Microneedling FAQs - Norfolk County & Waterford, Ontario

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny, controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin's natural healing response. This process encourages collagen and elastin production, helping improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics in Waterford, Ontario, our microneedling treatments are customized to your unique skin concerns and long-term skincare goals.

The eDermaStamp® by Dermaroller® is ISO13485 certified, meeting all standards for medical-grade equipment in manufacturing, materials, sterile packaging and more. The eDermaStamp needles cartridge is equipped with a special flowback valve that prevents flowback from the needles to the handpiece which totally eliminates any risk of cross-contamination.

At 150 strokes per second, the eDermaStamp can safely glide over the skin without scratching or tearing the skin. Poor quality micro-needling pens which operate at a slower insertion rate (100 to 120 strokes per second) can cause scratches and micro-tears in the tissue as the tip moves across the face. The result can be increased epidermal damage and increased risk of infection.

Where other scar and anti-aging treatments are ablative (destroying tissue), the eDermaStamp® respects the integrity of the epidermis and dermis, using atraumatic (non-traumatic) perforations to gently trigger the generation of new tissue. This device employs the optimal number of needles to maximize effectiveness, safety and comfort.

The eDermaStamp® is also licensed by Health Canada. There are countless imitation products on the market that are not licensed by Health Canada so we recommend you do your research, to protect your health and safety.

You would not be a good candidate for microneedling if:

• You are pregnant. Microneedling can be done when nursing as long as we for go the numbing portion.

• Have a compromised immune system.

• Have Cancer and/or undergoing chemo or radiation treatments.

• Have uncontrolled diabetes.

• Are allergic to stainless steel.

• Have chronic inflammatory skin disease.

• Have Hemophilia or any bleeding disorder.

• Are taking blood thinners.

• Have an active Herpes virus.

• Have taken Accutane within the last year.

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can help improve several common skin concerns, including:

• Acne scarring and certain types of surgical scars

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Enlarged pores

• Uneven skin texture

• Mild skin laxity

• Certain pigmentation concerns

• Dull, aging skin

• Hair loss or thinning

• Body scars

• Stretch marks

Microneedling can be done all over the body, including face, neck, chest, hands, stomach and more.

Yes! Microneedling is an effective treatment for many types of atrophic acne scars, particularly rolling and some boxcar scars. By stimulating collagen production beneath the skin's surface, microneedling can gradually improve the appearance of depressed scars and uneven texture.

Multiple treatments are typically recommended for optimal improvement. During your consultation at Mandelic Medical Aesthetics, we'll assess your skin and determine whether microneedling is the most appropriate treatment for your specific type of acne scarring.

The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns, skin condition, and desired results.

For general skin rejuvenation, a series of approximately 3–4 treatments may be recommended, while more significant concerns such as acne scarring may require 4–6 or more sessions.

Treatments are spaced 6 weeks apart to allow the skin time to recover and remodel collagen. Your treatment plan will be customized following a professional skin consultation.

Most clients experience redness, warmth, tightness, and mild swelling following microneedling, similar to a moderate sunburn.

Redness often improves within 24–72 hours, although some clients may experience dryness, flaking, or sensitivity for several additional days. Deeper treatments may require longer recovery.

We provide detailed post-treatment instructions to help protect your skin and support the healing process.

Microneedling can cause mild to moderate discomfort, depending on the treatment area, needle depth, and individual sensitivity.

Your comfort is an important part of the experience at Mandelic Medical Aesthetics. We will explain what to expect during your appointment and discuss appropriate comfort measures before beginning treatment. We typically numb for 10-15 mins prior to treatment, but it is not required. If you are nursing or want to for go numbing, we can perform microneedling just the same without it.

Some clients notice improvements in skin smoothness and overall appearance as their skin recovers from treatment.

However, collagen remodeling takes time. More noticeable improvements in texture, fine lines, and acne scarring generally develop gradually over several weeks to months.

For longer-lasting improvements, a series of treatments and consistent professional skincare may be recommended.

Both microneedling and chemical peels can improve the appearance of skin texture, fine lines, and certain pigmentation concerns, but they work differently.

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen remodeling, making it particularly beneficial for certain acne scars and textural concerns.

Chemical peels use exfoliating acids or other resurfacing ingredients to improve surface texture, dullness, breakouts, and discoloration.

At our Waterford medical aesthetics clinic, we offer both microneedling and professional resurfacing treatments, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate approach for your skin.

Microneedling can be suitable for a wide range of skin tones and types when performed by a properly trained professional.

However, treatment may need to be postponed or avoided for clients with active skin infections, certain inflammatory skin conditions, impaired healing, or other contraindications.

A thorough consultation helps determine whether microneedling is appropriate for your skin and medical history.

Microneedling isn't just for your face! This versatile, collagen-stimulating treatment can be performed on various areas of the body to improve skin texture, firmness, scarring, stretch marks, and visible signs of aging.

Common treatment areas include:

• Face: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture.

• Neck & Décolletage: Fine lines, crepey skin, and loss of firmness.

• Abdomen: Stretch marks, scarring, and skin texture concerns.

• Thighs & Hips: Stretch marks and uneven skin texture.

• Arms: Crepey skin, scarring, and textural irregularities.

• Back & Shoulders: Acne scarring and uneven skin texture.

• Hands: Fine lines and visible signs of aging.

At Mandelic Medical Aesthetics in Waterford, Ontario, we customize microneedling treatments based on your skin concerns, treatment area, and individual goals. A consultation helps determine whether microneedling is appropriate for your skin and which areas can be safely treated.

Proper preparation can help reduce unnecessary irritation and support recovery. Read below for more details :

• Off Accutane 12 months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.

• Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 3-5 days prior to your treatment.

• Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.

• Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.

• No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 3-5 days prior.

• Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before your appointment.

• If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment.

• Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior because bruising is a common side effect of microneedling.

• All injections such as Botox and filler must be done at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.

Following microneedling, your skin will be temporarily more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation.

Depending on your treatment depth and individualized aftercare instructions, you may need to temporarily avoid the below:

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications for one week after the procedure.

• Do not use ice on your face, and avoid using arnica/bromelain. These may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that’s critical for your skin rejuvenation.

• Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. After 24 hours, always use SPF and wear a hat if you’re outside.

• Do not touch treated areas with your hands, cellphone etc. Irritations from these sources can cause an allergic reaction or possible acne breakout.

• Avoid exposure to pet dander, cat litter and other irritants for 24 hours. You may experience a mild allergic reaction to pets and other things you don’t typically react to. If this happens you can take antihistamines as needed if tolerated.

• Before going to bed replace your pillowcases with clean, fresh ones.

• Avoid steaming, sweating or excess water near the treatment area for the first 24 hrs.

• Your skin may feel hot, tight and itchy like a mild sunburn.

• Redness and swelling is normal and will generally clear up between 1-3 days.

• Mild skin sloughing may occur for a few days after your treatment. Moisturizing OFTEN will help minimize this.

• Mild acne and milia can happen. Avoid picking at this and it will clear up in a few days.

• Trans epidermal water loss is a common temporary side effect and may leave you feeling dry for the first week. Drink lots of water.