Collagen and elastin are the essential protein fibres in the skin that give it support and elasticity. As we age, these fibres break down leading to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and large pores. Collagen also plays a key role in scars, such as those formed from acne or surgery. Improper signals in pigmentation can lead to hyper or hypo pigmentation skin conditions.

The process of Collagen Induction Therapy (also known as 'microneedling' or 'skin needling') is instigated through the breaking of 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 the appearance of these conditions.

• Clinically proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of acne and surgical scars, and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks and pigmentation.

• Listed as a class IIa medical device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

• This technologically advanced microneedling device offers patients optimal efficacy, safety and performance and can only be purchased by registered medical professionals.

• Single use consumables reducing the risk of cross contamination, unlike other microneedling devices including home dermal rollers.

• Includes post care products.

• Fast treatment time with minimal downtime. The SkinPen creates 1600 micro-channels per second in the skin (approximately 3 million micro-channels per 30 minute treatment).

• Acne/acne scarring

• Enlarged pores

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Pigmentation

• Melasma

• Ageing skin

• Surgical scars

• Stretch marks

Some patients are not suitable for SkinPen microneedling treatments. Please contact us on 0409838040 if you have booked a treatment and any of the following apply to you:

• Active skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions in the treatment area

• Open wounds, sores or irritated skin in the treatment area

• Bacterial, fungal or viral skin infection in the treatment area e.g. active herpes simplex

• Active acne and folliculitis in the treatment area

• Allergies to stainless steel or nickel

• Haemorrhagic disorder or haemostatic dysfunction such as haemophilia

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Currently taking drugs containing isotretinoin (such as Roaccutane) or have done so within the previous six months

• Inadequate wound healing capability such as uncontrolled diabetes

• Chronic steroid therapy

• Current use of anticoagulant medication

• Uncontrolled systemic infections

• Currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Collagen vascular disease

• Keloid scarring

• Scleroderma

• Chronic autoimmune disease

• HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C

• Undiagnosed moles in the treatment area

• Chronic debilitating diseases that do not allow you to follow aftercare advice post treatment

• Presence of sunburn in the treatment area

• Presence of fake tan in the treatment area

Every patient varies with regards to their treatment needs, with most skin concerns requiring more than one SkinPen treatment to achieve results. As with all skin treatments, professional skin needling treatments need to be administered in a routine manner. For optimal results, we generally recommend a series of three to six SkinPen treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.

Cosmetic Nurse Elysia will create a treatment plan based on your individual needs and explain this to you during your first consultation.

It generally takes at least three months before a physical improvement can be seen, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve desirable results. This is because the beneficial effects associated with Collagen Induction Therapy rely upon the wound healing process within the skin which takes time, meaning results may take this long to physically appear.

Pre-treatment consultation

Cosmetic Nurse Elysia will ask questions regarding your medical history, inclusive of any medication or nutritional supplements that you may be taking, to determine if a SkinPen treatment is suitable for you. She will also clarify your goals for treatment, take clinical photographs, and provide you with information regarding an individual treatment plan, realistic treatment outcomes and an explanation of the treatment process, including possible risks and aftercare.

SkinPen Procedure

Your skin will be prepared for treatment with a double Secret Skincare cleanse, followed by preparation with a disinfecting agent. Cosmetic Nurse Elysia will offer optional topical numbing cream prior to treatment to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. She will then apply a hydrogel product to the skin's surface, which is specifically designed and formulated for use with the SkinPen to prevent friction and abrasion during the treatment. After the gel has been applied, she will attach the sterile, single use needle cartridge to the SkinPen and gently move the cartridge across the surface of the skin to perform the treatment. Some patients may experience a small amount of discomfort during the treatment alongside a small amount of pinpoint bleeding.

SkinPen post-treatment care

Cosmetic Nurse Elysia will clean the skin post treatment and apply a complimentary hydrating sheet mask to soothe the skin. She will provide aftercare advice and take-home skincare for the first few days post treatment and book you in for you next treatment or your follow up appointment.

Any of the following can be expected after a SkinPen microneedling treatment, with experiences varying between patients:

• Low grade redness and swelling for up to four days post treatment

• Slight discomfort subsiding over the next 24 hours

• Mild bruising

• Mild crusting and scabbing two to three days post treatment

• Short term skin dryness, tightness, itching and burning

• Skin peeling

• Short term darkening of skin pigmentation followed by lightening

SkinPen treatments are generally very well tolerated with side effects being rare when your treatment is performed by a trained healthcare professional. Most side effects will occur due to not following appropriate pre and post treatment skincare instructions as advised, applying non-approved skincare to treated skin and also due to not disclosing vital information during the consultation.

Rare side effects may include:

• Skin infection

• Temporary post inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Tram track appearance of the skin

• Bruising

• Allergic granuloma formation

• Systemic hypersensitivity

• Persistent redness

• Acne and milia

• Reactivation of herpes simplex virus (coldsores)

To reduce your risk of SkinPen complications, we recommend that you:

• Do not use any other products, including cleanser, on your skin within the first 24 hours post treatment. Unexpected complications may occur when products not proven safe for use with microneedling are applied post treatment. In lieu of cleansing your skin, you may rinse with cool water as needed.

• If you have SkinPen Rescue Calming Complex, begin applying as needed after the first 24 hours to help soothe and calm the skin. Rescue was specifically formulated for post-microneedling.

• Strictly avoid sun exposure the day of the treatment as you will not be wearing sunscreen. You may return to sunscreen use 24 hours following the treatment. Continue to minimise sun exposure for 72 hours post treatment.

• Avoid strenuous exercise or excessive perspiration for 72 hours post treatment, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin.

• Avoid using any active skincare topical products, such as retinoids, vitamin C etc. for the first week after your SkinPen treatment to reduce risk of irritation.

• Book your next SkinPen treatment as recommended by Cosmetic Nurse Elysia.

• Contact the clinic on 0409838040 with any questions or concerns following your SkinPen treatment.

Please consider rescheduling your appointment if you have any important events coming up in the two weeks following your SkinPen treatment.