Question 1

What causes these conditions?

Accepted Answer

As we grow older, the cycle of new skin growth slows and less collagen and elastin are produced. Exposure to UV light and inadequate UV protection over the years.This results in fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots (pigmentation). Applying creams and serums on your face may succeed in moisturising the outer layer of dead skin, but no penetration takes place to the living part of the skin. The active molecules are simply too big to pass through the ultra-protective epidermis layer.
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Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Micro-needling is a process called collagen induction therapy (CIT). CIT is the skin’s ability to repair itself. 
​The treatment involves using a specialist device over the skin, which causes minute, micro-punctures typically at a depth of 0.25 mm- 0.75 mm (up to 2mm on some areas ie scarring). This not only enhances the absorption of the medical-grade serums and renews skin cells, but in time, increases new collagen and elastin production deep within the dermis.
As the body responds to this controlled wound healing the same way it would to an injury by releasing powerful growth factors, type 1 and type 3 collagen.
By stimulating these cells, a natural healing response is an increase in collagen and elastin and the appearance of fresher, newer-looking skin.
​It is especially effective for addressing the visible signs of ageing as well as sun damage, scarring, slackened skin, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Comfort
The size, depth and angle of the needles mean no blood is drawn, and it is a comfortable treatment. The device can be altered to make the treatment more comfortable around more sensitive areas. Please note we do not recommend the use of microneedling/derma rollers.

Medical-grade serums
These "micro-channels" allow for deeper penetration of medical-grade serums, resulting in higher efficacy.
During our standard microneedling treatments, we use FILLMED NCTF® 135HA serum, which has a unique combination of 59 Active ingredients, including vitamins, amino acids, minerals, nucleic acids, co-enzymes and hyaluronic acid. 
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We also have 2 other microneedling options using different serums for advanced results:
1) Polynucleotide microneedling, or 2) Exosome microneedling - click on the links to read about them or if you want an overview comparing all three check out our blog here

Clinical studies
There have been many studies on the effectiveness of microneedling, some of which you can read here.

Question 3

What happens during a face treatment?

Accepted Answer

Not just microneedling - we combine it with a facial!
Consultation.
Double cleanse.
FillMED gentle chemical Peel lowering skin PH to 3 or 1.5.
Skin Booster NCTF® 135HA is applied (or upgrade to our Polynucleotides or  EXOSOMES which is clinically proven to prevent and reverse all signs of skin aging).
Microneedling with our medical-grade needling device at varied depths depending on skin concern and area.
FillMED HA Youth mask contains Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen & Aloe Vera.
Ice globes are massaged over the area cooling skin, aiding lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, firming and tightening the skin.
Hydrating and protecting B3 moisturising products applied.

Question 4

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

No. 
There may be some very mild discomfort but the treatment is generally very well tolerated; most describe it as a little scratchy at times. 
Microneedling should not cause blood spots.
It is not advised to use numbing cream pre-treatment, as numbing cream causes vasoconstriction of superficial vessels.

Question 5

Are there side-effects?

Accepted Answer

After microneedling, your skin will likely turn a little pink, which generally lasts a few hours but may be longer, some people can have pink skin for up to 3 days but this is unusual.
Your skin might look a little blotchy or be very slightly swollen. 
Minor bruising, especially around areas of thin tissue is very rare, but a possibility. 
Avoid microneedling if you wish to attend an event within 48 – 72 hours post-treatment.

Question 6

Can I combine it with Radio-Frequency?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you would like to improve scars, and skin laxity/sagging skin, the addition of radiofrequency to microneedling treatments can give you dramatically better results. The combination of the two therapies helps further stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a healthier, firmer, rejuvenated appearance.
The cost of RF is reduced by 50% when combined with microneedling.
What makes RF plus microneedling better is that microneedling creates numerous minuscule pinpricks in the skin. These pinpricks serve as microscopic channels for the flow of radiofrequency energy, which is applied subsequently. As a result, not only are the skin’s natural healing responses evoked, but collagen production is stimulated to give you smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin.

You will require multiple RF and microneedling treatment sessions for optimal results. 
You can read more on RF here: Heat-Wave Face  and  Heat-Wave Body.

Question 7

How many treatments will  I need?

Accepted Answer

It takes around six weeks for your skin to start to build new collagen. A course of 6-8 treatments is usually recommended, spaced across 4-6 week intervals. 
But results are cumulative. We find that our clients love the effect of microneedling so much that this treatment has now replaced their monthly facial, as the benefits of regular treatments keep building collagen, strengthening, and thickening the skin.

If your concerns are more severe ie scarring, a longer course is advised.

