SkinPen®

As we age, changes occur in our skin architecture leading to fine lines, wrinkles and
uneven texture. Collagen induction therapy, also known as microneedling, works by
creating thousands of precise micro-injuries in the skin, triggering new collagen
synthesis. This improves both the structure and appearance of the skin. SkinPen®
uses adjustable length, disposable needles, which allows for differences in skin
types and ensures extra precision.

SkinPen® is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in Dr Collins’ clinic. You can
avail of numbing cream if you wish, but this is often not required. After a thorough
cleanse, a hydrogel product is applied to the skin to allow the SkinPen® to glide
smoothly across the skin. You may experience some mild discomfort during the
treatment, in addition to a small amount of pinpoint bleeding. After the procedure,
specific products are used to maintain a moist wound healing environment that
supports skin recovery. It generally takes 3 months before a physical improvement is
seen and multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired results.

You should discontinue Roaccutane 6-12 months prior to your first SkinPen®
procedure and should not undergo ablative laser resurfacing or deep peels (TCA or
Phenol) for at least 3 months beforehand. Dr Collins will recommend an
individualised skin priming routine, which you should commence 4 weeks prior to
your treatment. During this time, it is also advisable to avoid sun exposure, IPL/laser
skin rejuvenation, AHA, BHA, and vitamin A or TCA medium depth peels. Two
weeks prior to your procedure, continue with your skin priming routine and avoid sun
exposure, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis and IPL/laser hair removal, peels,
facials, microdermabrasion and dermal fillers. One week prior to treatment, continue
with your skin priming routine and avoid sun exposure, anti-wrinkle injections,
cosmetic vitamin A products (3 days prior to treatment), prescription topical vitamin
A, home needling, hair dying or bleaching and exfoliating treatments. It is important
to avoid sun exposure following your treatment so bring along a hat and sunglasses

to the clinic. It is also advisable not to exercise or wear make-up on the day of your
treatment.

The following are expected after your treatment with experiences varying between
individuals:

• Low grade swelling and redness for up to 4 days post treatment
• Mild discomfort subsiding in 24 hours
• Bruising
• Mild crusting for 2-3 days post treatment
• Temporary skin dryness, tightness, itching and a burning sensation
• Skin peeling
• Short term darkening of skin pigmentation followed by lightening

Most patients see a visible improvement after just 3 treatments with SkinPen®. Others require up to 6 treatments to achieve the best possible cosmetic results. Treatments are administered every 4 weeks and the rejuvenating effects last on average 6 months after your last treatment. It is advisable to have 1-2 maintenance treatments per year.

SkinPen® microneedling procedures are generally very well tolerated though, as with any treatment, there are risks involved. These include infection, temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, tram track appearance on the skin, bruising, persistent redness, reactivation of cold sores, acne, allergic granuloma formation, and systemic hypersensitivity.

A single treatment costs $450. A series of 3 treatments, 4 weeks apart is the recommended minimum and, when paid for upfront, is $999. Some patients may require up to 6 treatments to achieve the best possible cosmetic results and, when paid for in advance, this package costs $1800.