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Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also called “micropenning”, takes advantage of the skin’s self-repair process by creating thousands of precise micro-injuries to the dermis. This triggers new collagen synthesis without causing new scar tissue formation. This minimally invasive treatment stimulates your skin’s natural ability to repair itself and maximizes collagen and elastin production.

Safety and patient comfort are our top priorities when performing microneedling. That’s why we use LIFT HG, a clean, non-cytotoxic hydrogel, which supports proper wound-healing while hydrating the skin and balancing pH during and after the procedure. microneedling or micropenning

For our Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy treatments we use SkinPen® Precision, the latest advancement in micro-therapy. It is the only FDA-approved microneedling device on the market. SkinPen is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars on the face and body. SkinPen is different from traditional derma-rollers that can bend, break, or even rust, resulting in possible infection or scarring with reuse. It uses adjustable length, disposable straight needles to penetrate at a 90-degree angle, at a customizable depth of 0.25 to 2 millimeters. This adjustability allows for differences in skin thickness and skin types, as well as enhanced safety.

The FDA has also cleared SkinPen for the treatment of wrinkles on the neck. The approval came following a recent clinical study which demonstrated improvement of dermal lines on the neck and high patient satisfaction at one month and three months post-treatment. newbeauty magazine 2023 award winner This trial also found that 94% of patients noticed an improvement in how their wrinkles looked one month post procedure.

SkinPen won the NEWBEAUTY “Best Microneedling Treatment for Acne Scars” award in 2023!

Ask your practitioner about microneedling add-on Growth Factor Solution to aid in fast healing, reduce inflammation, and amplify results.

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Which conditions can be treated?

• Pore size, skin texture, fine lines, minor scaring, and crepe skin can be treated with a shallow needle depth (approximately 0.5mm).
• Fine lines and scaring may be treated with a medium needle depth (approximately 1.0 mm).
• Deep acne scarring, surgical and deeper scars, wrinkles, pore size and skin texture can be treated with the deepest needle depth (approximately 1.5mm to 2.0mm).

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Am I a candidate?

Because it is minimally invasive and doesn’t cause significant wounding of skin, virtually anybody can safely undergo microneedling therapy. Even those with thin skin can undergo treatment since the depth of penetration can be finely controlled.

What are the benefits of microneedling?

Microneedling helps reduce the signs of aging, improve the appearance of acne scars, and rejuvenate aging skin.
• Minimally invasive procedure performed in-office with little recovery time
• Safe for all skin types, light to dark
• Effective on many body parts, including face, neck and décolletage

Before and After Gallery

How do I prepare for the treatment?

Chemical peels, Retin-A, or other exfoliating creams must not be used prior to your visit. During your initial consultation—always complimentary—we will go over your skin care regimen and answer any questions you may have.

What happens during treatment?

Microneedling Needle DepthYour appointment will be with one of our Licensed Estheticans for shallower needle depth treatments, or with a medical team member for more invasive depths.

Though treatment is relatively painless we typically start by applying a topical anesthetic cream twenty to thirty minutes before the procedure. This allows for a comfortable experience for most people. Generally, patients report feeling just the slight vibration of the device during the procedure. In one study of microneedling used to treat acne scars, the patients’ average pain rating was only 1.08 out of 10. The total treatment time depends on which part of your body we are treating. For the face, a typical appointment takes about an hour.

Is post-treatment care needed, and is there any downtime?

It is important to keep your skin hydrated after any treatment while the skin resurfaces with new growth. Moisturizers with anti-inflammatory ingredients following the treatment will soothe the area and calm any redness. Exfoliators and alcohol-based toners should not be used until your skin has healed. Always use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, but especially after this type of procedure. The total healing time depends on each individual. Most patients have some slight swelling and redness/pinkness (like a mild to moderate sunburn) for two to four days following the microneedling procedure. We can also recommend products such as OBAGI-C RX C-Clarifying Serum with vitamin C and hydroquinone as part of your post procedure home care.

Can I wear make-up immediately following a procedure?

