COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a cosmetic treatment that stimulates collagen production while improving the absorption of serums that improve your skin. At New England Skin Center, we use the AQUAGOLD® microneedling device for the treatment. The applicator has 20 very small, gold-plated needles that penetrate the skin. The microchannels that are created allow serums and nutrients to penetrate the deeper layers of skin.
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation. By creating controlled micro-channels in skin tissue, these treatments encourage the body’s natural healing cascade to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scars & cellulite and improve hyperpigmentation.
WHAT ARE GROWTH FACTOR?
Collagen Induction Therapy also utilizes your very own growth factors to stimulate healing and repair. These growth factors are obtained by drawing a tube of your own blood and centrifuging it. The resulting plasma is rich in fibrinogen and at least 8 essential growth factors and signaling proteins that intensify the repair process within the skin. This is delivered into your skin during the microneedling process and is effective in repairing the fine lines around the eyes and the mouth, as well as sun damaged skin of the face, neck, chest and hands.
IS MICRONEEDLING RIGHT FOR ME?
More effective than chemical peels and microdermabrasion, but less invasive than laser ablation, this procedure fits into the category of safe, effective, with minimal discomfort and very little downtime. A good candidate is someone looking to treat minor signs of aging. It may not be the best option for you if you are pregnant, use Accutane for acne, have certain skin conditions (such as facial eczema or rosacea), scar easily, have a history of poor wound healing, or have undergone skin radiation in the last 12 months. Your provider at New England Skin Center will assess your goals and together you will decide if this treatment is right for you.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY?
First thing’s first: drawing your blood for growth factors. While the growth factors are being prepared, your skin will be cleansed and prepped for the treatment. The injections take only a few moments, and can be mildly uncomfortable. However, the procedure is a quick 15-30 minutes total. Unlike many facial restorative procedures there is no downtime with CIT skin rejuvenation. You can return to your normal activities immediately.
WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS?
Results will begin to show three to four weeks after the treatment and will continue to improve over time. Three sessions spaced two months apart are recommended to achieve the best outcome.
MAGIC OR MICROCHANNELING?
Okay, so it’s not actual magic, but your skin will certainly thank you! Microchanneling with ProCell™ rejuvenates cell production so that sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines can be minimized. This state-of-the-art therapy has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks, sun damage and acne scars.
Precision microneedles are tapped into the skin creating uniform microchannels. A single pass over the face using the ProCell™ system will create hundreds of thousands of microchannels. Each microchannel is surrounded by healthy tissue, which enhances the healing process. In response to each micro-injury, an inflammatory healing process begins which initiates the formation of new collagen.
IS PROCELL™ MICROCHANNELING RIGHT FOR ME?
If you’re looking for a noninvasive alternative to cosmetic surgery, microchanneling with ProCell ™ could be the perfect choice. This state-of-the-art therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks, sun damage and acne scars. If you want to improve skin texture or you experience hyperpigmentation, microchanneling can work wonders for you. Microchanneling with ProCell™ may even be beneficial for nourishing hair follicles to promote healthier hair growth.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PROCELL™ MICROCHANNELING?
A quick 30 minute treatment, you can expect a fast recovery with little to no downtime following your appointment. Though treatment is relatively painless, a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the procedure. This allows for a comfortable experience; patients generally report feeling a light vibration of the device during the procedure.
WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS?
You will likely notice a remarkable improvement that goes beyond your expectations after your session has been completed. It can take up to six weeks for new collagen to form, so expect a gradual softening of fine lines and wrinkles.
IS CIT RIGHT FOR ME?
If you’re looking to treat fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scars & cellulite and improve hyperpigmentation without undergoing laser ablation, CIT might be a great choice. Because it’s minimally invasive and doesn’t cause significant wounding of skin, virtually anybody can safely undergo microneedling therapy. Even those with thin skin can undergo treatment since the depth of penetration can be finely controlled.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM CIT?
Though treatment is relatively painless, a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the procedure. This allows for a comfortable experience, and patients generally report feeling a light vibration of the device during the procedure. The length of the treatment depends on the area being treated; a face treatment typically takes 45 minutes.
WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS?
Depending on the serums that are used for your treatment, you may see immediate improvement (such as a glowing complexion), or the results may take a few days. Increasing the amount of collagen in the skin can take up to six weeks, so you will see a gradual softening of fine lines and wrinkles.