SKIN NEEDLING PERTH

Frequently asked questions

How is skin needling performed?     

Skin needling in Perth can be performed manually using the Dermaroller, a device designed to improve the skin via a process known as collagen induction therapy (CIT). There are two versions of the Dermaroller: a medical-grade roller for use in a dermal therapy setting and another for use at home. In the clinic, the dermal therapist cleans the skin and numbs it using an appropriate anaesthetic cream. The Dermaroller is then rolled lightly over the skin, creating tiny needle pricks in the epidermis. The new collagen subsequently produced progressively fills in depressed scars and/or wrinkles and plumps the skin.

The more intensive form of skin needling in Perth, known as RejuvaStamp™ electro collagen induction therapy (ECIT), achieves results similar to but generally more pronounced that manual CIT, but there is some downtime associated with the procedure.

What is the difference between CIT using the Dermaroller and RejuvaStamp™ ECIT?     

RejuvaStamp™ ECIT skin needling in Perth works on the same principle as CIT but uses an electronic needling device, meaning the process is more intensive (and the results noticeable even sooner). Because of this, there is some downtime associated with RejuvaStamp™ ECIT – the skin can remain red and flushed looking for up to a week, with small red dots visible under the surface of the skin. In addition, the areas treated may look dry and be flaky for several days.

Why is the use of stem cells during needling recommended?

At Karen Bowen Dermal Therapist, we use specialised products derived from plant stem cells as an adjunct to several of our procedures, including both types of skin needling. These products are high in antioxidants. When applied to the skin’s surface, they help protect and stimulate the growth of the skin’s own stem cells. The adult stem cells already present within our bodies maintain and repair the tissues in which they are found. Adult stem cells are found in many organs and tissues, including the skin. In fact, human skin is the largest repository of adult stem cells in the body. In skin care, the application of plant-derived stem cells to the skin during micro-needling or a peel stimulates the body’s own stem cells to help repair fine lines and wrinkles and restore and maintain firmness and elasticity.

What is the difference between skin needling and other skin rejuvenation techniques?

In contrast to ablative techniques such as dermabrasion, laser treatments and skin peels, CIT with the Dermaroller, and RejuvaStamp™ ECIT, both stimulate the formation of new tissue while leaving the skin intact.

How will skin needling affect my skin?

Skin needling in Perth will improve the thickness of both the dermis (the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis) and the epidermis (the outer, cellular layer of the skin). This in turn improves skin texture overall and reduces wrinkles. The process also has a positive effect on hyper-pigmentation (too much pigment), as well as hypo-pigmentation (too little). Disfiguring scars, especially acne scars, can be dramatically improved as well, since the new collagen formed will elevate depressed scar tissue. Moreover, improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) to previously fibrotic scar tissue works to harmonise its pigmentation with that of the peripheral skin.

Will my skin be red after a skin-needling treatment?

Although the skin is usually pinkish-red after a manual CIT treatment using the Dermaroller, there is no real downtime as a result of this procedure. The skin of those who require an exceptionally aggressive treatment (for severe wrinkles or scarring) may take slightly longer to return to its normal colour.

As explained above, RejuvaStamp™ ECIT is more intensive than CIT using the Dermaroller, so the skin remains flushed for longer (up to a week) and small red dots will be visible under the surface of the areas treated. Also, those areas may look dry and be flaky for several days.

Does skin needling have any side-effects?

Skin needling in Perth is perfectly safe, as stringent cross-contamination standards apply. Also, because nothing is injected into the skin during the procedure, allergic reactions and similar side-effects cannot occur. Nor will skin needling cause a cold sore; however, it could exacerbate a pre-existing infection. For that reason, if you have a cold sore your treatment will be delayed until it has healed. It is important to advise the dermal therapist if you have a cold sore or can feel one beginning.

What is the difference between the Dermaroller and other skin-needling rollers?

The Dermaroller was the first transdermal needle roller to be listed by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as a Class lla medical device. In the interests of safety and quality, the manufacturer of any such medical device must obtain certain certifications — including a CE mark and Certificate of Conformity — before an an ARTG listing is bestowed.

Why is this certification important?

A certified manufacturing process for medical devices assures users that the certified products are of good quality and safe in every respect. Obtaining a Certificate of Conformity for medical devices in general and sterile medical devices in particular is difficult and expensive; the manufacturer must conform to the rules of ISO 13485, as laid down in European directive 93/42, as well as the rules applying in its own country. All such devices are regularly (and permanently) monitored by notified bodies (government-appointed agencies), with sterility and bio-burden tests conducted every three months. Thus, an ISO 13485 certified company could be described as 'transparent as glass'.

Why is the TGA listing important?

The most important duty of the TGA is to ensure public safety. And, as the TGA is aware of the stringency  of the European certification requirements — they are much tougher than those that apply in the United States — it relies on the European certification.

But aren't there copies of the Dermaroller on the market?

Competitors often copy medical devices, declare them a cosmetic tool and include on their packaging false information such as 'US FDA approved', 'GPM', 'CE' and so on. In most cases, however, the products fail to meet even the minimum safety standards, such as validated sterility. If something goes wrong (due, say, to a lack of sterility and ensuing contamination of the products), the manufacturers and vendors involved have no liability insurance. A manufacturer is only insured if it can prove it is certified according to European, Australian or US rules. Thus, the TGA listing is a guarantee that the Dermaroller is a safe device with a controlled outcome, and that the possibility of any issues post-treatment is minimal. You can trust the TGA — and you can trust Dermaroller.