On July 25, 2022, after determining the intention of both modalities is to stimulate the skin, the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (Board), established that dermaplaning and micro-needling fall within the scope of practice for estheticians and cosmetologists. The Board also announced that licensed estheticians and cosmetologists may use FDA-approved devices to perform dermaplaning and micro-needling services. View the Board’s Declaratory Ruling here.
What is Microneeding?
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that is designed to rejuvenate the skin. A device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin, which triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin.
The FDA has legally authorized microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles, and abdominal scars (stretch marks) in patients aged 22 years or older. This means the FDA has reviewed data to support a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of these devices for these uses.
Is It Medicine?
An aesthetician's license does not permit him or her to perform medical treatments; rather, aestheticians may only perform procedures for the purpose of beautification. In North Carolina that means that the esthetician may not penetrate the skin past the epidermis with a microneedling device, unless under the supervision of a medical director.
Professional Devices Required
The North Carolina state board has indicated that estheticians performing microneedling must use FDA-approved or FDA-cleared devices to be within their scope of practice. Currently, there are only Five (5) devices which meet the state requirements: Rejuvapen NXT, SkinPen, Candela Exceed, Eclipse Micropen EVO and SkinStylus. When you book a microneedling service, its important to ask for the brand name of the device which will be used in your treatment.
Why is Training Important?
According to the landmark ruling by the North Carolina state board, estheticians and cosmetologist who wish to perform microneedling services must be trained. However, the board does not specify the amount of training required. If your provider has not received hands-on training, or worked under the supervision of a skilled provider, they are unlikely to be able to provide patients with safe and effective treatments.
How Changes in North Carolina Laws affect the Consumer
In the past microneedling treatments were offered only in medical spas with highly trained estheticians under the supervision of a doctor. With the changes in North Carolina scope of practice for estheticians and cosmetologists, there will be a number of new, untrained providers with little to no experience in microneedling offering these services to consumers. Until the board establishes the appropriate checks and balances to verify these providers are using FDA cleared devices and have obtained adequate training, the effectiveness and safety of microneedling treatments in North Carolina will vary widely depending on the provider you select.
Questions to ask before a Microneedling treatment:
Is your provider using an FDA Cleared device?
How many years experience does your provider have in advanced skincare?
Has your provider received hands on training in microneedling?
Does your provider have Blood Borne Pathogen training, and know how to protect themselves and you from cross contamination?
Book your treatment with a Microneedling Expert!
Going to an expert helps prevent any complications that may arise such as infection, intense redness and irritation, swelling, continuous bleeding, or poor results. These may arise from using improper techniques, unsterilized needles to puncture holes in your skin, or having unsanitary conditions.
At ECLAT Skin Spa, we are experts in microneedling and have performed thousands of these procedures over the years. We offer advanced training in microneedling, and are one of the most sought after spas in the Lake Norman, Charlotte NC area for this service. Contact us at (704) 890-1071 or info@eclatmedspa.com for more information today!