The concept of microneedling is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself when it suffers physical damage such as cuts, burns, abrasions or other injuries. Immediately after an injury to the skin, our body begins the healing process, triggering new collagen synthesis. The Cosmopen is a microneedling device that intentionally creates very superficial “micro-injuries” to the outermost layer of the skin, inducing the healing process including new collagen production. Microneedling has been shown to reduce the visibility of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, diminish hyperpigmentation, and improve skin tone and texture, resulting in smoother, firmer, younger looking skin.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

At Aria Medical Aesthetics microneedling is performed using The Cosmopen. This procedure is performed by a trained Registered Nurse, under the supervision of a healthcare provider (physician or physician assistant), who is licensed to practice medicine in the State of Connecticut. The Cosmopen microneedling procedure is performed in a safe and precise manner with a single-use sterile needle head. The treatment session usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the area(s) being treated. After the procedure, the skin will be red, with mild swelling and/or bruising, and your skin might feel tight and sensitive to the touch. Although these symptoms may take 2-3 days to resolve completely, they will diminish significantly within a few hours after treatment.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Alternative treatments to microneedling may include the use of routine skin care, oral and/or topical prescription and/or non-prescription medications, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, laser treatments, and even cosmetic/plastic surgery. However, since this treatment is elective and is done for cosmetic purpose only, no treatment at all should also be considered a viable alternative.

RISKS OF MICRONEEDLING

Although the majority of patients do not experience any complications with microneedling, it is important you understand that risks do exist. The microneedling procedure is minimally invasive, utilizing a set of microneedles to inflict multiple, tiny, puncture/lacerations to the outermost layer of the skin. Because microneedling penetrates the skin, it inherently carries health risks, including but not limited to those listed below. You should discuss any and all health concerns with your esthetician or attending healthcare provider PRIOR to signing our consent form.

INFECTION – Infection is very unusual. However, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can occur anytime the integrity of the skin is compromised. Should infection occur, you must contact or return to our office immediately, as additional treatment will likely be necessary.

PIGMENT/COLOR CHANGE – Because dermal penetration is so superficial it doesn’t extend into the layer of the skin containing melanocytes. Hyperpigmentation is very rare with microneedling, however, failure to follow post treatment instructions can put you at risk for hyperpigmentation. You MUST avoid sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks after a microneedling treatment. You should also wear a daily SPF facial moisturizer, which your esthetician can recommend. Lastly, avoid picking and/or peeling the skin during healing period.

SCARRING – Although normal healing after the procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur in both the skin and deeper tissues. In rare cases, thickened or keloid scars may result, especially if you are prone to keloid scarring anyway. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than surrounding skin. Additional treatments may be needed to treat scarring.

PAIN – There may be a very slight burning, scratchy, and irritated sensation to the skin. 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 our office immediately.

PERSISTENT REDNESS, ITCHING, AND/OR SWELLING – Itching, redness, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. These symptoms rarely persist longer than 24 hours with microneedling. However, treatments received less than 4 weeks apart may induce prolonged symptoms.

ALLERGIC REACTION – Microneedling is performed with a head containing 12 sterile hypodermic needles, making an allergic reaction nearly impossible. However, a variety of products may be used on the face in conjunction with the microneedling procedure, to which an allergy can occur. Additionally, since microneedling increases the penetration of topical substances, it can cause you to be hypersensitive to products used on the face. If an allergic reaction were to occur, you must contact our office immediately, as it may require further treatment.

LACK OF PERMANENT RESULT – Microneedling will not completely or permanently improve skin texture, tone, elasticity, hyperpigmentation, scars, or minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It is important that your expectations be realistic and understand the procedure has its limitations. Additional procedures may be necessary to achieve desired effect.

UNSATISFACTORY RESULT– Although rare from microneedling, there is a possibility of a poor result from any cosmetic procedure. Microneedling may induce undesirable results, including but not limited to skin sloughing, scarring, permanent pigment, and/or other undesirable skin changes. You may be disappointed with the final results of microneedling.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO MICRONEEDLING – Although it is impossible to list every potential risk and complication, the following are recognized as known contraindications to microneedling. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to fully and accurately disclose all medical history prior to initial treatment, as well as provide any necessary updates at all future treatment sessions. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should bring it to the attention of your esthetician PRIOR to signing this consent form.

