Dec 2021, Guide

An Esthetician’s Guide to Microchanneling

December 1, 2021 | by Grace Schindler

What is Microchanneling? Microchanneling is microneedling evolved!

Microchanneling stimulates a more effective rejuvenation with less damage to skin, and more stimulation of stem cells than traditional microneedling. Microchanneling is a form of microneedling that consists of tiny punctures in the top layers of the skin, which can be referred to as “channels”. The tapping technique combined with the nano-sized, stainless steel needles makes this procedure safe for all skin types, the entire Fitzpatrick scale, and most skin conditions.

This process of creating micro injuries stimulates the body’s wound healing response, instead of creating inflammation, it increases stimulation of the skin thus increasing cell turnover, collagen, and elastin production. This repairs the skin from the inside out treating acne, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation (sun damage), minimizing pores, and tightening skin.

The serums I use during the microchanneling treatment contain a high concentration of natural human growth factors derived from human stem cells of healthy adult bone marrow donors. These growth factors support cellular renewal and have potent regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce healing time.

There is a revolution occurring in medicine around the discovery of cytokines and other proteins and the receptors in cellular matrixes related to wound healing and immune function. You want to use an advanced profile of stem cytokines that saturates receptors in the skin with robust, pristine proteins, cytokines & growth factors proven to promote wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and reduce inflammation.

“There is a revolution occurring in medicine around the discovery of cytokines and other proteins and the receptors in cellular matrixes related to wound healing and immune function.”

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,4,6,7,5″ ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]

Microchanneling is unique in that it stimulates this wound healing response and new collagen production by triggering the release of epidermal growth factors, peptides, and cytokines with little actual damage to the skin.

The growth factors found in other skincare products come from a variety of sources, including plants, adipose tissue, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and even snails! However, human stem cells are the only proven type of cells that help detect damaged skin and stimulate the skin’s own regenerative abilities.

By unlocking, and amplifying the bio-signals stem cells send to build fresher healthier skin, Microchanneling creates superior skin rejuvenation results with better science!

How it Works

The skin is numbed with a topical numbing agent containing lidocaine. Then, precision micro-tips are tapped into the skin creating uniform vertical micro-channels. A single pass over the face using the system will create hundreds of thousands of micro-channels. This service can be performed on the face, neck, body, and scalp for hair regeneration and regrowth!

Each micro-channel is surrounded by healthy tissue, which enhances the healing process. In response to each micro injury, an inflammatory healing process begins which initiates the formation of new collagen. Over time, the repeated sessions will continue the healing process and will build new collagen, creating healthier skin, improving the surface texture and the overall appearance of the skin.

The Benefits of Microchanneling with Stem Cell Growth Factors:

Naturalistic Approach to Aging Well, using the skin’s ability to regenerate itself
Firm, Tighten & Tone skin
Smooth Acne Scars
Stimulate Collagen and Elastin Production
Promote Cell Turnover
Hair regrowth
Body scarring, stretch marks

Recovery and Aftercare:

Micro channeling produces maximum stimulation, with minimal inflammation. This balanced approach to skin rejuvenation reduces recovery time while maximizing results! The typical recovery involves just a day or so of mild redness and any evidence that the client had “something done “can be covered with quality mineral makeup within 90 minutes of treatment if needed.

It is suggested to use aftercare products that contain hyaluronic acid and a proprietary Stem Cytokine profile including peptides and growth factors that improve cellular communication during the skin rejuvenation cascade that occurs in the days and weeks after treatment.

How many sessions are needed?

A series of 3-6 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Treatments for hair regrowth should be performed once every week for at least five weeks.

Q: How much should I charge for treatments?

A: Typical prices range from $250 – $500 per treatment, depending on your region.

Q: How many passes should I do?

A: With up to a 90% overlap per stamp, continue to perform passes over each treatment zone until you observe light erythema, sometimes accompanied by pinpoint bleeding. You should always have at least a 50% overlap.

Q: How long is the downtime?

A: As little as 90 minutes. After Microchanneling treatment, wait a minimum of 90 minutes before applying anything else to the skin including sunscreen, makeup, moisturizer, and anything apart from the remainder of the vital of Microchanneling serum. Typically, it takes between 4-72 hours for all redness to disappear. 90 minutes after treatment, clients can apply moisturizers, sunblock, makeup, or other facial products.

Q: How should a client’s face look immediately following a treatment?

A: Anything from minor redness, to a deep red flush, to pinpoint bleeding is normal. As this is a non-ablative procedure, more extreme reactions do not necessarily correspond to better results.

Q: How long before I can expect to see results?

A: The client may notice an improvement in the quality and appearance of their skin within the first 24 hours. After 2-3 treatments improvement of the cellular matrix will produce more consistent and noticeable improvement. And 6 or more treatments may be recommended for laxity and wrinkles. For hair re-growth, some reactivation typically appears within the first two weeks, with noticeable improvement after about 5 weeks.

Q: Are there any contraindications?

A: Avoid Microchanneling with anyone that has a condition that seriously impairs their immune system, such as cancer patients that are undergoing chemotherapy. It is best to stop the use of retinoids at least a day before treatment. Do not perform Microchanneling treatments on pregnant women.

Q: Can I combine this with other treatments?

A: Microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel may be performed immediately before Microchanneling as long as the face is disinfected before Microchanneling. Do not perform any procedures that involve the use of any topical solutions immediately following Microchanneling. LED light therapy is typically the only treatment recommended post-microchanneling.

Q: Do I have to use the Microchanneling solution / aftercare serums?

A: Microchanneling stimulates the body to release peptides, cytokines and growth factors that induce collagen production. As the aging process continues, 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, you want to ensure the skin continuously receives potent, robust, pristine peptides, cytokines, and growth factors even in between treatments. Results will be good with Microchanneling only, but great with serums.

Microchanneling is an advanced microneedling treatment to provide to your clients that produces amazing results with little downtime and is a value you can add to your practice and a great stream of revenue for you as an Esthetician!

[/ihc-hide-content]