MICRONEEDLING WITH GROWTH FACTORS

Editorial assistant Connie Cooper visited EF Medispa for a session of microneedling combined with growth factor therapy

THE LOWDOWN

I visited EF Medispa in Chelsea for an AQ Solutions training session – with Dr Ahmed Al-Qahtani himself. Whilst I was only planning on visiting the session to observe Dr Al-Qahtani doing what he does best, I was asked if I would like dermastamping as part of a demonstration, which of course, I was more than happy to.

Dr Al-Qahtani combines microneedling with growth factor-induced therapy, using AQ Solutions’ Recovery Serum. This process helps to accelerate tissue repair and collagen production.

THE EXPERIENCE

Despite the circumstances of the treatment, my initial nerves of being part of the demonstration were quickly relieved as Dr Al-Qahtani explained the science behind growth factor therapy in combination with microneedling treatment. Essentially, the microneedling creates channels for the serum to penetrate deeply, allowing for the magic to work – which I quickly noticed post-treatment.

Dr Al-Qahtani prepared my skin before proceeding with the dermastamping, then talked everyone through the methods of the treatment, explaining different techniques – paying close attention to one of my most noticeable concerns, around my nose and jawline, which are areas I experience larger pores and blemishes.

He also shared a sculpting technique, around my jawline – lightly stretching the skin around my jaw, before dermastamping this area.

Following the dermastamping, Dr Al-Qahtani prepared the Recovery Serum. The serum contains the highest concentration of natural growth factors, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans.

The serum was then applied to my skin and gently rubbed in. This combination intensifies the benefits and enhances the penetration of growth factors into the dermis, to ensure faster, more dramatic results than when just using the serum or microneedling alone.

The treatment finished with an Intensive Moisturising Repair Mask . While the treatment was virtually painless, this was a lovely addition to hydrate and cool my skin.

THE VERDICT

When I first looked in the mirror, the instant glow was noticeable. My skin was slightly red, which was completely understandable due to the nature of the treatment causing tiny microinjuries to my skin. I was also extremely surprised – but pleased that when I left the clinic around an hour after any noticeable redness was completely gone and the glow was still there.

Even into the evening, my skin had an evident glow, and my skin felt completely normal.

Over the next few days, I also noticed the breakouts on my chin looking significantly less prominent.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

Combining microneedling with growth factor therapy elevates the standard treatment into a higher-value regenerative therapy. Including the growth factor serum as part of the microneedling treatments boosts average treatment spend with minimal additional chair time, improving profit margins without extending appointment length significantly.

Treatments with minimal downtime are becoming increasingly popular; this treatment protocol reduces any redness and inflammation from microneedling, and patients are more likely to return for a course of treatments, creating predictable repeat income and improving lifetime patient value.