Medical micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is a relatively new concept designed to stimulate the body's own collagen and elastin production to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin. Benefits of this treatment include reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, minimization of pores, and disappearance of stretch marks, crepey skin, and scars such as surgical and acne scars.
Micro-needling devices are a vibrating stamping motion of a disposable needle tip. Modern techniques control the level of skin penetration by precisely adjusting the depth set on the application tip. Each of the thousands of micro-punctures in the dermis activates and stimulates a cascade of normal positive wound healing by releasing growth factors for the eventual production and maturation of collagen and elastin. These growth factors deteriorate with age and by asking the skin to heal, they are called into action.
Another benefit of micro-needling is the creation of thousands of micro-channels for the delivery of beneficial bioactive peptides and cosmeceuticals (cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients), as well as active growth factors and anti-acne agents for advanced skin care and acne scar treatment.
Researchers are also exploring the potential benefits of combining proprietary platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with micro-needling to further rejuvenate the skin, stimulate hair growth, and improve scars, stretch marks and crepey skin on the face, décolleté, abdomen and inner arms.
Micro-needling treatments last 30-45 minutes and are virtually painless due to the effects of a topical anesthetic gel. After the treatment, the face feels like a moderate to severe sunburn, which subsides after 1-2 hours. After 24 hours there may be a slight redness and it is important not to be in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours.
The treatment, which can be used for almost all skin types, is repeated every 4-6 weeks with 3-6 treatments for maximum benefit. Results are typically seen after six weeks, with maximum collagen induction for firming and rejuvenating the skin typically observed within three to six months.
Medical micro-needling has a high safety rating and is performed by skin care practitioners.
