Collagen Induction Therapy sounds sort of mysterious. OK, it’s really just another term for microneedling. At Elite, we use microneedling to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars. Microneedling can also improve the skin’s texture, tone, and color. It also reduces the size of large pores and fine lines, and can be used both on the face and the neck.
What is the concept behind microneedling?
Microneedling basically creates thousands of micro-injuries on the treated skin using a SkinPen. This microneedling device features 12 adjustable length, disposable, straight needles that penetrate the skin at varying depths at a 90-degree angle. The microscopic punctures are perceived as micro-injuries to the body, which responds with a natural wound-healing process. This triggers the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodeling of collagen and elasin.
What are the phases of the wound repair process?
The wound-healing process has three phases:
- Phase 1: Inflammation — Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow, and begin to create new tissue.
- Phase 2: Proliferation — The wound is re-built with new granulation cells, as well as a temporary type III collagen and elastin, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
- Phase 3: Remodeling — New dermal tissues and blood vessels replace the wound. In the newly formed tissue stronger type I collagen replaces the type III collagen, which can contract to create a tightening or “shrink wrap” effect on the skin.
How is microneedling done?
At Elite, we start your session with a new, sterile cartridge tip on the SkinPen. We then apply topical numbing gel to the entire treatment area roughly 15-20 minutes prior to beginning. To begin, we gently press the pen against the skin, while simultaneously gliding in one direction until we cover the entire treatment area. The entire session takes about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the size of the area being treated.
Results
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several weeks. Those results will continue to build for up to six months, as new collagen is produced.
Interested in microneedling at Elite Plastic Surgery? Call us at our Grand Rapids offices, (616) 459-1907, and ask about the procedure.
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