Microneedling

Dr. Gina Neonakis is a naturopathic doctor that offers professional grade microneedling as part of her services.

Microneedling is the process of using very fine needles to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin. These micro traumas stimulate the natural repairing process in the body which increases cell turnover and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Our body naturally loses collagen as we age. By stimulating its production we can improve the appearance, tone and texture of the skin.

Microneedling can be used on any skin tone, anywhere on the body. It’s most commonly used on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, hands or for scars or stretch marks.

Your treatment is tailored for you, based on your unique concerns and skin goals. The downtime is minimal, with most people experiencing redness for 24 hours or less.

The device used is SkinPen, which is one of the only FDA and Health Canada approved devices for microneedling. It is professional grade and only used by practitioners, and has the highest effectiveness and safety standards.

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What does microneedling help with?

This helps with concerns such as:

  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Stretch marks
  • Injury scars
  • Discoloration
  • Improves skin texture and tone

For microneedling fees, click here. To book an appointment, click here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many sessions will I need?

Treatments are often booked 1 month apart, with optimal results often seen after 3-6 sessions. 

Does microneedling hurt?

During your session, a medical grade numbing cream will be applied to the skin for 30 minutes prior to microneedling. Therefore, you should not feel pain during your session. 

What is the down time to recover?

Typically, only 24 hours is needed after a treatment, as the needles are only penetrating the top layer of skin. Often times, the skin will be red afterwards and resemble a mild sunburn. 

Is microneedling covered under my extended health benefits?

It can be! It’s best to check with your insurance company. Often times when microneedling is performed by a Naturopathic Doctor, you can submit some of the cost under your naturopathic extended health benefits. 

How long do I need to discontinue my acne products for?

It is best to avoid retinol containing products for 24 hours before your procedure.

Afterwards, you will want to avoid retinol, glycolic acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for 1 week as the micro-channels are closing. We can discuss bringing these back earlier depending on the case.

Can I be on Accutane while doing microneedling?

It is best to avoid accutane within the 6 months prior to microneedling sessions, as this medication can dry out and thin the skin making it more fragile. 

What if I have active acne?

If acne is mild, we can go around these lesions. If moderate to severe, we will want to provide treatments to reduce your acne before scheduling microneedling for acne scarring. Dr. Gina focuses on treating acne through individual approaches, so booking a naturopathic visit would be the best place to start.

What is the difference between professional microneedling vs a medispa?

There are a lot of different microneedling devices on the market, many of which are poor quality and provide inconsistent results. With cheaper devices, the depth of insertion is not consistent which can lead to poor treatment results. In some cases, the needles are poor quality or are bent which can tear and can damage the skin. SkinPen uses precision stamping, meaning the depth of insertion is exactly what is expect every time. The needles are sharp and never cause tearing. It is one of the most safe and effective microneedling devices on the market, providing optimal results.