Microneedling Treatments: Dermapen, Sylfirm X, and Potenza
Microneedling has become a buzzword in the skincare world, known for its impressive ability to address an array of skin concerns. With several types of microneedling treatments available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Today’s article seeks to explore three popular microneedling treatments— Dermapen, Sylfirm X, and Potenza. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of each treatment’s benefits, how they work, and which might be best for your skin’s needs.
Microneedling is a specialised, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that utilises fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the skin’s natural healing process and consequently stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
These fibres are essential for smooth, firm, and youthful-looking skin. This treatment is versatile and can address various skin disorders, like acne scars, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture.
PRP treatment vs microneedling
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment, often combined with microneedling, involves using a patient’s own blood to extract platelets and growth factors, which are subsequently applied to the skin.
While microneedling alone stimulates collagen production, adding PRP can enhance the healing process and improve results. PRP treatment can be especially beneficial for individuals seeking faster recovery and more dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone.
Additionally, it may be noted that adding a skin booster to microneedling may give better results. Plinest, for example, can repair the skin cells, and stimulate collagen. Similarly, Belotero Revive gives more elasticity to the skin and improves firmness.
When to get microneedling treatment?
Microneedling can be beneficial for various skin concerns. Here’s a brief overview of when it might be the right choice:
Acne treatment microneedling
If you face constant acne breakouts, microneedling may help by breaking down scar tissue and promoting the formation of new, healthy skin. In practice, it helps reduce the appearance of pitted or depressed scars, leading to a smoother complexion.
Microneedling treatment for scars and stretch marks
In addition to acne scars, microneedling can treat other types of scars, including surgical scars, stretch marks, and trauma scars. The procedure encourages the skin to heal itself, reducing the visibility of these marks.
Furthermore, it is also a recommended treatment for the reduction of stretch marks.
Read: Does microneedling help reduce stretch marks?
Microneedling treatments for skin
If you desire an improved overall skin texture and tone, microneedling may help. It minimises fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores— making it a great option for anyone looking to achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Microneedling face treatment
This treatment is particularly effective for facial rejuvenation. It targets specific concerns like fine lines around the eyes and mouth, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. Thereby, providing comprehensive facial revitalisation.
Microneedling treatment for acne scars
Acne scars can be exceedingly challenging to treat, but microneedling offers a promising solution. By creating controlled and small skin punctures, this treatment stimulates the skin to repair itself, reducing the depth and appearance of acne scars over time.
Read: Is microneedling beneficial for acne scars?
Microneedling hyperpigmentation treatment
It may help even out one’s skin tone by breaking up areas of hyperpigmentation and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin. This makes it an effective treatment for melasma, sunspots, and other forms of discolouration.
Microneedling: Types
There are several types of microneedling treatments, each targeting specific skin issues. Here’s a detailed look at Dermapen, Sylfirm X, and Potenza:
Dermapen
Dermapen is one of the most well-known microneedling devices on the market. It uses a pen-like device equipped with multiple fine needles to create micro-injuries in one’s skin. These, in turn, stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It, thereby, promotes the production of collagen and elastin.
Overall, dermapen is highly effective in breaking down scar tissue and encouraging the formation of new skin, making it ideal for treating acne scars. For those with enlarged pores, Dermapen can minimise their appearance, giving the skin a smoother texture.
Additionally, it may augment skin tone and reduce areas of hyperpigmentation, making it an effective treatment for sunspots and melasma.
The Dermapen procedure starts with cleansing the skin and methodical application of numbing cream to ensure comfort. The device is then gently moved across the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries. Post-treatment serums or growth factors are often applied to enhance the healing process and results.
Sylfirm X
Sylfirm X is an advanced device that combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) technology. This combination enhances the overall efficacy of the treatment by delivering RF energy into the deeper layers of the skin.
Sylfirm X effectively addresses deeper wrinkles and fine lines by boosting collagen production, resulting in a more significant reduction of these signs of ageing. It also helps tighten and firm one’s skin. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals experiencing skin laxity.
Furthermore, Sylfirm X offers a comprehensive approach to treating severe acne scars and various pigmentation issues, including vascular lesions.
The procedure commences with a thorough cleansing of the skin and the application of a numbing cream. Subsequently, the Sylfirm X device delivers RF energy while the microneedles penetrate the skin. Thereby, creating controlled micro-injuries. The RF energy practically heats the deeper layers of one’s skin, enhancing collagen and elastin production.
Potenza
Potenza also incorporates RF technology, but what sets it apart is its customisable settings, which allow practitioners to modify the treatment to each individual’s specific skin concerns.
Potenza effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through enhanced collagen production. It also helps tighten one’s skin. This makes it a great option for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity.
The Potenza device is also effective in evening out skin tone and reducing areas of discolouration. After cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream, the Potenza device is employed to create micro-injuries while delivering RF energy. The treatment parameters can be iteratively adjusted to suit the individual’s skin type and concerns, ensuring a personalised approach.
Post-treatment care involves the application of soothing serums to aid in the healing process. It’s an excellent option for those who want the combined benefits of microneedling and RF technology in a single session.
