IS THE STUDIO INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY APPROVED AND EQUIPMENT SAFE?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. We only work with single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means each set-up for a new client is safely discarded afterwards. Each of our stations are thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day according to the Interior Health Authority’s standards. We are blood borne pathogens certified & approved by the Interior Health Authority.

IS MICRO-NEEDLING THE SAME AS COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY (CID) OR MICRO-CHANNELING?

Yes, micro-needling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy and is a type of micro channeling. During a micro-needling treatment we use special needles to puncture the skin in a specific depth. This triggers a wound healing process which utilizes growth factors that instruct the body to develop new, healthy, younger looking skin.

IS MICRO-NEEDLING PAINFUL?

To ensure maximum comfort during the procedure we use a topical numbing with 5% Lidocaine prior and during your procedure. Since pain tolerance and sensitivity varies individually, we can’t say exactly how it will feel for you. We use the highest quality medical grade micro-needling devices & needles to ensure we create the least possible amount of trauma to the skin and as a result this treatment hurts significantly less than all the other unregulated micro-needling devices on the market which do not comply to medical standards. You may experience more sensitivity if the procedure is performed during or near your menstrual cycle.

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

Appointments for micro-needling can only be made via our online booking system. We do not book in person, over the phone, or via email. On the rare occurrence that you are for some reason unable to book online, please email Jenna@elevatelash.ca with your desired appointment time and we will make arrangements for you to e-transfer your deposit. Please note that we are a busy studio and as a result it is advised to book your micro-needling appointments at least a month in advance. Two complimentary touch-up treatments are included with your initial micro-needling service, to ensure the studio is available to accommodate the timing of these appointments it is highly recommended to book initial micro-needling appointments and follow-up appointments at the same time.

Most of the questions below are explained and answered in my podcast. Click the photo to listen.

WHAT IS THE MICRO-NEEDLING PROCESS?

Pre Appointment:

For best results, we recommend taking the following precautions prior to your micro-needling appointment:

• Stop using skin thinners (vitamin A, glycolic acids, exfoliation) 2 weeks prior to your appointment

• Do not consume alcohol, caffeine or blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Niacin, etc.) 48 hours before your procedure.

• Avoid sun/ tanning bed exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the tattoo pigment with it

• Some cosmetic procedures should be completed prior to your series of facial micro-needling appointments (if desired): eyebrow waxing and shaping (2 days in advance), eyebrow tinting (1 week in advance), any permanent make-up (6 weeks in advance) and cosmetic Botox or fillers (3 weeks in advance).

Appointment Day:

Consultation: (15 min)

Your micro-needling technician will consult with you about the areas of wrinkles, stretch marks or scarring you have.

Numbing: (20 min)

We want you to be as comfortable as possible! Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic (5% lidocaine ointment) is applied. We have actually had clients fall asleep during procedures, so don’t get nervous!

Micro-Needling: (Duration dependant on service areas) Your micro-needling technician will address wrinkles, scarring and stretch marks with micro-needling.

Post Appointment Healing: Your freshly micro-needled skin will experience a few normal mild side effects (slight redness, tightness, itchiness), which clients compare to the feeling of sunburn. After 24-48 hours, swelling and redness should subside. The full, deep healing process takes a full 6 weeks; during this time a mineral sunscreen should be used daily and excessive sun/tanning exposure limited. Long-term aftercare is crucial for the longevity of your results. Check out our After Care page for more information.

IS THERE DOWNTIME FOR THIS TREATMENT?

After a micro-needling treatment, the treated area will be tender with mild redness that should diminish within a day or two. It is extremely important that you do not work out or sweat for 2 days afterwards and limit your sun/UV exposure.

WHAT CAN MICRO-NEEDLING DO FOR MY SKIN?

Micro-needling is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkling or scarring- while improving the texture of skin for a tighter, more youthful appearance.