Patients typically can resume their normal makeup regimen two to three days following the microneedling procedure, depending on the area and depth of needle penetration.

How many procedures are recommended?

Three to four treatments are usually required for best results. For more severe scarring up to six treatments may be needed. The number of treatments can be determined based upon your individual goals and the overall health of your skin. As part of your anti-aging routine you may opt for one to two procedures a year to help maintain the rejuvenating effects.

Can this treatment be used as part of a combo therapy?

Yes, as with most of our skin treatments, microneedling can be combined with other restorative procedures to help achieve your overall goals. Often these combination treatments must be done separately since the micro-puncturing of the skin triggers the wound-healing process that must be given time complete.

How is SkinPen different from dermal needling rollers?

1. Adjustable needle depth: Dermal needling rollers are the first generation of needling devices. They have a fixed depth and can’t be adjusted to meet your varying skin needs. We can now address the specific needs of your crow’s feet, lower eyelids, forehead, upper lip, cheeks and neck with a single needle tip instead of multiple dermal needle rollers.
2. Safer: SkinPen is safer than dermal rollers due to its sterile, single-use surgical grade disposable needle tips.
3. Faster: SkinPen’s high-speed motor enables quick needle penetration. This provides a more comfortable and shorter treatment experience.
4. Better results: Safety and control features produce predictable and consistent results.

What’s the science?

There are three phases to the wound-repair process triggered by microneedling:
• Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
• Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
• Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.

In one study of sixty patients with acne scarring, three microneedling treatments resulted in a 31 percent improvement in skin texture, with no discoloration of the skin. Microneedling was effective for all skin types.

Microneedling treatment depths compared.

 

Kirsten S.
Linda and staff are amazing. I am always very happy with my treatment results. It is apparent that she researches various technologies and techniques. The applications are always evolving with new and improved products. Highly recommended.
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Suzanne P.
Excellent service and an overall pleasant experience. Victoria was professional and knowledgeable. She proposed treatments addressing both my anesthetic and medical concerns.. I could not be happier with the results. Also, the Receptionist, Mattie, was pleasant and efficient. I look forward to future treatments.
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Lisa M.
Hayes Valley is the best! Kate did an incredible job with Dysport removing the wrinkles from my forehead, Sandra gave me great abs and glutes with Emsculpt, and Linda gave me my youthful facial structure back with Sculptra. These women are truly amazing. So glad that I found them!
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Gene V.
I love Hayes Valley Medical and Esthetics! I've been coming for a while now for Botox and filler treatments. Linda is AMAZING! She knows just the right amount of product needed in all the right places to bring out my best facial features. I feel more handsome every time!!

The front desk staff are super sweet and helpful. They always ask exactly what I want and I never feel like I'm being 'upsold' or encouraged to do anything other than what I came in for. I would highly recommend HVME to anybody that is on the unsure about trying some of the services they offer. You won't be disappointed. Thank you!!
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Julie S.
This was my first experience with any filler/injection treatment and it was very pleasant, professional and everyone there made me feel safe, welcome and I felt very knowledgeable coming out of my treatment about what to expect. I will absolutely be back!
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Tina B.
Diana at the front desk is so sweet, the medical assistant was amazing & personable and Kate who did my procedure is my favorite! As I walked out and met my husband, I told him how much I enjoy being there & what a good vibe Hayes has.
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Cher B.
Sheila and Linda took great care of me and I look younger and vibrant.  I do not trust anyone else for injectables.  Linda is careful, thoughtful, and respectful of one’s budget. I have followed her from Marin into SF and I will continue to follow her where ever she practices.
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Emily N.
I highly recommend Hayes Valley Medical & Esthetics!! All the front desk staff are warm, friendly and professional and Denise is the best for laser, she goes above to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Andrea is exceptional at explaining the services they offer. They are the best in SF in my opinion and I do my research!
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Kathleen F.
Excellent customer service, advice, and care. Botox and Microneedling. Melonie is a gem. She is extremely knowledgable, sincere and honest. Everyone here is helpful, They carry a fabulous array of skin products too. I am so pleased with my results!
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