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POSTED UNDER Microneedling REVIEWS

Third and Last Treatment of Collagen PIN/Microneedling - California, CA

ORIGINAL POST

The last two years have wreaked havoc on my skin....

lwash143
$1,501
The last two years have wreaked havoc on my skin. I have always had acne, but the last two years it seemed to become severe. Now that I have my acne more under control (not fully) all that is left is the aftermath which I feel has hurt my self esteem more than the acne itself. I have every kind of acne scar you can imagine: rolling, icepick, boxcar, acne marks. Large pores.

They have taken a huge toll on my self esteem and I just want to be able to go out in public again without makeup and feel confident. The first thing I do now a days is compare my skin to the person in front of me or even near me. Everytime it feels like everyone else's skin looks flawless and mine looks like trash. It feels likes a stab in my heart and to my self esteem everytime I make this comparison. I constantly ask myself "why me?"

I just finished my 3rd and final treatment of Collagen PIN/Microneedling at $500 a session. **Please note: this was not done with PRP. My dermatologist had recommended I do 6 sessions, but I've already broken the bank over three, so I will not be doing anymore. It's sooo expensive.
Each session has been 5-6 weeks apart. My first session was done in March.

I will be honest. I haven't really noticed a huge difference from the first two treatments, yet, but somehow I remain hopeful. I have been told-- and I have read-- that it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to see true results so I'm wishful thinking on that.

They put a numbing cream on my face and leave it on for about 45 minutes each time. The procedure itself seems to last about 20 minutes.

I wish I had better before pictures to show you guys, but unfortunately, I don't. I will keep you all updated on how the results come out moving forward. Say a little prayer for me.

Replies (23)

June 7, 2017
Are you doing anything diet wise? Or internally to help heal your skin. What are you using after your procedures. After care is a critical step in healing your skin. Washing with cold water only. Watch the ingredient in each product you use in your face as well.
June 7, 2017
I recently started microneedling called dermafrac. It doesn't need numbing as it is superficial but as it is done a solution tailored to your need(hydrating. Brightening. Anti aging)is infused in your skin. I also go microdermabrasion before my microneedling which seemed to make a much better smoothing effect.
June 7, 2017
I have almost completely cut out dairy, I will sometimes have string cheese before going to the gym and that's about it and the only meat I really eat is Chicken Breast. Occasionally I will consume red meats. I'd say 2-3 a month. I was using a hyaluronic acid serum as after care before, but I refrained for 4 days from using it this time around because I believe the Vitamin C and Vitamin E in the serum is what caused such bad scabbing post my 2nd treatment. This time around I used Neutrogenas Hyaluronic Gel only for the first 4 days with cetaphil facial cleanser and I've had barely any scabbing. I'm now using the hyaluronic serum from my dermatologist again now on day 4. My dermatologist was not extremely clear on aftercare and that is unfortunate. They told me to use the serum they carry, but again, I think because of said Vitamins that are included in it that it is a bad idea post after care.
June 7, 2017
I washed with very tepid water. It wasn't cold, but it is definitely not hot or even warm.
June 7, 2017
I am on Duac in the am and Tretinoin 0.1% when I am not in the pre-op/post op time periods. I have been on both Duac and Tretinoin for about 5-6months now.
June 13, 2017
Can't wait to see your results in the future! My derm told me you should start seeing results 3 weeks post treatment and the collagen will continue to produce for 3 months post procedure :)
Ps. I really relate to your comments about comparing your skin to everyone you see.
I do that every time I leave the house! I can't stand how smooth and full everyone's face looks compaired to mine. I feel like I can't even wear makeup because it makes the texture even worse.
I'm doing microneedling treatments as well...fingers crossed !
June 17, 2017
I hope it works out well for you! Best of luck to you and everything in your life!
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June 13, 2017
I have been alternating TCA at home peels at 40% original strength diluted by half--making it a 20% TCA. I then wait two weeks for peeling and use an at home micro needle pen I bought and numbing gel. If you plastic wrap over the numb gel it works at numbing much better. I just rinse my face really well before I needle. From these two I find that my pick marks were improved the most from the needling and the peel is a miracle for discolorations. As far as comparing yourself to others goes, I'd be the girl next to you thinking of how much prettier you are than me--we all do it. You just can't hear what the other strangers are thinking. We automatically assume it's awful. You're a really beautiful girl. I mean really really beautiful features that people would buy. I hope you see it one day. ❤️
June 14, 2017
She's so right!!
June 17, 2017
Thank you so much I really needed to hear this!! I've been emotionally drained over this for far too long! I appreciate you and wish you the best and im sure you have beautiful features too -- that like me-- you just don't want to admit.
June 14, 2017
It does take some time... as your heals Itsefl from the "mini wounds" is when it's repairing, and building collagen and elastin. Give yourself a few months, while also being consistent with using a good skin care system with quality branded Viamin A... Vit C serums.... maybe Mandel is acid as well. Good luck!
June 17, 2017
Thank you! My hyaluronic acid serum contains Vitamins A, C, E & Co-Q10 -- do you know what the Co-Q10 is for?
June 14, 2017
Hello! I can see a 30% improvement in texture. Keep up lots of high spf and maybe continue a dermal roller at home a few times a week with a good serum. Collagen takes a few months to build so you'll probably see a great deal of improvement in the next 6-8 weeks.
June 17, 2017
I hope you are right! Thank you!
UPDATED FROM lwash143
14 days post