While micro-needling cannot stop the hands of time and is unlikely to completely erase all signs of skin damage, micro-needling remains one of the most effective non-surgical ways to improve the look of scarring, stretch marks and wrinkles.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF MICRO-NEEDLING?

When done right, micro-needling is one of the most well-tolerated anti-aging treatments available. However, risks do exist:

Pain

Slight burning, scratchy and irritated sensation. 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 the client should notify their clinic immediately.

Persistent Redness, Itching, and/or Swelling

These are normal symptoms that rarely persists longer than 24 hours. Treatments received less than 4 weeks apart may induce prolonged symptoms.


Allergic Reaction/Granulomas

Micro-needling increases penetration of topical substances, therefore may cause hypersensitivity to products. Minimize the risk by using topicals made for micro-needling (broken skin barriers).

Infections/Cellulitis

Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can occur anytime the integrity of the skin is compromised. To reduce this risk avoid touching the treated area with unwashed hands.

Pigment Change

Failure to follow post treatment instructions can raise the risk for hyperpigmentation. You MUST avoid excessive sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks after a micro-needling treatment. Do not apply sunscreen for 48 hours post treatment. After the skin has calmed down begin to wear a daily SPF (“sun protection factor” – 15 and up) and facial moisturizer.

Scarring

In rare cases scarring may occur. To minimize the risk, Avoid picking or peeling the skin during the healing period and follow all aftercare instructions. It is important you do not undergo this treatment if you are prone to Keloid scarring because thickened or Keloid scars may result.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICRO-NEEDLING AND MESO-THERAPY?

At this moment we are only offering micro-needling at Elevate Lash Lounge Inc. Meso-therapy is a less effective form of skin needling- it aids in the absorption of hyaluronic acid & serums like in micro-needling but it does not penetrate deep enough into the skin to provide the medically proven benefits that micro-needling does.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

Results will vary depending on skin type, lifestyle, UV exposure and the immediate and long-term aftercare of your micro-needling treatment. Micro-needling initiates a natural healing process that requires more than one treatment. We recommend 3 consecutive treatments spaced 6 weeks apart for optimal results (see our WHY DERMAROLLER? Page for before & after).

CAN I GET A MICRO-NEEDLING TREATMENT WHILE I’M PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING?

In compliance with Interior Health Authority recommendations, Elevate Lash Lounge Inc. will not administer micro-needling treatments to any clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you discover you are pregnant and have an appointment scheduled, please notify us so we can reschedule and make future arrangements.

IS IT SAFE TO GET MICRO-NEEDLING IF I’M ON ACCUTANE?

No. We will not administer micro-needling treatments to anyone who is on Accutane, as the medication places you at risk for hypersensitivity, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Your skin will need 12 months to normalize prior to getting micro-needling, permanent make-up or cosmetic tattooing.

WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS MAKE IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO RECEIVE A MICRO-NEEDLING TREATMENT?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and you are unsure if micro-needling is unsafe for you we recommend you consult your doctor before booking your treatments. For the safety of our clients, under no circumstance can we administer micro-needling treatments to individuals with the following:

  • Cardiac disease

  • Pregnancy

  • Chemotherapy or radiation

  • Skin Cancer

  • Keloid Scarring

  • Accutane (wait 12 months)

  • HIV

As well as individuals with the following active skin conditions:

  • Acne (to avoid the spread of bacteria)

  • Rosacea

  • Infection of any type - Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

  • Fresh sunburn

  • Recent chemical peel procedure

WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT MY DOCTOR BEFORE MICRO-NEEDLING?

Consult your treating physician if you have or could have any other the following:

• Blood thinner medications

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Collagen Vascular Disease (lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis) - the immune system causes inflammation in the collagen and nearby joints

• Bleeding disorders, haemophilia - impairs the body's ability to make blood clots

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Keloid/hypertrophic scaring

• Severe telangiectasia or spider veins, erythema or bruising (which can be an indication of increased blood flow to the area)

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