SKIN TREATMENT
SKIN MICRONEEDLING
skIn TREATMENT
A gentle way to help your skin renew itself
Dr. Chao offers skin microneedling in Vancouver. It is a treatment that helps with fine lines, wrinkles, scars, acne scars, and dull or uneven skin. It works by waking up your skin's own repair system so it makes more collagen.
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm, smooth, and strong. As we get older, our skin makes less of it. Scars and acne can also leave the skin bumpy or uneven. Microneedling helps your skin build fresh collagen again.
Microneedling uses a small device with very fine needles. The needles make tiny, controlled pricks in the top layers of the skin. Your skin sees these tiny marks as small injuries. It starts to heal itself right away. As it heals, it makes new collagen and new, healthy skin.
The tiny pricks also make small channels in the skin. These channels help a serum soak in deeper than it could on its own.
Two serum choices: hyaluronic acid or exosomes
Dr. Chao can use a serum with your microneedling treatment. There are two choices.
✔ Hyaluronic acid – a natural moisture magnet that holds water in the skin. It helps skin feel soft, plump, and hydrated.
✔ Exosomes – tiny messengers that your body naturally makes. They carry signals that tell skin cells how to heal and build new collagen. Think of them like tiny delivery trucks.
Dr. Chao will help you pick the serum that fits your skin and your goals at your cosmetic consultation.
What can it help with?
✔ Fine lines and wrinkles – to help skin look smoother and firmer.
✔ Acne scars – to help soften dents and bumps in the skin.
✔ Other scars – to help improve the look and feel of some scars.
✔ Skin texture and tone – to help rough, dull, or uneven skin look fresher.
✔ Skin rejuvenation – to wake up collagen and give skin a healthy glow.
Here's how it works:
✔ Dr. Chao looks at your skin and talks with you about your goals.
✔ Your skin is cleaned, and numbing cream may be used to keep you comfortable.
✔ The microneedling device is gently moved over your skin to make tiny channels.
✔ Your chosen serum, hyaluronic acid or exosomes, is applied so it can sink in.
✔ Your skin heals and builds new collagen over the next weeks and months.
Skin microneedling is:
✔ Non-surgical – there is no cutting and no long recovery.
✔ Natural-looking – it works with your skin's own healing, so results look like "you."
✔ Doctor-delivered – Dr. Chao does your treatment himself. It is not handed off to a nurse or technician.
✔ Made just for you – your plan is based on your hair loss, health history, and goals.
✔
For men and women – and for all skin tones.
Can microneedling be paired with other treatments?
Yes. Dr. Chao may suggest microneedling along with
wrinkle relaxers, the
LaseMD Ultra laser, or medical-grade skincare. For raised scars, he may suggest
steroid injections. He will build a plan that fits you at your consultation.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is skin microneedling?
It is a treatment that uses a device with very fine needles to make tiny, controlled pricks in the skin. This tells your skin to heal itself and make new collagen. Over time, skin can look smoother, firmer, and more even.
What can microneedling treat?
It is used for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, some other scars, rough skin texture, and dull or uneven skin. It is also used for general skin rejuvenation.
What is collagen, and why does it matter?
Collagen is a protein that gives skin its strength and bounce. When skin makes less collagen, lines and wrinkles can show up. Microneedling helps your skin make more of it.
What is the difference between hyaluronic acid and exosomes?
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet. It helps hold water in the skin, so skin feels hydrated, soft, and plump. Exosomes are tiny messengers that carry signals to your skin cells. They help skin heal and build collagen. Dr. Chao can help you choose at your consultation.
Do I have to use a serum?
No, but adding a serum can help. Microneedling makes tiny channels in the skin, and the serum can sink in through them. Dr. Chao will talk with you about what is best for your skin.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel mild discomfort, like a light scratching or pressure. Numbing cream is often used to help keep you comfortable. Dr. Chao will talk with you about comfort options before you start.
How many treatments will I need?
Most people need a series of treatments, with time in between so the skin can heal. The number depends on your skin concern, how deep your scars or lines are, and your goals. Dr. Chao will make a plan with you at your consultation.
When will I see results?
Collagen takes time to build. You may notice a healthy glow soon after your skin heals. Smoother skin and softer scars usually show up slowly over weeks to months, and often keep improving after your last treatment.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Every person responds in a different way. Results depend on things like your age, skin type, how deep your scars or lines are, and how well you follow your care plan. Microneedling can improve skin, but it may not fully remove deep scars or wrinkles. Dr. Chao focuses on honest, realistic plans.
Will I need treatments to keep my results?
Skin keeps aging, so maintenance treatments and good skincare can help you keep your results. Dr. Chao will tell you how often to come back.
Is there downtime?
There is a short healing time. Your skin may look pink or red, feel warm or tight, and may feel dry or rough like a mild sunburn. This usually gets better in a few days. Dr. Chao will give you simple care steps to follow at home, including using sunscreen.
What are the risks or side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and short. They can include redness, swelling, dryness, flaking, itching, small bruises, or tiny spots of bleeding. Rarely, there can be infection, a cold sore flare-up, dark spots, or scarring. Dr. Chao will go over your health history to make sure the treatment is safe for you.
Is microneedling safe for all skin tones?
Yes, microneedling can be used on all skin tones. It does not use heat in the same way as some lasers, so it is often a good choice for deeper skin tones. Dr. Chao will plan your treatment with care for your skin type.
Can microneedling treat raised scars or keloids?
Microneedling is best for dents and bumps, like many acne scars. Raised or overgrown scars are treated in other ways, like steroid injections. Dr. Chao will look at your scar and tell you what may help most.
Who should not have microneedling?
Please tell Dr. Chao if you have active acne breakouts, a skin infection, open sores, a history of cold sores, a history of keloid scars, a skin condition in the treatment area, or a bleeding problem. Also tell him if you take blood thinners, have used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past, or have any allergies. Dr. Chao will decide if microneedling is safe for you.
Can I have microneedling while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Microneedling with serums is not recommended if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Please tell Dr. Chao at your consultation.
How much does it cost? Is it covered by MSP?
This is a cosmetic treatment, so it is not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). The cost depends on the area treated, the serum you choose, and your treatment plan. Book a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Chao to learn more.
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