Microchanneling
a minimally-invasive procedure designed to stimulate your body’s own natural ability to generate collagen & elastin.
The next generation of microneedling, microchanneling temporarily creates thousands of micro-channels into the skin to trigger the skin's natural healing response. This controlled and superficial injury to the skin causes the skin to repair itself by creating new collagen, elastin, & other building blocks of healthy skin. It also allows topical solutions to absorb 200%-300% more effectively into the living skin below. Increases in collagen and communication levels in the skin facilitate thicker, younger looking skin with minimal downtime.
Conditions We Treat with Microchanneling
Face
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Uneven Texture
Large Pores
Uneven Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation (Sun Spots)
Rosacea
Dull Complexion
Age Spots
Skin Elasticity
Melasma
Scars
Acne
Surgical Scars
C-section
Body
Stretch Marks
Loose Skin
More Conditions
Hair Loss
Stretch Marks
Loose Skin
Boosts Absorption of Skincare Products
Tightens Skin
And More!
The Treatment Process
Microchanneling has emerged as the most sought-after skincare procedure in recent years. This skincare method is one of the secrets to beautiful, healthy, and younger-looking skin. Also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, microchanneling is the advanced version of traditional microneedling skin care treatments. A minimally-invasive technique, microchanneling uses tiny needles to create microscopic punctures into the skin. As these punctures heal, they trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. This process leads to softer wrinkles, smoother skin, and an overall healthier complexion. A serum containing stem cells is introduced via the channels throughout the procedure, supplying the cells with all the nutrients they need to repair and rebuild, producing even more significant outcomes.
Microchanneling is a popular treatment for acne scars, surgery scars and stretch marks. Scar improvement occurs by breaking down the old tissue and fostering the development of healthier skin. When combined with cutting-edge growth factor serums, healing is improved and future signs of aging is diminished.
How Does Microchanneling Work? Let’s break it down…
Microchanneling is next level in the evolutionary development of microneedling. The needles are carefully delivered to the skin using a “stamp” style pattern rather than pushing the device over the skin, which prevents ripping and other skin injuries, allowing for a faster recovery process.
In microchanneling, the skin is exfoliated using tiny wires and microscopic channels. Without hurting or irritating your skin, the technique creates uniform holes the same size and depth throughout the epidermis. During the microchanneling process, a topical stem cell serum is applied to accelerate healing while promoting fast skin regeneration through these newly formed tiny holes. This procedure has been clinically shown to promote the production of collagen and elastin, to help thicken the skin, reduces wrinkles & stretch marks, fix uneven skin tone, nix fine lines, acne scars and other skin imperfections. Patients with acne scars will especially benefit from this. We use only the highest-quality Procell Therapies products here at Saco River Acupuncture & Wellness which enhance the benefits of microchanneling.
It’s the perfect balance of gentle stimulation for your skin to youthfully heal and repair itself, complimented by the infusion of nutritious and vital factors responsible for helping you produce your best skin!
The Benefits Of Microchanneling
Micro-channeling is a minimally invasive method for treating fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, age spots, and acne scars. Unlike other treatments, this skin treatment penetrates the skin’s tissues deeply with active skin care elements. The advantages of microchanneling are listed below:
Reducing The Appearance Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles
One of the most commonly cited benefits of microchanneling is its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because it triggers collagen and elastin production, microchanneling can smooth out existing wrinkles as well as prevent new ones from forming. This makes it a popular choice among people who are looking for a more long-term solution to signs of aging, such as crow’s feet or forehead lines.
Reducing Hyperpigmentation
Another benefit of microchanneling is that it can help reduce hyperpigmentation, which is when certain areas of the skin appear darker than surrounding areas. Microchanneling helps even out pigmentation by breaking up melanin clusters in affected skin cells.
Smoothing Out Rough Or Uneven Skin Texture
Microchanneling can improve the overall texture and appearance of skin by smoothing out rough or uneven areas. This makes it a great choice for people who have acne scarring, stretch marks, or other kinds of blemishes on their face or body.
Reducing Scar Appearance
Many people choose microchanneling as a treatment option for reducing the appearance of scars, such as those caused by acne breakouts. Since it stimulates collagen production in affected areas, microchanneling can help reduce the visible signs of acne scars over time. In some cases, this effect may be noticeable after just one session.
Increasing Product Absorption For Better Skincare Results
Microchanneling does more than just improve the appearance of skin; it also helps skincare products work better. By creating tiny punctures in the outer layers of the skin, microchanneling increases product absorption, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper and provide greater benefits. This can help boost the results you see from other skincare treatments, such as dermaplaning or peels.
Microchanneling vs. Microneedling
The main differences between microchanneling and microneedling are the type of device used to perform the treatment and the technique that is used. A microneedling device involves the use of a handheld roller covered in tiny needles which is dragged over the skin. This method can actually tear the skin.
Our microchanneling device encompasses a linear ‘stamping’ technique, resulting in clean, consistent micro-channels. This reduced tissue damage results in reduced inflammation and substantially decreased discomfort for clients. Reduced inflammation also means less downtime. Typical downtime after a microchanneling treatment is 60-90 minutes, compared to days of downtime with microneedling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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With minimal physical discomfort, most clients are able to do the procedure without any noticeable pain. We do use a numbing cream on most clients to help minimize discomfort. There is no lingering discomfort, and we have a number of strategies we employ to minimize discomfort during treatment. Post-procedure, most people report a “tight” feeling in their skin.
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Microchanneling treatments can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, stretch marks, and rosacea.
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As Procell microchanneling treatments are minimally invasive, they are also safe for all skin types. Whether you are fair-skinned or dark, and even if you experience chronic breakouts, properly conducted microchanneling treatments will not result in hyperpigmentation, keloid scars, or other lasting negative side effects.
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1 Treatment = $400
Package of 4 Treatments = $1400
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Though neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen) can take several weeks, it is not abnormal to notice an improvement in the quality and appearance of your skin within the first 24 hours. After 2-3 treatments a thicker more robust, collagen filled cellular matrix will produce more consistent and noticeable improvement. And 6 or more treatments may be recommended for scarring, laxity and wrinkles.
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The number of microchanneling treatments you may need will depend on the severity of your skin concerns and the results you are hoping to achieve. Most people require a minimum of 4 sessions, spaced about 4 weeks apart. Acne scarring takes an average of 4-6 treatments for best results. A series may be repeated as many times as necessary until the desired effects are achieved. Your skincare specialist can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. To maximize your results, it’s important to follow all post-treatment recommendations, such as avoiding sun exposure and using high-quality skincare products daily. With consistent care and attention, you should begin to see visible improvements in the overall health and appearance of your skin after just two or three sessions.
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Depending on the skin condition and the patient’s age, a microchannelling procedure might last 45-75 minutes.
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The number of microchanneling sessions you need to get to achieve the results you want will vary based on your individual skin condition. Early on in the aging process or for any other issue, 3-4 treatments may be enough to get rid of undesirable fine lines and start to diminish deep wrinkles; while 4-6 treatments are recommended for acne scars. As long as there is enough time between sessions, patients can have as many treatments as they need to get the youthful appearance brought on by microchannelling.
Since each person will experience different results, premium serums and skin care products should be used to improve results across the board.
Following treatment, there may be slight redness, a sense of tight skin, and a brief light sunburn. These irritations progressively subside within a few hours, and in the days after the procedure, one will start to observe a smoothing, lightening, and tightening effect on the skin. The most noticeable difference may be seen up to 15 to 20 days following treatment since the body will be manufacturing collagen in response to the microchanneling procedure.
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ProCell’s Microchannel Delivery Serum contains bone marrow-derived growth factors in a hyaluronic acid suspension. Both of these elements are naturally-occurring in the human body. There are no human, animal, or plant cells, DNA, blood, or any other foreign substances. The product has been used safely and effectively for over a decade.
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Yes, we recommend using Hyaluronic Acid after microchanneling. We give out a small vial after your treatment as part of your take home after-care package.
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We recommend avoiding makeup for 24 hours post procedure if possible.
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Yes, Microchanneling can be used on the neck! The most common areas to have Microchanneling treatments include:
Face, Neck
Décolletage
Top of hands
Stretch Marks
Arms
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No, microchanneling is a safe and effective treatment option that has been shown to have few side effects or risks. Since it uses very fine needles to create tiny punctures in the outer layers of skin, there is little to no risk of damage or scarring. However, it’s important to follow all post-treatment recommendations (including avoiding sun exposure) and only work with qualified skincare specialists who use hygienic practices. With proper care and attention, you can rest assured that microchanneling will help you achieve your desired results without causing any lasting damage.
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If you have any underlying condition that significantly impairs your immune system, it is a good idea to avoid microchanneling. Examples include but are not limited to active radiation or chemotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic inflammatory skin disease, Accutane in the past 2 years, hemophilia or similar bleeding disorder. Anyone taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants should avoid microneedling. Also anyone with stainless steel allergies should not do this treatment. We also discourage treatments for those who are pregnant or nursing.
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Microchanneling stimulates the body to release peptides, cytokines and growth factors that induce collagen production. As you get older, the stem cells that produce these vital proteins lose efficacy and decline in population, so microchanneling alone becomes less and less effective. Because of premature aging, the Microchannel Delivery Serum and the post care Cellular Renewal Serum and Healing Accelerator Serum become more vital to improvement. Use of the ProCell aftercare products ensure the skin continuously receives potent, robust, pristine peptides, cytokines and growth factors even in between treatments. Think of diet and exercise – microchanneling without serums is like exercising without dieting. Results can be good with microchanneling only, but are significantly amplified with serums.
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Microchanneling should be part of your skin health plan. Collagen levels need to be stimulated in order to maintain results. We recommend maintenance treatments once you have reached your desired goal.