14 Days Post 3rd Treatment

lwash143
Hi Everyone. I wanted to post an update. Here is my face two weeks post my 3rd treatment. I've been using my hyaluronic acid serum 2x daily and my Tretinoin .01% and Duac sparingly -- Tretinoin 2-3 time a week and Duac 3-4x a week. My skin does look better/smoother with makeup on but my pores are still big and I haven't seen a huge improvement in scarring but I have seen a little. I'm starting to think the inverted scars in my face will never go away and maybe it's just something i need to learn to accept. Hopefully I continue to see more dramatic results in the next month. I will post another update in 2 weeks.

Thank you for all your input and feedback.

Replies (1)

June 21, 2017
looks really nice! the texture of you skin is to die for! looks really smooth :) hope mine can look as nice as yours one day.
UPDATED FROM lwash143
14 days post

I wanted to post an better closer pic of my bad side.

lwash143
This is 14 days post treatment on my left side which is my biggest problem. Sigh. Again I'll post another update in 2 week.

Replies (7)

June 17, 2017
Thanks for posting. I've had 3 tx with prp. The last just 4 days ago, so I'm still in the dryness phase. I'm 53, and relate to your situation. I didn't have acne issues till my 20s and even today I a couple times a year have a breakout or two. Mine were more cystic leading to the scars I'd like to minimize. I see minimal improvement so far but hoping collagen will continue to build. I want to say, though I still am self-conscious at times, that you do get to an age where you realize everyone is focused on themselves and most do not judge you by your imperfections if you are happy, kind and considerate..then that is what others will see in you. It IS hard thinking Why Me, but put your focus on others and happiness will follow. Good luck!
June 23, 2017
"hough I still am self-conscious at times, that you do get to an age where you realize everyone is focused on themselves and most do not judge you by your imperfections if you are happy, kind and considerate..then that is what others will see in you." That is so beautiful and well said. As much as Iove and value this site, I think that's a message worth spreading :)
June 20, 2017
Hello! I am a firm believer in microneedling for the skin, however what you are paying per treatment is so expensive, no wonder you are frustrated. Just FYI there are devices you can buy for at home use, with needle cartridges for only a few hundred dollars. Lidocaine is also available online and you could continue treatements at home for a fraction of what you are paying to have this done.
Microneedling WILL help your problem - but it will take some time. Treatments are normally done 4 weeks apart and you need to be using a good hyaluronic acid and growth factor after the treatment to boost your collagen. Get a device of your own, and some product and continue your treatments at home :-)
June 22, 2017
Hi Olivia! I'm going to start professional microneedling treatment next week and would like to know which hyaluronic acid and growth factor you recommend. I am looking to improve an indented linear surgical scar. Thanks for the info :)!!
June 23, 2017
The serums I like to use are PCA Hyaluronic Acid Serum, TNS Essential Serum, Dr. Brandt Power C. Make sure you get the powered devices with disposable needle cartridges, not the roller type - those are very old technology, tear at the skin, don't work well and are prone to bacteria.
July 28, 2017
Hi, have you seen any further improvements now you're another month on? I just had my first microneedling session yesterday and was told it would be up to 12 weeks AFTER my last session (I plan to have 4) before I see the true results. Thanks!
June 4, 2018
Hi .. I also had the same treatments 6 days ago . My face has already peel off but there's still hyperpigmentation on my whole face . Is this normal based on your experience ?