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FNT: Skin treatment aims needles at wrinkles, acne
When Princess Aurora accidentally pricked her finger with a needle, she fell into a slumber and became the Sleeping Beauty we all came to know.
I on the other hand deliberately had 12 needles prick my face last month with the hopes of being even half the beauty this fairy tale princess is. Here’s another account of my beauty and anti-aging guinea pigging, this time in the form of Fractional Needling Therapy.
Microneedling
I came across a flyer from a clinic and the Fractional Needling Therapy (FNT) caught my attention since it is not something offered by either of my two regular dermatologists. The ad described the therapy as “using an automated microneedling pen that stimulates the collagen and elastin production of the skin to treat multiple skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, large pores, stretch marks and scars.”
Collagen and elastin production. Wrinkles. Words that were enough to lure me, so I asked for an appointment.
FNT is a doctor-only procedure, so one is required to call ahead of time for an appointment. I was duly accommodated by Flawless Face and Body Center's Dr. Venus Cortez, who gave a thorough explanation of FNT before the procedure. "Fractional Needling Therapy creates controlled skin injury," she said.
"Once the skin is injured, we will put various serums formulated for specific skin needs: retinol for anti-aging, whitening serum for lightening and so on. The controlled injury allows the formula to deeply penetrate layers of the skin," Cortez added.
One may ask, how is controlled injury achieved? Simple! By puncturing the skin with twelve microneedles embedded in a device called the microneedling pen. Ouch.
Procedure
I was advised not to apply any sunblock, makeup or cream before the procedure. The aestheticians then cleansed my face and applied a numbing cream on it which stayed on for 45 minutes. Then the anesthesia was cleaned off and Dr. Cortez took over to administer the needling.
The microneedling pen perforated my skin in a specific pattern. The dermatologist began on my forehead in a circular motion, applying the retinol serum alternately. She asked if I felt any pain—and during her first pass, I did not. Then she decided to increase the setting so that the needles penetrated deeper, and that was when I started feeling the prick and sting.
Blood also began to appear on the skin surface, but not enough to drip. This regimen continued on the rest of my face and I felt discomfort on sensitive areas such as the cheekbones and jawline. Regularly, the doctor asked me if I needed to rest or if I wanted her to decrease the needles’ seepage. The FNT lasted for an hour and a half, including the wait time for the anesthesia.
Post-procedure
The doctor strictly said not to wash the face for eight hours after the procedure. Make-up was also not allowed—or minimized if it cannot be completely avoided—for two days. The use of sunblock was emphasized and an antibiotic cream was prescribed to expedite healing.
I was red as red can be. There were no scars, no scaling, but there was a bit of swelling. As for my skin, the tightness was immediately felt and a day after, it was noticeably supple. Skin redness subsided completely after five days. And as the days progressed, the skin rejuvenation became more obvious.
For optimal results, patients are required to do multiple sessions with intervals of two to four weeks, as assessed by the doctors.
And if you’re like this author, who subscribes to various laser treatments, full disclosure must always be given before every procedure. This ensures that no conflict is caused among therapies and to manage expected outcome.
“Each patient, each skin is different. Response to FNT varies per individual,” said Dr. Cortez.
Cost
FNT is offered at several local skin centers such as Let’s Face It and Belo Medical Clinics. At Flawless, it was priced at P4,500 per session. — BM, GMA News
