MICRONEEDLING

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), also known as medical skin needling or micro-needling, is a minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as scars on the face and body. The treatment uses tiny needles or micro-needles on a medical-grade roller that is moved over the skin to create tiny, evenly-spaced puncture wounds on the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural collagen production by generating a wound healing response.

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BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Cliff notes: Collagen Builder

MICRONEEDLING can be used almost anywhere on the body to help smooth fine lines and deep wrinkles, reduce sun damage to restore a more even complexion, reduce the appearance of acne scarring, reduce pore size, tighten loose skin and help minimize stretch marks. Microneedling is also one of the only safe and effective treatments for melasma. Overall this is a great treatment to help address dullness to bring out a bright glowing tone.

HOW DOES THE APPOINTMENT GO?

Cliff notes: 45 minutes

After we check you in at Obsidian, we'll take you to one of our treatment rooms. We will talk to you about what bothers you about your skin, and how best we can get you to your goals. If that means MICRONEEDLING, your face will be cleaned and numbed. After you're numb we'll use the SkinPen to make tiny holes in your face that will promote a more even skin tone and texture along with stimulating collagen, after that, you'll be done! Appointments take 45 minutes. We'll go over post-care instructions and give you a card with our cell phone numbers and printed instructions.

WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?

Cliff notes: Pretty simple

Downtime with MICRONEEDLING, especially when adding PRP, is minimal. You will experience some redness, similar to a sunburn for about 24 hours. We recommend no strenuous activity for 24 hours and apply our post procedure products, which you will receive after your treatment. We also recommend using at least SPF 30 following your treatment (but don't we always!), but you can resume your normal makeup routine after 24 hours.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Cliff notes: Continual Benefit

You will see the best results with MICRONEEDLING when sessions are performed one month apart for 4-6 months, again depending on your area of concern. Deeper scaring may take longer but you will see noticeable improvement after just a couple sessions! You will see the difference in your skin almost immediately but it takes a full month for your skin to heal and it will continue to build collagen during that time. It's one of our favorite treatments by far!

What is teeth whitening?

People often throw the terms “teeth whitening” and “bleaching” around interchangeably. However, according to the FDA, teeth are “whitened” when they are lightened to match their natural color, and they are “bleached” when they are whitened beyond their natural shade.
Does teeth whitening remove stains?

Yes of course it does! Our Teeth whitening packages not only removes stains but it keeps them from coming back quickly. Obviously excessive drinking of coffee and wine can speed up this process, but even then our teeth whitening package completely slows down the staining process.
How white will my teeth get?

Everyone is born with a particular tooth color, just like your skin, hair and eyes. Our gels work to return you back to your original genetic tooth color. This varies from person to person. After just one treatment, most people are satisfied. For some people, a second or third treatment may be needed to achieve the results they are looking for. Some stains are much more difficult to remove than others. Depending on age and the type of stains, they may require more attention than others.
Is it safe?

Numerous scientific studies have shown that there are no harmful effects from teeth whitening when teeth and gums are normal and healthy.
Are there any side effects?

No serious adverse side effects are associated with our teeth whitening system. Some people do experience blanching of the gum line, a mild tingling sensation, or sensitivity, all of which typically last no more than 24 hours and can be alleviated by applying vitamin E oil to the teeth and/or gums.
How long does it last?

Teeth whitening requires maintenance or touch-ups for a long lasting effect. The results can last for 12 months to 2 years and sometimes longer. The older you are, the more stains you have accumulated. Bleaching works to remove discolorations and restore your teeth to their natural white color. You may want to periodically whiten your teeth as exposure to certain foods and beverages will gradually darken teeth again over time. Most people touch up every 6 months to a year. You can whiten your teeth up to 3 times per year with our system.
How long before I can eat or drink teeth staining foods and drinks after my session?

We recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, berries, candy, red sauces, and other teeth-staining foods and beverages for the first 24 hours after your session.
How long will the appointment take?

Your appointment will be one to three 20 minute sessions. After the first 20 minute session, we will check to see if the desired level of whiteness has been achieved. Typically first time patients will do three treatments, with a 20 minute touch up every three to six months.

Microneedling with PRP

Often, the results of microneedling can be further improved when used in combination with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Studies have shown that PRP can expedite the healing process of tissues and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and acne scarring when used with microneedling. PRP treatment involves using the patient’s own blood as a resource to isolate the platelets with a centrifuge. Because the blood is directly from the patient, the risks of the body rejecting the plasma or having an allergic reaction are minimal. The blood is separated into 3 layers which leave the PRP available for use during the microneedling process. PRP contains proteins and several growth factors that regulate and activate cell migration and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

By using microneedling as the supplemental delivery method for the PRP, the two treatments work synergistically which leads to more rapid collagen production. Results can vary based on a number of factors including needle penetration, overall skin health, number of passes and treatments received as well as needle size. Patients will be able to note a youthful radiance and tightening of their skin directly following microneedling with PRP but it is recommended to receive 4-6 treatments 4 weeks apart to maintain collagen production and to optimize their skin rejuvenation.