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Microneedling

Microneedling has been hailed as the “next big thing” to regain what age, sun damage, and other environmental and lifestyle factors have taken away: the firm, supple, smooth, and radiant skin of youth.

Yet, microneedling is a more established process than many advertisements or news articles may lead you to be believe. This process transcends the hype and can really work to dramatically improve your appearance, especially when in the trusted hands of a globally-recognized leader in minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, Dr. Christine Lee.

Microneedling, Walnut Creek

The science

Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, this technique was first described in the 1950s and was first used to treat scars in the 1990s.

The idea behind microneedling is to use a handheld device containing many fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. Surrounding skin remains untouched.

These safe injuries trigger a process, whereby the body fills these microscopic wounds with the firming collagen and springy elastin that decreases with age.

As this restorative process occurs in the days and months following treatment, you’ll notice a more glowing and smooth complexion, and reduced appearance of scars, pores, stretch marks, uneven tone and pigment, and wrinkles and lines.

How it works

After anesthetic is applied to the skin for comfort, Dr. Lee will gently roll the Eclipse MicroPen™ over your skin. This medical-grade device is equipped with a dozen micro-needles, which feel like sandpaper brushing over the treatment area due in part to their small size.

The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated.

Eclipse MicroPen

After treatment

You may notice an immediate “glow.” You may also notice some redness, which typically subsides within 4 days. Skincare products recommended by Dr. Lee such as the Eclipse Dermal Recovery System™ can speed healing.

Results

You will continue to see visible improvements over the next six months as collagen and elastin production continues.

If you have deeper wrinkles or more advanced photoaging, stretch marks and scars, Dr. Lee may suggest additional treatments every 6 weeks or so.

Optimizing results

Dr. Lee also offers EclipsePRP™, which stands for “Platelet Rich Plasma.” These platelets in the blood are beneficial for healing. Dr. Lee will take a very small sample of your blood. The platelet-rich plasma is separated from the rest of the blood. A portion of this PRP blood is then safely applied to the skin.

The micro-channels created by the Eclipse MicroPen™ provide ways for the PRP to enter the deeper layers of skin. Cells and collagen production are reenergized, resulting in increased plumpness and overall skin rejuvenation.

Mild to moderate swelling typically resides within 12 to 24 hours. Some tingling occurs as cells are reactivated. Since Dr. Lee is using your own blood, side effects and risks are limited. There is no fear of toxicity. Additional sessions may be needed to achieve goal results.

Can it work for you?

Microneedling is not just for the face. It can be used to treat the décolletage, arms and hands, legs and abdomen, and back.

The technique can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, both hypo- and hyper-pigmentation, acne and other traumatic scars, and stretch marks. It can also improve skin’s texture and radiance.

Dr. Lee can discuss any conditions and medications that may affect your tolerance for these and other procedures. She and her team at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute have a number of devices and techniques to address every need, including the latest in fractional laser resurfacing and Radio Frequency resurfacing products.

Call (925) 528-0117 to schedule a consultation in Walnut Creek.

Dr. Christine Lee

Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee

Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.

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