It is often described as a “simple office-based procedure” due to its simplicity, safety and effectiveness. It is suitable for all skin types, has long-term effect, good portability and a minimal contraindications.
Today we are talking about Collagen Induction Therapy, otherwise known as Microneedling, a.k.a. PCIT, Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy.
What is Collagen Induction Therapy?
The author of this method is plastic surgeon Desmond Fernandez, who developed a dermaroller in 2006. But the introduction of collagen happened before that. It is known that collagen and elastin keep our skin firm and elastic, but with age, the structure of these substances is falling apart and becomes a cause of wrinkles. A method more effective than ablative procedures was needed. Collagen Induction Therapy was the answer to these searches.
Fernandez wrote that pre-existing approaches had a common principle – skin damage with a needle trigger the inflammatory process, which increase lysis of damaged collagen. However, the use of instruments for tattooing does not allow working as deeply as necessary for effective correction of wrinkles. So he has developed a special tool called a dermaroller.
Microneedling with dermaroller is a procedure which improves the skin’s appearance, helps to treat scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. It is also used for transdermal drug delivery.
Procedure
The skin should be prepared. Usage of vitamins and antioxidants strengthens the protective properties of skin. Depending on the characteristics of skin, exfoliation might be needed.
The area to be treated is anesthetized for 45-60 minutes before the PCIT.
Rolling with dermaroller is done about 20 times in different directions. Tiny needles create micro channels in the skin, stimulating skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin. The small channels close very quickly and the skin begins a healing process. The procedure lasts up to 20 minutes.
Natural preparations and oils are applied immediately after procedure, as the channels allow these products to enter deeper into the skin and its ability to absorb nutrients immensely after the treatment!
For dramatic visible results Collagen Induction Therapy can be combined with other treatments for facial rejuvenation. The number of procedures depends on the individual skin condition.
Post-Procedure
Microneedling is well bearable procedure. Punctured epidermis heals really quick. However, erythema may be seen after treatment. No other side effects have been reported. You can prescribe some local antibiotic creams.
The skin passes three stages of healing after Microneedling:
Inflammation after the treatment. At this stage the skin becomes red.
Inflammatory response. This stage is characterized by stimulation of tissue growth.
Tissue formation. It can be continue up to 1 year.
After a procedure skin must be treated with Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride) and be cleaned with tea tree based oil. Some weeks after Microneedling is performed, there is a need to use cosmetics that contain vitamins A and C for wound-healing effect and stimulating collagen synthesis.
Advise your patients to massage the treated skin while in the shower to remove excess skin. But they have to know that the bath can also give a negative result which can lead to infection. Swelling and redness usually are invisible on the second day. By the way, human skin heals faster. ‘ On the 3-4th day it is advisable to take low-frequency sonophoresis of vitamins A and C, or peptides that promote the formation of new collagen fibers and elastin.
Practical tips:
Use high quality instruments
Recommend combined procedures
An interval between separated treatments should be 4-6 weeks
Contraindications:
Blood clotting disorders
Chronic skin disease like eczema and psoriasis
Diabetes
Pregnancy and lactation
http://pmuinternational.com/procedure/all-you-need-know-about-collagen-induction-therapy