
Scar Tissue Remodeling
Scar tissue can hinder proper lymph flow, and therefore affect the body’s natural detoxification. Breaking down scar tissue Involves creating non-traumatic micro-channels in the skin using sterile, cone-shaped needles. It also includes a lymph drainage portion to boost recovery and reduce downtime.
The lymph drainage portion of this service (100.00 + tax) can be submitted to most insurance companies who accept A.P.N.N.-registered naturopaths/naturotherapists.
What does scar tissue remodeling have to do with lymph health?
Also known as microneedling, collagen induction therapy stimulates the release of growth factors, which are then circulated throughout your whole body. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), for example, is known to be the most important growth factor for lymphatic vasculature. Microneedling also helps to improve the health of the extracellular matrix, which your lymph circulates through. Microneedling can also help heal scarring or scar tissue (sometimes caused by inflammaging) in the superficial layers of the skin, allowing for better lymph flow afterwards.
The microneedling service you will find at Genevieve’s Self-Care Initiatives is more than just a microneedling treatment. It is a modern experience that combines aspects of East Asian Medicine, natural medicine and regenerative medicine, crafted to your needs. The technique & protocol used follows the standards established by Dr. Lance Setterfield, which allows for reduced downtime. The treatment also includes chromotherapy as well as a full face & neck lymph drainage for even faster recovery. The treatment as a whole provides very little stress for the skin, maximizing the potential of this powerful modality, and allowing you to resume daily activities immediately after treatment.
It also includes personalized pre- and post-treatments to drastically reduce downtime, which means you will be good to go within a few hours after the treatment if you follow directions! I am fully trained to offer this service safely by 3 different expert program recognized internationally. I was also very fortunate that one of my training was delivered by an educator who has many years of experience working alongside doctors in a regenerative medicine setting.
During the treatment, I use strictly sterile products that are specifically made for microneedling, with ingredients that are skin-compatible. This is to ensure you get no ill effects from the treatment down the road, such as uneven texture, infections, more wrinkles, or granulomas, which are common occurrences when using cheap, sub-par devices or products that are not intended to be used with microneedling services. You can rest assured and have peace of mind that all products used in all my treatments are made to be used by trained skin professionals. Every microneedling treatment includes a consultation to make sure you get the healthiest and safest experience, and a post-treatment kit.
What Is Microneedling?
Micro-needling involves creating non-traumatic micro-channels in the skin using sterile, cone-shaped needles. The protocol I have created uses all the high-tech tools at my disposition and has been well thought-out to provide dramatic skin rejuvenation while maintaining the integrity of the skin tissues and provide the best outcome possible. A post-needling treatment ends the service beautifully and speeds up recovery for a more comfortable experience.
Microneedling Contra-Indications
Contra-Indications are conditions that prevent you from receiving a specific service or using a certain product. Here is a list of the contra-indications related to receiving a microneedling service. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there might be other contra-indications that are established during the consultation. Genevieve reserves the right to refuse service is she judges it is not safe to do so.
- AHA/BHA use in the last 7 days
- Current Accutane use or Accutane use in the last 12 months
- Active herpes lesions in the area to be treated
- Bleeding disorders
- Cosmetic injections 2 weeks prior
- Hair removal in the area to be treated the last 7 days
- Current medication use that slows healing time
- During pregnancy (if topical numbing is required)
- Moderate to chronic eczema or psoriasis
- Extreme kelodial tendencies
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Active infections in the area to be treated
- Scleroderma
- Blood clotting disorders
Microneedling Pre/Post Care
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and Genevieve will be providing additional other pre and post care advice at the time of the consultation. Post care also includes specific custom products to ensure all needed ingredients are provided to the skin during the 28 day healing cascade. Genevieve reserves the right to refuse service if she judges the pre and/or post care was not followed properly.
24 hours prior to your micro-needling session, please observe the following:
- No Retin-A products or applications.
- No auto-immune therapies or products 24 hours prior to your treatment.
- No prolonged sun exposure to the face. A micro-needling treatment will not be administered on sunburned skin.
- If you are taking a blood thinner, aspirin or any other medication that you have the
propensity to bleed easily while on, please consult your doctor. - If you are under a physician’s care and need to discontinue your medication for a few days, always ask your
physician prior to each Microneedling appointment. - If you do plan on receiving Botox, make sure that you give yourself at least 2 weeks post injections before receiving your micro-needling procedure.
- If an active or extreme breakout occurs before treatment, please consult your
practitioner. - Wait 6 months following oral isotretinoin use, or following your doctor’s recommendations.
- If you are prone to cold sores, please talk to your doctor about some prophylactic measures prior to your appointment.
After your appointment:
- Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser and tepid water to cleanse the face for 72 hours post-treatment, and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure your hands are clean when touching the treated area, and do not use a Clarisonic or other powered cleansing brushes for at least one week after your treatment.
- Serums: I recommend serum with antioxidants post-treatment, as their properties are ideal to help heal the skin by soothing and lessening irritation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Following your Microneedling treatment, your skin may feel drier than normal. Hyaluronic Acid with a high molecular weight is an ideal ingredient you can use to hydrate and restore the skin back to perfect balance.
- In the days following your Microneedling treatment, and as the skin starts to regenerate, collagen-stimulating peptides are ideal to maximize the effects of the stimulation already started by the microneedling.
- Makeup: I recommend you do not apply makeup for 24-72 hours after the procedure. In addition, do not apply any makeup with a makeup brush, especially if the brush has not been thoroughly cleaned.
Microneedling FAQ
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING? Microneedling is a minimally invasive, collagen stimulating smart aging therapy that tells the skin, hey, act younger! Smooth out, plump up!
WHAT DOES MICRONEEDLING ACCOMPLISH? Microneedling promotes the natural reproduction of collagen and elastin, by causing a pseudo micro-injury that triggers a repair message.
WHAT SORT OF SKIN ABNORMALITIES DOES MICRONEEDLING TREAT? Plumps naso-labial folds, smooths chicken pox and acne scars, helps to refine enlarged pores, stimulates blood flow for brightening of dull skin, improves fine lines and wrinkles, improves dark spots and sun damage.
MICRONEEDLING DOES NOT TREAT: any skin abnormality deemed suspicious by your MD, active and or inflamed acne, any abnormality diagnosed by a medical professional as malignant.
HOW MANY MICRONEEDLING TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? Although 1 treatment boasts tremendous benefits, a series of 2-3 treatments at a minimum of 6 weeks intervals is recommended for maximum results, along with a specific homecare program is recommended. A “maintenance” program is also recommended every year, depending on the condition of the skin, lifestyle and homecare.
ARE MY RESULTS GUARANTEED? Results are dependent on client compliance before and after the service, therefore Genevieve Esthetics does not guarantee treatment results.
DOES MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT CARRY ANY RISKS? Any service will carry potential risks. with microneedling, some side effects are but not limited to mild peeling, mild swelling/inflammation, mild redness. Most side effects subside within 48-72 hours.
ARE MICRONEEDLING TREATMENTS COMFORTABLE? The sensation ranges from painless to a ‘prickling’ sensation. Proper numbing is performed prior to service.
DO I HAVE TO DO A SERIES TO GET RESULTS? Series treatment is ideal, but not mandatory as every skin is different. You might be happy with the results of one treatment, or you might only be happy after 12. It all depends on skin health and client compliance before and after the treatment.
WHAT PRODUCT(S) DO YOU RECOMMEND I TAKE HOME FOR OPTIMAL MAINTENANCE? Genevieve will recommend the appropriate post care according to your skin needs.
