Microchanneling: What it is, Benefits, Costs and Results
As part of our ongoing efforts to research and bring our clients new skincare treatments, products and modalities, we are delighted to announce that we are now offering microchanneling treatments with the Procell MD system. Microchanneling is similar to microneedling in that both treatments activate the skin’s wound-healing process leading to increased collagen production. The Procell MD system allows us to offer medical-grade skin remodeling treatments that bring better results in fewer sessions and treatments that are faster with less discomfort and downtime. This system upgrade also features a uniquely beneficial proprietary topical serum for treatment and home use that repairs your skin at the cellular level.
Microchanneling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that generates new collagen and elastin production within the layers of the skin to improve the appearance and health of the skin. Microchanneling involves using a device with thin wire filaments to make tiny holes in the top layer of the skin to create a controlled wound which stimulates the body’s wound healing response. This wound healing cascade involves a big boost to the body’s production of collagen and elastin, proteins that keep the skin firm and smooth. Unlike harsher treatments such as more advanced chemical peels, microchanneling doesn’t impact or disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. In particular, it is a very safe technique for deeper skin tones, where risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is very high with other techniques that damage the epidermis. Microchanneling can also be done on clients with mild rosacea and acne.
Improvement with hooded eyelid, fine lines, deeper wrinkles and pigmentation.
What conditions are best treated by microchanneling?
Procell MD microchanneling can help improve common skin conditions (on most areas of the body) including:
Fine lines & wrinkles
Uneven skin tone & texture
Enlarged pores
Acne
Rosacea
Dull complexion
Skin laxity (loose skin)
Scars (both surgical and acne)
Stretch marks
Most people get microchanneling on their face, but you can also have the treatment done on your legs, back, neck or other areas where you notice damaged or aging skin, or scarring. You’ll need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.
Scar from skin reduction surgery before and after.
How is a microchanneling session with b theory different from what other esthetician’s offer?
Brooke and Leigh are both certified in Procell Microchanneling treatments. We ensure the highest quality experience for our clients through proper client education before and after treatment, strict sanitization protocols and our commitment to on-going training and education to ensure proper treatments. We include a 30-minute Celluma LED light therapy session to further increase the body’s production of collagen and elastin, while reducing inflammation from the treatment, after each microchanneling treatment.
Scarring and hyperpigmentation before and after.
Are there risks or side effects associated with microchanneling?
Microchanneling is generally considered to be a safe procedure with very few risks and side effects. In addition to redness and some swelling right after the procedure, it is not unusual to experience some pinpoint bleeding and bruising, especially in areas where the skin is thinner (the upper lip) or where it goes over bone (forehead and jawline). If an area of the face is treated excessively, some scarring may occur. As with any procedure that penetrates the skin, there is a risk for infection. With proper sanitation and use of medical-grade equipment in the treatment room, and when you follow all of the post treatment guidelines at home, we can decrease/eliminate the risk of infection and other potential side effects.
Tightening of loose neck skin before and after. We also see improvement in sun damage.
Does microchanneling hurt?
Microchanneling can be uncomfortable for some people, depending upon the area of the body we are treating. While the treatment goes fairly quickly, lasting about 20-30 minutes, certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others (upper lip, chin, certain areas of the forehead). We apply topical numbing cream for our clients’ comfort during treatment. Microchanneling on other areas of the body for the treatment of scar tissue, stretchmarks and loose skin may also require the use of numbing cream.
Improvement with pore size and areas of hyperpigmentation before and after.
Is there downtime after the procedure?
There is very little to no downtime after microchanneling, and you can return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment. Wearing a high quality zinc-based sunscreen, like the ones offered by Suntegrity or All Good (we carry both of these brands), and a wide-brimmed hat is a must the week following your treatment (and honestly, we recommend that every day here in Colorado). In the days after microchanneling, you might notice that your skin looks and feels sunburned, causing minor discomfort, burning, tightness or swelling, and these symptoms usually clear in a few days to a week. These are all good indicators that your body is in a wound-healing cycle, boosting the production of collagen and elastin to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some people also have dry, flaking skin that improves with the application of a moisturizer or soothing skin oil.
Your post treatment skincare regimen is essential for optimal results and we customize that regimen based upon your skin’s unique needs. We do recommend treating your skin with a gentle enzyme exfoliator seven days after treatment to help slough off the dry, flaking skin (Green Envee’s Illuminate Enzyme Cleanser is a client favorite), followed by a hydrating peptide mask to nourish your skin (Firm Collagen Gel Masque from Green Envee).
Improvement with sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles before and after.
Will I need more than one treatment and how soon will I see results?
Most people need multiple microchanneling treatments (we highly recommend starting with a series of 4 treatments), usually about 4 weeks to 6 weeks apart. It can take 3-6 months to see results. The final results cannot be viewed immediately because new collagen continues to be laid down for approximately 3–6 months after treatment is completed. Following a treatment series, we recommend a maintenance treatment once per year or as needed in specific areas. The research shows that the results of a series of microchanneling treatments continue to improve for 3-5 years - now that’s impressive!
What are the contraindications for microchanneling?
There are conditions that are contraindications for microchanneling. They include:
Active cancer and people undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy;
Use of certain acne medications, including Accutane;
Certain blood disorders or the use of anticoagulant medication;
Frequent skin rashes such as contact dermatitis;
Keloid scarring tendency without the support of a dermatologist; and
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may be contraindications depending upon the location of the condition.
What about the cost?
Brooke put together this cost comparison to show you how safe, effective and affordable microchanneling is in comparison to injections, chemical peels and laser treatments.
Cost comparison between microchanneling, chemical peels, filler, lasers and injections.
Is it safe to do microchanneling (or microneedling) at home?
We say “no” for many reasons, and not just because offering microchanneling treatments is a way for us to earn our living. We are deeply committed to the health and safety of our clients and we unfortunately see the damaging results from home treatments that are done improperly. Improper microchanneling can lead to any or all of the following:
Increased capillary breakage
Scarring and the build up of scar tissue, rather than healthy new skin
Infection
Too frequent treatments impact the skin’s wound healing cascade thereby negating beneficial results
Not getting expected results expected due to improper tools, technique and inability to appropriately reach areas of need
Microchanneling can be safely performed year round. We are fully stocked with pre- and post- care skin products to help ensure that you get the best results from your series. We are always available to help answer any questions you may have about microchanneling or any of our other skincare treatments. Your amazing microchanneling results are just one click away: