Innopen

Innopen is a method of microneedling - a skin treatment which causes the skin to produce new collagen for better skin renewal.

Previously, this renewal was achieved using an implement known as the Dermaroller, but thanks to the Innopen, there is now a superior alternative.

Innopen differs from Dermaroller in the way it comes into contact with the skin. Dermaroller presses needles into the skin with a handheld wheel-like device. If you imagine the roll of a wheel, these needles will hit the skin at such an angle that the puncture wound is stretched as the needle is removed and the wheel continues its rotation. This means that while it delves into the dermis with an injury the size of pinprick, it leaves a surface wound the shape of an inverted triangle - sometimes 3 or 4 times the size necessary. That means more noticable wounds as you heal and a longer recovery time.

Innopen, on the other hand, is a medical grade needle-pen which enters the skin vertically, and at varied depths. This enables the microneedles to plunge deep into the dermis, creating much smaller (but equally effective) punctures.

Innopen creates intended and controlled injury to the skin, treating your body to a gradual, but consistent regeneration of collagen over an expanse of time.

Innopen is safe to use all over the body, but is most commonly applied to the face, neck, décolletage, hands, abdomen and back. This means that the list of what Innopen can improve upon is vast. Innopen will decrease fine lines and wrinkles, improve overall skin texture/tone; plump and lift areas of sagging; brighten the face, facilitate better absorption of products into the skin, and even be used to encourage the growth of hair in areas of hair loss.

Results obtained from Innopen treatment are permanent* and offer immediate visible improvement. The treated skin will then continue to improve even more over the course of 6 weeks as new collagen fibres develop.

How many sessions of Innopen you may require is, of course, subject to what is discussed at your consultation, as well as your skin concerns and severity of the case presented.

Innopen treatment should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete, although this does not include any additional time required for the processing of anaesthetic cream. This stage will likely add an extra 30-60 minutes to the treatment time in total, but is recommended in order to make the treatment more comfortable.

Due to the body's immune response, Innopen results in moderate redness and inflammation. This is a perfectly normal reaction to treatment and the body is naturally equipped to keep the area disinfected as well as clear of debris. In some patients, this debris flushing mechanism can lead to a small breakout of pimples as the body works to flush itself of toxins. This will pass, and is no cause for concern.

For the first few days, skin typically feels quite tight and dry. This is because the skin has been made far more absorbent, just like a sponge, and will take in any moisture instinctively.

You are advised to keep the area away from particularly harsh products and direct sun exposure during this stage, as the skin is particularly delicate, and normal skincare may be resumed shortly after this.

Redness can linger for up to 3 days, post-treatment, but can be easily concealed with mineral makeup if necessary.

There is no medical requirement to forego work in the name of Innopen; you are free to return to work as soon as you feel comfortable.