Collagen Induction Therapy
Collagen Induction Therapy, or Microneedling (as it is called today) is the process of creating microchannels within the skin to rebuild collagen, improve acne scars, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improve hyperpigmentation, and revive that youthful radiance that can be lost as we age.
Microneedling offers unparalleled collagen induction by harnessing the body’s innate ability to re-grow and repair the skin as a response to micro-damage. At Empowering Health, our Certified Collagen Induction Therapist use Medical Microneedling with a small handheld pen that penetrates the skin creating these microchannels at alternating depths, anywhere from 0.5 mm depth to 3 mm depth, depending on what it is being used for. A typical session starts with a good cleansing routine and skin assessment. A topical cream of 3 different types of anesthetic agents are placed on the skin, to ensure maximal comfort during this procedure. At Empowering Health, we utilize special growth factors and pure hyaluronic acid to aid in the rapid collagen production, which will allow for maximum benefit of treatment.
Medical Microneedling delivers up to 1,300 micro punctures to the skin per second, triggering the body’s response to micro-trauma, thus stimulating the production of collagen and elastin whilst normalizing various skin functions, which aids in the reduction of scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness. Microinjury of the skin appears to reset or reboot cellular function. If melanocytes (dark pigments within the skin) over produce or under produce pigment, needling normalizes melanogenesis (the rebirth of the pigmentation) causing more even skin coloration. This same theory is used for Keratinocytes or sebocytes that over produce oil, this plays an important role in treating acne. To reduce scarring from acne or injury, there is subscision (cutting) of the scar tissue that is tethering it to the deeper layers of tissue, which causes reduction in the scar appearance.
We can also utilize PRP (platelet rich plasma) during an in office microneedling session, which uses the patients own plasma, that is full of growth factors, to stimulate even more results. This process includes a blood draw in the office. This blood is then specially formulated and spun down to create the PRP. It is then applied during the microneedling process and enters the patient’s body via the microchannels.
Many people ask about how many treatments are necessary. This largely depends on what condition you are having treated, and the severity of this condition. Broadly speaking, the best results are seen after 6-8 microneedling sessions, with 6-8 weeks between each session. For scaring and stretch marks, up to 12 treatments may be required.
As the treatment relies on the body increasing collagen production as a response to injury, results are not immediate. You will likely start to see changes around 4-6 weeks post-treatment, and a gradual improvement throughout the course. Once the course is completed, we recommend a maintenance treatment every 3-4 months.
Down Time with Microneedling
Due to the healing process, it is normal to have a degree of redness for 1-2 days after treatment, and minor itching and flaking of the skin. The skin usually returns to normal 4-5 days following the procedure.
For at least 2 days before microneedling treatment, please avoid:
- Direct UV exposure (sun, solariums)
- Intensive cardio or gym sessions
- Excessively hot showers, baths, saunas or spas
- Any other aesthetic clinical procedures
- Spray or self-tanning
- Swimming
- Tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing)
Following the treatment, please avoid:
- Direct UV exposure (sun, solariums) for 10 days if possible
- The use of make-up for 24 hours
- The use of alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days
- Intensive cardio or gym sessions for 5 days
- Excessively hot showers, baths, saunas, or spas for 5 days
- Any other aesthetic clinical procedures for 2-4 weeks
- Spray or self-tanning creams for 2-3 weeks
- Swimming for 5 days
- Tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing) for 14 days
However, it is advisable to:
- Drink plenty of water following treatment
- Use a physical defense sunscreen
- Return to regular skin care after 2-3 days providing it is comfortable to do so