Our Approach to Needle Treatment (Potenza, Dermapen, etc.) for People with Metal Allergies

This is Director Motomura of Cleo Beauty Clinic.

In aesthetic medicine today, treatments using “microneedles” such as Potenza and Dermapen have become the mainstream for improving skin quality.

At our clinic, we currently decline needle treatment across the board for people who have been diagnosed with a metal allergy.

Also, even if you have not received a clear diagnosis, for those suspected of having an allergy because they have experienced a rash or itching from accessories in the past, we position evaluation based on standard diagnosis in the field of dermatology as one of the important factors in carefully judging whether needle treatment is appropriate. For that reason, we ask you to take a patch test in advance and submit the diagnosis results.

Why do we take such a cautious stance toward patients who wish to “become beautiful” and “receive Potenza”? There is a clear reason.

For example, nickel is used in Potenza tips (needles). If a person with a metal allergy unknowingly receives a treatment involving puncture, serious adverse reactions such as the following may result.

• Severe contact dermatitis (redness, strong swelling and itching)
• Prolonged inflammation and the resulting suppuration (pus)
• In the worst case, the risk of leaving permanent pigmentation or scarring (marks)

Even if this risk were 1 in 10,000, we cannot overlook the fact that it “could cause damage to a patient’s skin that is difficult to repair.”

However, it is very regrettable that in counseling we sometimes hear patients say, “It was done without problems at another clinic,” or “I agreed after being told it was at my own risk.”

The patients who have had such experiences are not at fault.

The problem is that there are clinics that, prioritizing sales, use the words “at your own risk” as a shield and perform procedures while shifting onto patients risks that should have been avoided.

We believe that such treatment, which disregards risk, is not the aesthetic medicine our clinic aims for. We believe that inserting needles while carrying the risk of aftereffects into patients who are making an effort to “become more beautiful” is an act lacking sincerity as a medical professional.

Seeking beauty with peace of mind, safety, and informed consent is how aesthetic medicine should be. Rather than shaking safety standards for short-term sales, we want to be a medical institution that can protect our patients’ “smiles ten years from now.”

That is our clinic’s philosophy of “Patient First.”

Aesthetic medicine continues to evolve. With the accumulation of data in clinical practice, the establishment of evidence, or improvement of devices, our policy may change in the future.

At present, however, we put “safety” above all else, and for people with a metal allergy (or suspected allergy), we propose needle-free alternatives (such as peeling or laser treatment).

Even without Potenza or Dermapen, “beauty” can be achieved.

We would be grateful for your understanding that this is a choice made to protect everyone’s safety while producing the best results.

Director Motomura, Cleo Beauty Clinic