If you also use our recommended FillMED skincare products at home you will likely get even quicker results and even better quality to your skin! FillMED are medical-grade products with clinical evidence. Our customers receive 10% discount on the homecare range when having treatments in clinic click here for the range.
Follow-up treatments twice a year to maintain results are recommended.

Question 8

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Infection control is taken very seriously at Westfield Clinic. The skin is carefully assessed, prepared and sanitised. The treatment is performed using single-use sterile needle cartridges in a protected CE-approved microneedling device.
Medical Micro-Needling is an option that even those with a fear of needles can consider, as the needles are so small and contained within a cartridge that you don't see them.
Please note we do not use micro-needling rollers, these are not recommended.

Question 9

For scars and stretch marks?

Accepted Answer

To reduce and improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, acne scarring and chicken pox scars you need to treat the skin at the dermis level to kickstart the body's healing process. Microneedling combined with radio frequency is a good combination when treating scarring.
The tiny micro-needles create small punctures on the top layer of the skin and penetrate the dermis at a depth from around 1.5mm-2.5mm depending where on the body. The wounds “traumatize” the skin and trigger the body’s natural response of creating more collagen and elastin to 'heal the wound', improve texture and firmness, reducing scars and stretch marks.

It is important to have realistic expectations when treating scarred skin.

When it comes to your skin, there are 3 different layers: the epidermis (outer), the dermis (middle), and the subcutaneous/hypodermic (deepest).
Stretch marks occur in the dermis when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond its power of flexibility. As it stretches, the collagen weakens, and the normal production to keep the skin youthful is disrupted.

The natural healing process of the skin happens in three phases:

1) Inflammation – Once skin is pierced, it triggers the response from the immune system to naturally disinfect wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and create new tissue.
2) Proliferation – The wound starts to rebuild itself with new cells and temporary collagen and elastin, as well as a new network of blood vessels.
3) Remodelling – The collagen produced in Phase 2 is replaced by even stronger collagen, allowing the skin to contract and create a tightening effect on the skin.

If you want to combine topical products alongside your microneedling, Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for its anti-ageing and skin-regenerating benefits.​
Old stretchmarks often need a longer course of treatment, especially if they are silver in colour.
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Question 10

How soon after other treatments can I have microneedling?

Accepted Answer

Toxin - 2 weeks
Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic acid and Vital Hydrate) - 2 weeks
Dermal Fillers (Sculptra and Radiessa) - 6 weeks
Dermabrasion - 8 weeks
Microdermabrasion - 1-2 weeks
Superficial Peel (AHA/BHA's) - 1-2 weeks
Medium/Deep peels - 6-8 weeks
IPL - 2-4 weeks
Laser hair removal - 2 weeks
Laser resurfacing/ablative - 8 weeks
Radio Frequency - 8 weeks
Vitamin A(tretinoin), Retinoids - once skin is acclimatised, no erythema - 8 weeks. Stop a week before treatment.
Electrolysis - 1-2 weeks
Hair removal via wax, tweeze, cream - 2-3 days
Self-tanning - 1 week

Question 11

What is the aftercare and downtime?

Accepted Answer

Your skin may look a little pink for a few hours after. When working deeper in the skin or for those with very sensitive skin, this may last up to 48hrs, and rarely 72hrs.
Do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare for at least 7 days post-treatment.
Avoid extended periods in the sun and apply an SPF of 30 or higher when you leave the house - for 7 days.
Do not go swimming for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments should be avoided as they can expose you to bacteria, which may cause adverse reactions.
Do not apply makeup to the skin for 48-72 hours
If possible, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications or supplements for a few days after microneedling. Some products to avoid include NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen,  or ginger, turmeric, fish oil, vitamin E, arnica and bromelain supplements (Inflammation is a crucial part of the skin healing process and taking anti-inflammatories may slow the rate at which your skin heals).

Good quality skincare products applied after microneedling (such as serums) work best when applied within the first 24- 48 hours. After that, all the microchannels that were made are closed. When choosing skincare products to apply after microneedling, opt for products with a high purity of ingredients, low-irritants and hydrating ingredients (Hyaluronic Acid is amazing)​, and we highly recommend Fillmed Skincare for home use.

Question 12

What's the difference between Regular Microneedling, Polynucleotide Microneedling, and Exosome Microneedling?

Accepted Answer

During microneedling, the treatment protocol is the same, but you can upgrade to have  either Polynucleotides, or Exosome serums applied during the microneedling treatment for enhanced results.

