Microneedling

The Midtown Health and Wellness Clinic offers the Potenza™ radiofrequency microneedling treatment by Cynosure® as well as the eDermaStamp® by Dermaroller®, both of which are effective professional medical-grade microneedling devices depending on your areas of concern and skin type/condition.

What is the difference between Potenza and eDermaStamp by Dermaroller microneedling and how do I know which treatment is right for me?

Potenza combines radiofrequency heat energy and microneedling, enabling it to penetrate the top layer of the skin and trigger the body’s healing response to increase the production of collagen and elastin. This results in enhanced skin tightening and revitalization versus microneedling alone. Additionally, Potenza’s exclusive Fusion Facial uses a fusion tip that’s been uniquely designed to allow the deeper penetration of customized topicals. With this fusion tip, Potenza treatments can be enhanced with serums specific to your needs, such as brightening or even to treat hair loss.

The eDermaStamp by Dermaroller features non-traumatic, medical-grade microneedles and the fastest motor in its category to safely and effectively deliver collagen-induction therapy. This helps make the epidermis thicker and more supple, and results in younger-looking skin. The eDermaStamp is appropriate for those looking for a gentle approach to tightening and toning, treating wrinkles, or scars and stretch marks — but who don’t require extensive firming. It’s also ideal for those who want minimal to no downtime.

During a consultation prior to treatment, Dr. Hermant will recommend which procedure will work best for your skin goals.


Potenza™

 As practised today, microneedling — a procedure in which thin needles are used to penetrate the top layer of the skin and stimulate its healing process to produce more collagen and elastin — has been around since 1995. But now Potenza, an exciting new treatment offered at the clinic, uses ultrafine needles along with radiofrequency (RF) heat energy to penetrate the top layer of the skin and provide enhanced microneedling results.

Potenza can be customized (with four modes of RF and two handpieces) depending on your skin’s needs, and it can be used for the following: Creating tighter, firmer-looking skin (achieved through soft-tissue coagulation) on the face and body; minimizing the signs of aging; diminishing scars; treating acne for a smoother, brighter complexion; and providing deeper penetration of topicals versus conventional microneedling. It can also be used on all skin types and tones, and on both the face and body.

While all microneedling will trigger your body’s natural healing response, Potenza’s exclusive  Fusion Facial, which uses radiofrequency and a unique fusion tip combined with a dual-chamber design that captures and releases air into the skin to produce enhanced topical penetration of up to 67 per cent — helps maximize results. The Fusion Facial is able to deliver customized serums specific to your skin concerns. As a result, this one treatment provides three benefits: Revitalization, tightening and boosting.

Although Potenza is usually well tolerated, if desired, the aesthetician may apply numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment to minimize any discomfort. Then the area to be treated will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup or numbing cream. Once the area is numb, the microneedling tip is placed on the skin and treatment begins. Microneedles penetrate the tissue at different depths depending on the treatment area, releasing RF energy. After the procedure, an ice pack may be applied for comfort, or the aesthetician will apply the Cynosure B.E. Beautiful Energy Replenishing Face & Neck Mask featuring hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which will help speed recovery.

FAQ

  • With ideal skin care maintenance, results can last up to three years.

  • Most treatments take 45 minutes or less (including time for numbing cream).

  • Yes, Potenza is appropriate for all skin types and it can be performed on most parts of the body at any time of the year.

  • There is a minor pricking sensation, which can be minimized with numbing cream, as well as a warming feeling. The intensity of the applied energy can also be decreased to ensure comfort.

  • For at least 24 hours prior, keep hydrated by drinking at least six to eight cups of water. To minimize any skin inflammation, avoid drinking alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours prior. For a week before, avoid products or treatments that may cause skin redness or irritation — such as retinols, exfoliants, AHA/glycolic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone and self-tanning preparations. You should be free of any infection prior to treatment. If on an antibiotic due to recent illness or for the treatment of acne, rosacea or other skin conditions, discontinue use for at least seven to ten days prior to treatment. Avoid medications or supplements that can increase bruising — such as anti-inflammatories like aspirin, Advil and Aleve®, anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications, oral steroids, vitamin E and fish oils/omega 3 fatty acids for at least a week before treatment. Shave visible hair from the area to be treated. For two to four weeks prior, avoid any excessive sun exposure and wear a high-protection broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

  • At home, wash the treated area with warm water and a mild cleanser. For the first 24 hours, avoid the sun and don’t wear any makeup. After 24 hours, wear a high-protection broad spectrum sunscreen when going outside. After the redness resolves, mineral makeup is recommended for those who want to wear makeup. For a few days afterward, refrain from using retinols or exfoliating products, and avoid vigorous exercise. To prevent infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face. If possible, avoid alcohol until your skin heals.

    As mentioned above, using the B.E. Beautiful Energy Replenishing Face & Neck Mask can help facilitate the recovery process. In addition, the Alastin® Procedure Enhancement System, which includes the Regenerating Skin Nectar, is designed to help prepare skin and accelerate results when used before and after treatments.

  • During treatment, there may be slight pinpoint bleeding, swelling and redness. Pinpoint bleeding typically doesn’t continue post procedure, but some redness and swelling may occur for 24 to 72 hours afterward.

  • While your skin should look smoother and more glowing within two weeks, the building of elastin and collagen typically occurs six to eight weeks after treatment. Optimal results are usually seen 12 weeks after the final treatment.

  • While results can be seen a few weeks after the first treatment, most people will require three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results. A yearly follow-up treatment is recommended to maintain results.

eDermaStamp® by Dermaroller®

Licensed by Health Canada, this minimally invasive treatment uses a handpiece featuring an optimal number of medical-grade microneedles to safely penetrate the epidermis and dermis. Additionally, the eDermaStamp features the fastest motor in its market category (providing up to 150 strokes per second), allowing it to glide over the skin without any scratching or tearing. The needle penetration causes micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s spontaneous healing response to stimulate cell proliferation and the formation of new collagen in the treated area (called collagen-induction therapy). The result is a thicker dermis and younger-looking skin. In addition to reducing wrinkles and fine lines, eDermaStamp tightens and tones, improves skin texture, and treats scars and stretch marks.

FAQ

  • Results are long lasting. Maintenance treatments are recommended for optimal results.

  • While the time can vary depending on the treatment area and condition of the skin, you can expect treatments to last between 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Yes.

  • With the use of numbing cream, most patients report the sensation is similar to that of exfoliation.

  • For 24 hours prior, avoid sun exposure and alcohol consumption. For three days prior, avoid products or treatments that may cause skin irritation — such as retinols, exfoliants, AHA/glycolic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone and self-tanning preparations. For a week prior, avoid Advil and Aleve®.

  • Avoid exercise for 12 hours post treatment. Don’t wear makeup for 24 hours. Refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours. After 24 hours, mineral makeup is recommended for those who want to wear makeup. After 48 hours, wear a high-protection broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

    The Alastin® Procedure Enhancement System helps to both prepare your skin before treatment and speed recovery after the procedure.

  • You may begin to see a noticeable improvement four to six weeks after your first treatment. You will continue to see improved results over six months.

  • Your skin may look flushed for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling, and some patients may experience swelling, tenderness and bruising in the treated area. Clients have reported that post-procedure redness decreases in subsequent sessions.

  • In general, three sessions are recommended, spaced six weeks apart.