Collagen induction therapy is medical skin needling or micro-needling and can be performed with a medical-grade derma roller containing small needles to prick the skin. This treatment generates new collagen and skin tissue to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars appearing on your face and body.
The idea is to minimally mar the skin to encourage the body to produce new collagen and elastin. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin elasticity and strength, and elastin is another protein found in the skin that provides elasticity. As you age, collagen and elastin production slows down, and this leads to signs of aging or wrinkles and sagging skin on your face and body.
Controlled skin injuries produced by microneedling send the skin into repair mode and triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin. New collagen and elastin thicken and plump up your skin and smooth out wrinkles. Microneedling also inspires the formation of fibroblasts that provide even skin tone and a healthy glow.
Collagen induction therapy is only one of Glow Laser and Beauty Center’s skincare regimens. The procedure can be used on your face and your body to diminish premature aging, skin laxity, and lines and wrinkles. Often clients request collagen induction therapy to minimize scarring from acne, injuries, surgeries, or chickenpox.
Are you wondering if you are a candidate for collagen induction therapy? There are no significant contraindications for this therapy, but the best candidates should have realistic exceptions of what the procedure can do for you. You should also be in generally good health, but it doesn’t matter what skin type you have; the treatment is excellent for all skin types.
Before you undergo any cosmetic treatment consult with a licensed and qualified practitioner to ensure you are suitable for this treatment. You can ask questions about the procedure, and the practitioner will explain the pros and cons. At your first appointment, your medical history is taken, and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Fully understand what the collagen induction therapy involves and ask about any associated risks and complications.
The Procedure
The length of the needles on the derma roller varies. The longer the needles, the deeper into your skin the needling will penetrate and the more dramatic results you may see. Before the derma roller is used, a topical anesthetic applied to minimize any discomfort. Treatment will last anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated.
After you have undergone collagen induction therapy, your skin may be reddish. You may also experience a little bleeding and bruising. These side-effects are minimal and depend on the microneedling or the length of the needles used. Your recovery time should be between 24-72 hours.
The success of the treatment depends on your body kickstarting collagen production. With this in mind, it can take between four to eight weeks before you see the full benefits. You may also need between two and five treatments to achieve the maximum results.
Collagen Induction Therapy Studies
A study conducted in 2008 stated that patients treated with one to five microneedling sessions and when used in conjunction with a topical vitamin A and C cosmetic cream experienced an increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing the treatments.
If you are looking to improve scaring, a 2009 study found that after multiple microneedling treatments, 80% of the patients evaluated had no significant adverse effects. Their scares were visually diminished. It is recommended, however, that you do not use microneedling on active acne breakouts.
Collagen induction therapy is impressive. After a microneedling facial, one woman stated that her skin felt softer and the size of her pores shrank significantly. She also reported an increased glow in her skin, and she felt more radiant after the treatments.
Side Effects
Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling does have few risks. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation directly following the procedure. You may also see redness on your skin for a few days. Call your practitioner if you notice severe side effects like:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Peeling
Do note you may not be an ideal candidate for microneedling or collagen induction therapy if you are pregnant. Avoid microneedling if you are currently experiencing psoriasis or eczema, have open wounds on your skin, or recently underwent radiation therapy. Those with a history of skin cancer or scarring are advised to avoid collagen induction therapy.
Collagen induction therapy or micro-needling did by Glow Laser and Beauty Center will leave you with softer, smoother, and more glowing skin. Contact the Center for a consultation.
