SkinPen
SkinPen® is a medical device used for the treatment of surgical scars and acne scars through Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT).
By utilising CIT, skin concerns such as acne scars and surgical scars may be treated. Cosmetic concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles and scars may also be improved. It generally takes at least up to 3 months before a physical improvement can be seen, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve desirable results
Collagen Induction Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure involving the movement of a pen-like device with an attached sterile, disposable cartridge tip containing small needles over the skin’s surface. The microneedles puncture the skin and create tiny micro injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. These tiny punctures stimulate tissue regeneration through the process called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) which improves the appearance of the skin. The process of CIT is instigated through the breaking of the old and damaged strands of collagen in target tissues via microneedling. This leads to the production of new collagen, which improves the structure and function of the skin while improving its appearance.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
You treating practitioner will ask questions regarding your medical history, inclusive of any medication or nutritional supplements that you may be taking, to determine if the SkinPen® treatment is suitable for you.
They will also clarify your goals for treatment, may take photographs, and provide you with information regarding an individual treatment program, realistic treatment outcomes and an explanation of the treatment process. Your treating practitioner will also advise on pre and post treatment care programs. The SkinPen® Precision Procedure Your skin will be prepared for treatment through cleansing followed by preparation with a disinfecting agent. Your treating practitioner may advise the use of a topical anaesthetic to ease treatment discomfort. Please follow all instructions outlined by the trained professional if topical anaesthetic is recommended. SkinFuse® Lift HG (a hydrogel product) is applied to the skin’s surface during the procedure. It is specifically designed and formulated for use with CIT procedures to prevent against friction and abrasion during the treatment. The treating practitioner will attach the sterile, single use needle cartridge to the SkinPen® Precision to determine the length of the microneedle to use for the procedure. Once attached, the sterile tip of the SkinPen® Precision needle cartridge is moved across the surface of the skin to perform the treatment. Some clients may experience a small amount of discomfort during the treatment alongside a small amount of pinpoint bleeding. SkinPen® Precision Post-Treatment Care The treating practitioner will clean the skin, if required, post procedure and apply a generous amount of SkinFuse® Lift HG to the area treated to maintain a moist wound
What to Expect Following a SkinPen® Procedure
The following are expected following SkinPen® procedures with experiences varying between clients:
• Low grade redness and swelling for up to 4 days post treatment
• Slight discomfort subsiding with 24 hours
• Bruising • Mild crusting and scabbing for 2-3 days post treatment
• Short term skin dryness, tightness, itching and burning
• Skin peeling
• Short term darkening of skin pigmentation followed by lightening SkinPen® procedures are generally very well tolerated with side effects being rare when your treatment is performed by a trained professional.
Most side effects will only occur due to not following appropriate pre and post treatment skin care instructions as set out by your treating practitioner, applying nonapproved skincare to treated skin, and also due to not disclosing vital information to the skincare professional during the consultation.
The side effects may include:
• Skin infection
• Temporary post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Tram track appearance on the skin
• Bruising • Allergic granuloma formation
• Systemic hypersensitivity
• Persistent redness
• Acne and milia
• Reactivation of herpes simplex virus (cold sores)