelling, if experienced, has subsided following your injection treatments.

It is rare for bruising to occur after a SkinPen Precision procedure, though we ask you to follow these guidelines to minimize possible bruising and swelling post treatment.

1. One week prior to your treatment, avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications e.g Ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements. These may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site. Remember, it's important to check with your Doctor if you have an existing condition that requires you to take blood-thinners before you stop taking regular prescribed medication.

2. Adding leafy greens to your diet will boost your Vitamin K levels and help to reduce the possibility of bruising and swelling.

3. Arnica supplements have been shown to reduce discomfort, bruising, and swelling from injectable procedures. Arnica pills may be started the day before or the day of treatment and should be continued until bruising has resolved.

4. On the day, it's advisable to avoid working out or going to the gym ahead of your appointment as flushed skin can lead to more bruising due to the amount of blood at the skin's surface.

5. Please arrive without make-up as your skin will need to be clean at the treatment site(s) to limit the possibility of infection post treatment.

You should also not consume any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid increased bruising and swelling.

To ensure safe practice we don't treat clients for any of our injectable treatments 2 weeks before a COVID-19 vaccine and 2 weeks post vaccine.

Cosmetic treatment experts and industry bodies have issued guidelines for dermal fillers after a few cases of swelling that were related to dermal fillers and the COVID-19 vaccination. The advice is that it is best to leave a 2 week interval before having dermal fillers and 2 weeks after in order to minimise the risks of post-inflammatory swelling or reaction.

We will check this with you before you book your appointment. We ask that you put your physical health above any aesthetic treatment, and to inform us of any upcoming or recent vaccinations.