Micro-needling – Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)
Micro-needling is a minimally-invasive therapy that works by triggering the skin’s own repair mechanisms to naturally produce collagen and elastin. It is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT).
The foundational principle of this treatment is that by piercing the skin, it will stimulate collagen production.
Micro-needling uses multiple fine needles that vertically pierce the skin. This technique creates micro-openings, allowing active ingredients (such as peptides, anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid, etc.) to penetrate deeply and effectively into the dermis. This treatment enhances skin rejuvenation results and is much safer than ablative lasers, because there is much less damage to the epidermis (top layer of the skin) making it look more natural and rejuvenated.
How is the treatment provided?
Using a pen with multiple fine needles, small channels (openings) are created in the skin to allow nutrients, vitamins or hyaluronic acid to be absorbed. This process stimulates the release of growth factors, platelets and the induction of new collagen and elastin (the natural bone frame of the skin).
Your skin care specialist will select the most appropriate serum(s) containing a combination of nutrients and anti-aging agents, which will be applied during the treatment.
The production of new collagen and elastin induces a younger, healthier, plumper and firmer skin which reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and overall better tone and texture.
What are the benefits?
Micro-needling is a wonderful anti-aging and rejuvenating treatment for addressing wrinkles, age spots, scarring and hyper-pigmentation in the face, as well as other parts of the body. The application and absorption of serum, containing anti-aging agents, promotes skin rejuvenation.
Benefits are:
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Improves wrinkles and fine lines
• Skin tightening
• Improves appearance of acne and stretchmarks
• Improves surgical, burns and traumatic scars
• Diminished skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
• Decreases appearance of large pores
• Improves alopecia
Is this Treatment Right for Me?
Micro-needling can be performed on all skin colors and types, and is often preferred over laser treatments as there is no risk of burning and damage to the epidermis. This technique can be done on sensitive areas around the eyes, mouth, hands and chest. This treatment is customizable, depending on your skin type and needs. Treatments are usually recommended every two to three weeks for anti-aging and every four to six weeks for scar treatment.
What are some of the side effects?
The most common side effects with Micro-needling are bruising, redness or swelling, lightening or darkening of the skin, itching and burning. Skin infection is a possibility any time an injection or surgical procedure is done. Side effects are most of the time temporary and typically resolve within 3 days. Total healing time depends on the depth of the treatment, skin type, and skin condition, and some patients may heal completely in 24 hours.
What are the contraindications?
Micro-needling is contraindicated in the following cases:
• Active bacterial or fungal infection
• History of keloid scars
• Have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last year
• Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions on the skin
• Immunologic diseases, such as scleroderma, or collagen vascular diseases
• Patients on immune suppressive therapy
• History of bleeding disorder or receiving treatment with blood thinners
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Diabetic or patients with wound—healing deficiencies.
What is the downtime?
After the procedure, the skin will look as though you had sunburn (red and flushed). You may also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch on the treated area. Total healing time depends on the depth of the treatment and the individual skin’s repair process. On average, patients are pink for two to four days. Some patients heal completely in 24 hours.
How soon will I see results?
Most people notice a glow and radiant skin right after treatment. The natural repair process of the skin continues to progress over the course of several weeks. Collagen remodeling takes place over time and it will continue to improve for up to 6 months after treatment.
How many treatments are needed to see results?
Multiple treatments may be necessary every two to four weeks. If the goals are skin rejuvenation and improvement of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, four to six treatments are recommended. Individuals with mature and/or aging skin may require a minimum of six treatments. After your initial treatment series, periodic maintenance is recommended every four to six months. Personalizing your treatment with other aesthetic services, such as Botox, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, among others will enhance the rejuvenation process of the skin.
If you are prefer to receive this treatment without needles, read our Needle Free Collagen Induction Therapy page by Clicking Here.
