Lip lines, stretch marks, fine facial lines, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring have been frustrating physicians and patients in their inability to be effectively treated. Historically, several cosmetic treatments were used to address these problems. You could have a deep chemical peel (in which caustic solutions dissolve the outer layer of skin), undergo dermabrasion (in which the first layer of skin is ground off) or see a surgeon who uses a device such as a laser (in which the outer layer of skin is vaporized). These procedures have many, potentially significant, harmful side effects.
Now there is a new, non-ablative and efficacious treatment that is available. Medical Needling or, as it is officially called, Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a simple procedure which requires little down time for patients (no more than four to seven days) and significant, measurable, and sustainable results. It is safe for skin of any type or color.
What is medical needling?
Medical needling is usually performed with the patient lightly sedated. The area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. During medical needling, an FDA approved roller with a series of fine, sharp medical needles is used to create small punctures in the skin. These punctures extend into the dermis, or deep layers of the skin, to create micro-trauma and stimulate the production of new collagen. The tiny wounds created by medical needling also allow topical medications to reach into the deep layers of skin for about 5 days after treatment. The punctures do very little damage to the epidermis, or top layer of skin, allowing it to heal rapidly. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment is applied to the skin and patients can go home immediately.
What will I look and feel like afterward?
Medical needling usually causes some short-term bleeding, redness of the skin and bruising for the first 2 days. However, the skin heals rapidly because minimal damage is done to the outer layer of skin. Most patients can return to normal activities, including their jobs, in 2 to 3 days. Patients should wash their skin three to four times a day in the first few days following the procedure and apply an antibiotic ointment for the first 2 days.
What about Results?
Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more. This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas. The potential complications of skin burns, hyperigmentation, uneven scarring and extensive downtime are avoided.
Visit our website for more information on Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) , and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.
