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Plum Blossom / Micro-Needling

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PLUM BLOSSUM / MICRO NEEDLING

Are you concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigmentation or scarring?  

Barrie Essence of Health offers a unique combination of Chinese Medicine acupuncture in conjunction with plum blossom / micro needling (Collagen Induction) therapy.

 

As this is a TCM acupuncture treatment provided by a Registered Acupuncturist and certified Dermaroller professional, it may be covered by your extended health care plan.  Please check with your provider to see if you have coverage for acupuncture by a Registered Acupuncturist.

WHAT IS PLUM BLOSSUM / MICRO NEEDLING?

Plum blossom / micro-needling is a natural treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin without surgery. We use a Health Canada approved eDermaStamp pen with 6 micro needles that penetrate the skin with a series of vertical “stamps”. The body recognizes that there’s been local trauma to the skin and during the healing process more collagen, elastin, growth factors, and fibrin are released into the area. The results: less dark spots, lines and wrinkles and acne scars, toner and firmer skin, less dark circles, improved complexion and a natural healthy glow to the face. 

HOW DOES  IT WORK? 

The micro needles penetrate through the epidermis and stimulates a healing reaction. The body recognizes that there's been trauma at the local site and recruits collagen, fibrin, elastin and nutrients to heal the area. The induced collagen forms a new confluent layer, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful look.  

 

WHAT DOES S IT FEEL LIKE? 

The skin is first cleansed with a cleanser. Then, a numbing anesthetic cream will be applied and left on for 20 minutes.  Most people feel minor irritation or "stinging" sensation for 10% of the procedure.

 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO COME?  

Depending on the desired results and skin conditions, patients are recommended to come back every 6 weeks for 2 to 3 more treatments. Most obvious results are seen after the third treatment. Patients can maintain their rejuvenated skin by coming in every 2-4 months for a follow up treatment.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS? 

When done right, micro-needling is one of the most well-tolerated anti-aging treatments available. However, risks do exist: 

  • Infections/Cellulitis - viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can occur anytime the integrity of the skin is compromised. 

  • Pigment Change - failure to follow post treatment instructions can raise the risk for hyperpigmentation. You must avoid excessive sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks after a micro-needling treatment. Do not apply sunscreen for 48 hours post treatment. After the skin  has calmed down begin to wear a daily SPF facial moisturizer.

  • Scarring - abnormal scars may appear. To minimize the risk, Avoid picking or peeling the skin during healing period.

  • Pain - slight burning, scratchy and irritated sensation. This is usually temporary and is gone within a few hours after treatment.

  • A sudden reappearance of redness or pain is a sign of infection and you should notify your health care professional immediately. 

  • Persistent Redness, Itching, and/or Swelling - these are normal symptoms that rarely persists longer than 24 hours.

  • Treatments received less than 4 weeks apart may induce prolonged symptoms. 

  • Allergic Reaction/Granulomas - micro-needling increases penetration of topical substances, therefore may cause hypersensitivity to products. Minimize the risk by using topicals made for micro-needling (broken skin barriers) 

  • Redness, irritation, pin-point bleeding, heat sensation, itchiness, and swelling - with most side effects subsiding within 12-24 hours.

  • On rare occasions, rashes and reactions leading to infections may occur. Hyper-pigmentation is also another rare possibility but usually subside after a few weeks.

CONTRAINDICATIONS 

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  • Active infection of any type (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

  • Active acne  

  • Blood thinner medications  

  • Cardiac disease/abnormalities   

  • Chemotherapy or radiation  

  • Collagen Vascular Disease 

  • Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis   

  • Hemophilia / bleeding disorders    

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy    

  • Keloid/hypertrophic scaring  

  • Lactation / Pregnancy

  • Recent chemical peel procedure  

  • Accutane (wait 6-12 months) 

  • Recent use of problematic topical product 

  • Active Rosacea   

  • Skin Cancer  

  • Sunburn

  • Tattoos 

  • Severe telangiectasia/erythema  

  • Vascular lesions (hemangiomas)   

  • Uncontrolled diabetes  

  • Fillers – avoid needling for at least 2 weeks 

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