• Active acne
• Active infection of any type (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• 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
• Pregnancy / lactation
• Raised lesions (moles, warts, etc.)
• Recent chemical peel procedure
• Recent use of some topical rx.
• Rosacea
• Scleroderma
• Skin Cancer
• Sunburn
• Tattoos
• Telangiectasia / erythema
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Vascular lesions (hemangiomas)

Purpose and Background

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) has been used for a number of years in orthopedics and sports medicine, to treat muscle and ligament injuries, pain problems, and skin lesions. Due to the success of PRP in medicine, the procedure was then developed into an anti-aging treatment designed to induce new collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and diminish the visible signs of aging by growing new healthy tissue. PRP is considered to be a safe, natural treatment because, rather than using a synthetic substance, it uses cells and growth factors from your own blood to slow and even reverse the aging process for a more youthful and radiant appearance. Collagen is what gives skin a firm, youthful appearance. As we age, less collagen is produced, causing sagging, wrinkles and soft tissue depressions in the skin. Once applied topically onto the surface of the skin and infused in through microneedling technique (PRP facial), PRP therapy counteracts aging by stimulating new collagen production in the exact areas of concern where we want the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself. PRP can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. The number of treatments needed varies per patient. We recommend 1-3 treatments administered at four-week intervals until the desired result is achieved, followed by 1-2 maintenance treatments per year. While some result is visible immediately at the time of treatment, there is usually a return to baseline in 3-5 days as the PRP is absorbed back into the body prior to the complete action of the cellular regenerative process. Most patients see improvement for up to 12 weeks with results lasting up to 2 years

Procedure

Approximately 20cc of blood are drawn from the patient in the same way blood samples are taken for routine lab tests. The tubes of blood are put into a centrifuge, where the blood is spun in order to separate the red blood cells from the PRP. Once injected under the skin or applied topically onto the skin, the PRP releases growth factors and activates multi-potent stem cells to generate new, younger tissue. This new tissue synthesis includes new collagen for firmness and elasticity, new fatty tissue for plumpness and smoothness, and new blood vessels for a healthy rosy glow.

Alternatives

PRP Therapy is strictly a voluntary cosmetic procedure; no treatment is necessary or required. Alternative treatments may include, but are not limited to: facial creams, BOTOX Cosmetic, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, cosmetic surgery, or no treatment.

K. Pregnancy (female patients only):

 Even though there is no evidence of complications, we will not perform this treatment if you are pregnant.

Discomfort & Risks

The injection and/or topical application of PRP is very safe because cells from the patient’s own blood are used, which means there are no preservatives and no chance of the body rejecting the cells. The primary risks and discomforts are related to the blood draw where there is a slight pinch to insert the needle for collection and there is a potential for bruising at the site. Smokers have less positive response to this treatment than non-smokers, since the toxins in cigarette smoke block the response of the stem cells. Understanding that additional treatment side effects are generally temporary, related to PRP injections, and can include but are not limited to:
A. Needle marks- Visible needle marks occur normally and resolve in a few days.
B. Swelling – An ice pack may be placed over the area until swelling subsides.
C. Itching – Temporary and generally intermittent.
D. Bruising – Bruising is always a possibility with any skin injection and may develop immediately or up to 24 hours following treatment. To reduce the risk of bruising, avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements, including vitamins, for one week prior to and after your treatment. If you experience bruising, it will generally heal within 7-14 days and may be covered with makeup if desired.
E. Pain/Tenderness – May last up to 2 weeks. Tylenol may be taken to reduce discomfort if desired.
F. Lumps/Bumps – Will generally subside/diffuse within approximately 2 weeks after treatment.
G. Migration of PRP – PRP may migrate from its original injection site and produce fullness in adjacent areas.
H. Asymmetry – The human face is normally asymmetrical in its appearance and anatomy. There can be variation from one side of the face to the other in terms of the response to PRP and it may not be possible to achieve or maintain exact symmetry with PRP injections.
I. Infection – Infections are extremely rare but may require treatment including antibiotics if necessary.
J. Skin necrosis- It is very unusual to experience death of skin and deeper soft tissues after injections.
K. Unsatisfactory result – Some patients may have an unsatisfactory result that includes: temporary visible irregularities, prolonged bruising, swelling, tenderness, and/or disappointment in the result.