Microneedling treatment benefits
This treatment offers a myriad of benefits for disparate skin types and concerns, making it a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here’s an in-depth look at the advantages of microneedling treatments:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production: It promotes the skin’s natural healing process. Thus, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin by increasing collagen and elastin levels.
- Improves skin texture and tone: It minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. This consequently leads to a smoother and more refined look.
- Reduces scars: Microneedling treatment effectively treats various scar types, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. It accomplishes this by breaking down scar tissue and fostering the formation of new, healthy skin.
- Treats hyperpigmentation: Microneedling treatment breaks up areas of excessive pigmentation and encourages the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin, making it an excellent option for melasma, sunspots, and other forms of discolouration.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients encounter only mild redness and negligible swelling— which usually subside within a few days. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking significant skin improvements without extended recovery periods.
- Customisable treatment: The depth and intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to address specific skin concerns, ensuring a personalised approach for effective results.
- Enhances product absorption: The micro-channels created during the procedure allow for deeper penetration of serums and creams. This maximises their effectiveness and enhances the results of your daily skincare routine.
Microneedling procedure
Understanding the procedure in detail can help one prepare for the treatment and know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:
Preparation:
1. Consultation: Schedule a consultation meeting with a qualified skincare professional to decide if microneedling is suitable for your skin type and concerns.
2. Pre-treatment instructions: Your dermatologist may provide specific instructions to follow before the procedure. These might include avoiding sun exposure and stopping the use of certain skincare products (such as retinoids and exfoliants).
3. Numbing cream application: To minimise discomfort during this specialised procedure, a numbing cream is applied to the treatment area about 30 minutes to an hour before the session. This helps ensure a more comfortable experience.
Microneedling process:
4. Cleansing: The skin is extensively cleansed to remove any dirt, oil, and residual makeup. This ensures a sterile environment and prevents infection.
5. Microneedling device: A device, such as Dermapen, Sylfirm X, or Potenza, is selected based on your specific skin concerns.
6. Treatment Application: The device is gently moved across the skin in a systematic pattern. The depth and intensity of needle penetration are adjusted according to the area being treated and the specific skin issues.
For example, areas with thicker skin, like the forehead, may require deeper penetration compared to more delicate areas, like around the eyes.
7. Serum application: Post-treatment, serums or growth factors are applied to the skin. These products penetrate deeper into the skin via the microchannels created by the needles. Thereby, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness. Commonly used serums include hyaluronic acid for hydration, Vitamin C for brightening, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for accelerated healing.
Post-treatment care
8. Soothing and cooling: After the treatment, a soothing and cooling mask may be deployed to ‘calm’ the skin and appreciably reduce the risk of redness or swelling. This step helps to enhance comfort and aid in the initial healing process.
9. Post-treatment instructions: Your dermatologist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
10. Follow-up appointments: Schedule follow-up appointment dates as recommended by your dermatologist to monitor progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.
How many treatments are needed for microneedling?
The number of treatments varies largely depending on individual skin concerns and goals. For optimal results, a series of 3-6 sessions that are carefully spaced 3-4 weeks apart is typically recommended. Severe cases would need more sessions with about 2-3 weeks intervals between each.
How painful is microneedling?
The procedure involves some discomfort, but the use of a numbing cream makes the procedure more tolerable. In fact, most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling or scratching feeling.
Microneedling treatment aftercare
Proper aftercare is imperative to achieve the best results from microneedling and ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s a brief guide on what to do after your treatment:
- To avoid sun exposure, Protect your skin from direct sunlight for at least a week. When going outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Use gentle skincare products: Stick to gentle, hydrating products. Avoid active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and any exfoliants for at least a week.
- Prioritise hydration: Drink plenty of water ( at least 4 litres a day) to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Avoid makeup: Ensure to refrain from wearing makeup for a minimum of 24 hours after the treatment. This should allow your skin to ‘breathe’ and heal. After this period, if necessary, use non-comedogenic and mineral-based makeup.
- Do not touch your face: Avoid touching, rubbing, or incessantly picking at your skin to prevent irritation and infection.
- Avoid sweating: Refrain from strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and steam baths for at least 24-48 hours to prevent excessive sweating and potential irritation.
- Keep your skin moisturised: Apply a hydrating and soothing moisturiser regularly to support the healing process. Seek out products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- Follow your dermatologist’s advice: Adhere to any additional aftercare instructions provided by your skin caregiver to ensure optimal results and prevent complications.
How long do microneedling treatment results last?
The longevity of microneedling results may vary depending on several factors. For example, the individual’s skin type, the specific skin concern being tackled, and the number of sessions completed.
But generally, microneedling results can last between three and six months. Fortunately, maintenance treatments every 2 months can help sustain the benefits, reduce chances of bounce back and prolong the results.
Microneedling treatment price in Malaysia
The cost of microneedling treatments can vary based on the type of device used, the practitioner’s expertise, and the geographical location. All things considered, on average, prices range from RM1200 to RM2500 per session.
Conclusion
Microneedling, whether through Dermapen, Sylfirm X, or Potenza, offers a proven solution for various skin concerns. If you’re considering microneedling, consulting with a qualified dermatologist at Clique Clinic can help you achieve the best possible results for your skin.
