01The basics
What does microneedling help, and is it safe on brown and Black skin?
A pen with many fine needles is passed over the skin and makes tiny holes. Nothing is injected.
- What it is cleared for
- Some devices are cleared by the US regulator, the Food and Drug Administration, for acne scars and wrinkles on the face and scars on the abdomen, in adults aged 22 and over. Results differ from person to person.
- Brown and Black skin
- Two dermatology societies say microneedling suits every skin tone. The US regulator lists darker skin among those it may not suit, because the skin can darken or lighten afterwards, and says some cleared devices were not studied on darker skin. Dark marks are more likely in darker skin, can take months or years to fade, and darken in the sun. The Skin of Color Society says whoever treats you should know needling in skin of colour. If dark marks, not sunken scars, are your concern, say so at your consultation.
- Stretch marks, pores and tone
- Some dermatology societies also list stretch marks, large pores and uneven tone. Results differ from person to person. Ask us what to expect for yours.
Before you decide
Two things to know first.
Results differ from person to person, and a top-up session may be advised later. Dr. Rockhead talks you through what to expect for you before anything is booked.
A roller bought for home use is not the same treatment. Home devices are not meant to pierce the skin, and can still cause infection, scarring and colour change.
02Medical Leadership
Who do you meet first?
Dr. Charles Rockhead, in person, at 9 Devon Road in Kingston. He goes through your health, your skin history and your medicines before anything is planned. Ask him which device is used.
Dr. Charles Rockhead, Medical Director — Oshun Cosmetic Services, Kingston.
Dr. Charles Rockhead
Medical Director · Board-Certified OB/GYN · 30+ years of practice
Dr. Charles Rockhead is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with more than thirty years of practice in Kingston. He is the Medical Director of Oshun Cosmetic Services and the founding physician of Amadeo Medical Group, the parent clinical practice.
Read the clinic story · View Dr. Rockhead's LinkedIn
03A session
What happens at a session, and does it hurt?
i.
Getting ready
Come without a tan, meaning skin darkened by recent sun, whatever your skin tone, and with clean skin and no make-up. We ask you to stop retinoid creams, such as retinol, and exfoliating acids three to five days before, and to skip alcohol the day before. Tell us every medicine, skin cream and allergy, if you use a home roller, if you get cold sores, and if you could be pregnant.
ii.
Numbing
We apply a numbing cream first. No injection is needed.
iii.
The needling
We pass the pen over your skin, with hyaluronic acid to help it glide. That takes 20 to 30 minutes. Even numbed, expect some prickling and discomfort. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the whole visit.
iv.
Afterwards
Your skin may look red, or darker on darker skin, and a little swollen, and feel sunburnt, usually for days to a week. Most people go back to work the next day. Leave make-up and hard exercise for at least 24 hours.
- The needles
- One danger is worth knowing: a re-used needle cartridge, the tip that holds the needles. Wherever you have this done, ask how the pen is cleaned between patients and whether the cartridge is new for you every session. The US regulator says re-use is unsafe, even after cleaning.
04Results & aftercare
How many sessions, what to expect after, and when to call?
- How many sessions
- Usually three or more, about a month apart. Your own plan is written at the consultation.
- When you would see a change
- It may start within a few weeks; the full result usually takes several months.
- Side effects
- Redness, dryness, tightness, itching, peeling, crusting, bruising and bleeding are common, and usually go within days or weeks. Less common are scarring, darker or lighter patches, a cold sore coming back, infection, and an allergic reaction. Some side effects may be permanent.
- Sun and skin care
- Keep out of the sun for the first 24 hours. After that, wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or more daily and, in general, avoid much sun for six to eight weeks. Use a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturiser. Your skin may react to products with retinol, glycolic acid or alcohol, so check with us before you restart them.
- When to call us
- Call (876) 676-6297 straight away if redness, swelling or pain is getting worse, or if you see pus, a cold sore, or patches turning darker or lighter. If we're closed or you can't reach us, see a doctor that day.
05Who should wait
Who should wait, and who should not have it?
- Who should wait
- Wait if you have a tan, a cold sore, an infection in the area or an acne flare, or will be in the sun in the two weeks after. Wait too if you take isotretinoin, a prescription acne medicine, or took it in the last six months.
- Who should not have it
- We don't do it during pregnancy, if you form keloid scars, with eczema or psoriasis in the area, with uncontrolled diabetes, or on a blood thinner that cannot be paused. Never stop a medicine without asking your doctor. The US regulator says it may also not suit people who are breastfeeding, on steroids or any blood thinner (low-dose aspirin included), or who have cancer, a bleeding disorder, vitiligo, an autoimmune disease, a weak immune system, hepatitis or HIV. Tell Dr. Rockhead if any of these is you.
06Cost & booking
How much does microneedling cost in Jamaica?
- What it costs
- Microneedling is on our price list at US$500 to US$1,200 a session. Your own price depends on the area treated, and you get it in writing at your consultation.
- The whole cost
- It usually takes three or more sessions. Ask the price of the consultation, the full course and any top-up, in Jamaican dollars.
- Paying
- Cash, debit card, credit card or approved financing. It is cosmetic, so health insurance does not cover it.
If this sounds right
The next step is a conversation, not a commitment.
Start with a consultation. It is where you find out whether needling suits your skin, and what a course would cost.
No obligation · Every consultation is in-person with Dr. Rockhead.