Regular microneedling:
NCTF® 135HA is a polyrevitalising solution containing 59 active ingredients.
Mechanism: Improving hydration, radiance, elasticity, and superficial lines and wrinkles.
Ideal for: first-time microneedling patients with surface concerns such as dullness, dehydration, enlarged pores or early fine lines. 
Speed and Longevity: Not lasting as long as Polynucleotides and Exosomes.
Brands we use Fillmed  NCTF® 135HA
Budget-friendly.
Suitable for vegans.

Polynucleotides(PN):
Definition: DNA fragments from fish sperm that stimulate cell regeneration
Ideal for: Promoting deep skin repair to improve skin texture and elasticity. Very good at treating acne scarring.
Mechanism: Provide building blocks for DNA repair and stimulate fibroblast activity to enhance cell turnover.
Speed and Longevity: Gradual results as the skin regenerates and repairs, but you can see longer-term improvement with regular treatments.
Brands we use: Vitaran ® (injectable and microneedled) and Plenhyage XL® Strong (injectable only).
Not suitable for vegans.

Exosomes
Definition: Cell-derived vesicles that contain growth factors and signalling molecules, used to promote skin regeneration and healing. 
Ideal for: Broad regenerative and powerful anti-inflammatory healing benefits.
Mechanism: Deliver signalling molecules to promote skin regeneration and healing by influencing cell behaviour.
Speed and longevity: Long-term regenerative benefits, though initial effects may be subtle.
Brands we use: Inno-Exoma® Exo Skin, which is clinically proven to prevent and reverse all signs of skin ageing.
Suitable for vegans.

We get fantastic results when clients alternate between a course of 3 Polynucleotide Microneedling and a course of 3 Exosome Microneedling! As well as incorporating Skin Boosters twice yearly (skin boosters deeply hydrate and give skin 'Glow').

We have written a comprehensive blog comparing the microneedling serums read it here!

Question 13

How do I prepare for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Do not have/use (in the area to be treated) one week prior to your appointment, any products containing topical retinoids (Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin A etc), blood thinning agents (this includes aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E), and avoid electrolysis, depilatory creams, waxing, sunburn/windburn, cuts or skin abrasions.

Question 14

How does it compare to skin boosters?

Accepted Answer

Microneedling creates thousands of channels in the skin; this action causes collagen and elastin production to gradually increase. It takes time to see results, but it has longevity. 
During the treatment this is enhanced with the application of pharmaceutical serums, either: 1) Fillmed NCTF, 2) Polynucleotides, or 3) Exosomes to the skin.

Skin Boosters are superficial injections and are often described as an injectable 'super-moisituriser'. Results are brightened and hydrated skin. A course of 3 is required. Results are fairly instant and last up to 6 months before often being repeated again. 
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Question 15

Am I suitable?

Accepted Answer

Contra-indications preventing treatment can include:

Botox or Fillers in the treatment area are to be avoided 2 weeks prior.
 Allergies to products used.
 Pregnant or breastfeeding.
 Anti-coagulant therapy – increases potential for bleeding - coagulation status should be
checked to confirm normal clotting/bleeding profile.
 Haemophiliacs.
 History of keloid scarring.
 History of radiation therapy within the application area (6 months post chemo & radiotherapy).
 Raised moles or warts.
 Skin cancers – melanoma.
 Skin infections including any bacterial, viral, fungal, or herpetic infection.
 Wounded, sunburned, excessively sensitive skin.
 Inflammatory acne within the application area.
 Uncontrolled diabetes.
 Active eczema, psoriasis or inflamed/severe rosacea in the area.
 Oral retinoids (Roaccutane) used within 6 months prior to treatment.
 We recommend a patch test for Fitzpatrick skin types 5 or above if your skin is poor at healing.
 Unrealistic expectations
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Cosmetic treatments - If you’re undergoing cosmetic treatments including chemical peels, laser, cosmetic surgery, filler injections, or cosmetic surgery, it’s necessary to wait until your skin fully recovers before commencing microneedling. Make sure to check with your medical professional before you start microneedling to make sure it will not interfere with any of your cosmetic procedure results.

Question 16

What machine do you use?

Accepted Answer

The award-winning imedpen® x

Question 17

Advise for dark skins

Accepted Answer

For Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI, a tyrosinase inhibitor should be used for 1-2 weeks before microneedling to help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). A test patch area is recommended for Fitz 5 & 6 skin types and costs £20, which is redeemable against a full treatment. It is also recommended to use a minimum of SPF 30 during this time.

Question 18

Is it vegan friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fillmed products are vegan-friendly, it contains no animal derivatives.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling

Frequently asked questions