COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY OR SKIN NEEDLING
What is skin needling used for?
-Full face skin rejuvenation of aged and sun damaged skin.
-Acne scarring and raised, fibrous scars.
-Smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
-Stretch marks and evening out pigmentation.
Often used on face, neck, décolletage and hands.
There are in salon treatments usually with deeper penetrating, single use needles. Then there are shorter needle rollers that can be used at home to enhance salon treatments and assist your treatment products to penetrate deeper into the skin. These usually last for approx. 2 - 3 months and must be kept meticulously clean.
There are two main forms of devices used. The drum shaped device termed a "roller". Or a tattoo like device made popular by the Derma pen brand. Most salons or clinics have a preference for one over the other. My personal opinion is that there is a place for both depending on the skin being treated. There is no evidence that titanium rollers are better than stainless steel. Infact surgical grade stainless steel is the preference of most medical professionals for all their instruments.
Even though the basic treatment is the same, prices can vary greatly depending on where you go. Often from $150 per treatment up to $450.00.
How does it work?
Skin needling involves micro-punctures of the skin with a needle like device to induce new collagen growth for the purpose of skin rejuvenation. The injury to blood vessels induces an inflammatory response bringing a complex cascade of platelets, cytokines, growth factors and fibroblasts to the area. The bodies natural wound healing response results in increased collagen and elastin deposition. This tissue remodelling can continue over the next 12 months as type III collagen is replaced by type I collagen.
The appearance of the skins texture is improved. A smoother, tighter more even and youthful looking complexion. Assisting to even out scar tissue and pigmentation.
What are the benefits of skin needling over other treatments like chemical peels and laser?
Ablative lasers and deep chemical peels remove the entire epidermis and involve substantial downtime, pain, discomfort, sometimes local anesthetic with high risk of complications. With skin needling only small micro channels are made leaving the rest of the skin intact. Minimal discomfort, downtime, side effects and less potential for complications.
It should be noted that there are some fractionated lasers that operate on the same principles as skin needling by forming micro channels in the skin. With some of these fractionated laser treatments a numbing cream is not required. It is extremely important to clarify exactly what type of laser is being used and expected side effects if you choose this type of treatment.
In Studio Treatment involves….
-Consultation including review of skin, medical history and desired results.
-Thorough cleansing of skin. Supervision of numbing cream application (if required).
-Rolling device treatment. Varying from 0.2mm to 1.5mm. Single use device; sterile, surgical grade stainless steel needles.
-Application of suitable serum according to skin concern, as the micro channels increase penetration of treatment products.
Skin needling costs $135.00 per session, plus numbing cream if required, allow $70.00.
Will it be painful?
The treatment should not be painful. Most people experience a mild pressure and prickling. Some discomfort can be experienced in areas of thinner skin ie above lip, forehead. Numbing cream is recommended for needles greater than a depth of 0.2mm.
How much downtime is expected?
Most people experience a tenderness, mild to moderate erythema (flushing and redness) and swelling for approx 24 hours. Excessive sun exposure, swimming, sauna and going to the gym should be avoided during this time. Panadol (not ibuprofen) is recommended to reduce discomfort.
How often will I need treatment?
A minimum of 3 treatments is recommended approx 6 weeks apart. Recommended treatment plans vary greatly depending on area to be treated, skin concern and desired results.
HOME ROLLERS of 0.2mm or less may be recommended to increase desired outcomes. These can be used twice per week with a suitable serum.
Home rollers are $69.00.
When is skin needling not suitable?
-Individuals regularly using aspirin, warfarin and some herbal supplements that can reduce blood clotting. Or individuals with blood clotting disorders.
-Pregnancy.
-Active cystic acne.
-Active cold sores. Individuals that experience cold sores but do not have any currently active are advised to begin anti-viral treatment prior to skin needling.
-Recent botox or fillers in treatment area.
-Sensitivity to anesthetics if numbing cream is required.
-Cancer
-Some medical conditions may require physicians written approval eg diabetes