Microneedling with the Dr. Pen for scars, lines and texture

Microneedling uses very fine needles to make controlled channels in the skin. At Mina's the treatment is done with the Dr. Pen, a medical-grade device whose cartridge of surgical-grade needles passes over the skin many times per second. A full treatment creates more than a million micro-channels in the dermis.

Those channels are small enough to close within hours, and they are enough to set off the skin's repair process. The repair produces new collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness and spring.

Inside the skin

Skin has an outer layer, the epidermis, and a thicker layer underneath called the dermis. Collagen and elastin are made in the dermis, so the needles need to reach it.

• Existing collagen
• New collagen after treatment

Simplified cross-section. Needle depth is set for each area of the face.

The healing response

1. 1Micro-channelsThe Dr. Pen makes over a million tiny, controlled channels in the dermis.
2. 2Repair signalThe skin reads the channels as minor injuries and starts its healing process.
3. 3New collagenCells in the dermis produce fresh collagen, elastin and growth factors.
4. 4Stronger skinDamaged tissue is gradually replaced with skin that has better structure and elasticity.

Collagen forms over several weeks, so the skin keeps improving after the first few days of pinkness have passed. Many people book a series of treatments, and your Nurse will suggest a plan based on your skin and goals.

Concerns microneedling can help

• Acne scars
• Fine lines
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven texture
• Discolouration

Downtime is minimal. The skin usually looks pink for a day or two, and makeup can go back on once the skin has settled.

Adding PRP

Microneedling can be combined with PRP, platelet-rich plasma prepared from a small sample of your own blood. PRP contains concentrated growth factors, and applying it straight after microneedling lets it into the fresh channels. Clients choose the combination when they want an extra boost for glow and texture.

	With PRP	On its own
Dr. Pen micro-channels	Yes	Yes
Growth factors from your own blood	Yes	No
Small blood sample taken	Yes	No

The PRP guide covers how the plasma is prepared and its other uses in the clinic.

Before your appointment

• 1 hr+appointment length
• 1 weekwithout retinol or active ingredients beforehand
• 1 to 2 daysof pinkness for most people

Stop retinol and any other active ingredients one week before treatment. Microneedling is not suitable while you have active acne, because the needles can spread bacteria across the skin. If you have a breakout, your Nurse can plan treatment for when it has cleared.