Microneedling

Collagen Induction Therapy (microneedling)

Collagen Induction Therapy (also known as microneedling) is a non-ablative, non-surgical medical treatment that uses sharp, extra-fine needles to penetrate beyond the top layers of the skin and into the dermal layer. These microwounds trigger fibroblasts and induces the body to produce collagen and elastin as they heal, thickening and firming the skin to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars.

What is the process?

At A Greater Whole, we use an Eclipse microneedling pen that mechanically stamps the skin (as opposed to dermarolling, which can tear skin) with fine needles at a rapid speed to create thousands of microchannels. To prepare your skin, we will apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated. Before the procedure, your skin is cleansed and disinfected, and then hyaluronic serum is applied. During the procedure, microneedling pen is moved across the skin for three passes to provide v bm≥≤through and even coverage. Needles are sterile and single use to reduce risk of infection.

What types of conditions does microneedling treat?

Microneedling is used cosmetically to treat:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Trauma Scars (such as cesarean section, breast lift, and raised scars)
Stretch marks
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

How is it used to treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks?

As part of the aging process, the body produces less collagen, and years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays produce hyperpigmentation that is associated with aging. Microneedling is used to treat wrinkles by creating new collagen and elastin as the micro wounds heal. Hyperpigmentation is reduced by microneedling because the newly created collagen disperces melanin deposits. It will also increase the absorption of topical ingredients that treat hyperpigmentation.

How can it improve acne scars?

Consistent microneedling treatments will help diminish superficial acne marks, and over time will fill in deep acne scars and even out skin tone. Results are similar to deep chemical peels or laser resurfacing, but are considered less painful, have lower downtime, and fewer adverse effects, especially for darker skin tones that may react poorly to high-temperature lasers that burn the skin.

What areas can be treated?

Microneedling can be used on most areas of the body. Patients typically request microneedling treatments on the face, neck, and decolletage. However, it can also be used to treat scars and other areas of the body that may benefit from increased firmness or reduced hyperpigmentation of the skin.

What is the downtime?

Downtime from microneedling is minimal, but can vary based on the depth of the needle used and the area treated. The treated skin will have a slight sunburn look, but most patients will be able to return to work the same or next day. However, because microneedling penetrates the skin and creates wounds, no makeup can be applied to the skin until wounds have closed (24 hours), and patients should not use fitness facilities to avoid the risk of infection.

CIT Results

Results will vary depending on needle depth and severity of the indication being treated. Much of the results depend on aftercare, such as keeping the treated area moisturized and avoiding sun, heat, and friction for a minimum of three hours to avoid irritation that can lead to excessive inflammation. Excessive inflammation could cause hyperpigmentation or fibrosis in some patients. Do not apply topicals with any active ingredients or non-physiologic ingredients until microchannels have closed.

Collagen Induction Therapy for Scar Treatment

Using a proven technique that has successfully treated scars for over 20 years, Dr. Robertson has built upon CIT and the ‘Raque Technique.’ This technique promotes natural collagen production which will relax and smooth out scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. After the skin contour is fixed there is often light or dark areas of skin left over. These will be corrected and matched to your normal skin tone with micro-pigmentation tattooing.This all leads to a virtually invisible scar without the use of expensive lasers, corrective surgery, or harmful chemical treatments. Most exciting, this technique renders the best results!

Contraindications

For patients with melasma, the needle depth should be restricted to avoid aggravating the pigmentation to the point that the melasma will darken.

Pre-care

Discontinue NSAIDs five days before treatment
Avoid Rentin-A products three days prior to treatment

Post-care

Refrain from applying makeup for 24 hours.
Keep the treated area moisturized and avoid sun, heat, and friction for a minimum of three hours to avoid irritation that can lead to excessive inflammation. Excessive inflammation could cause hyperpigmentation or fibrosis in some patients.
Do not apply topicals with any active ingredients or non-physiologic ingredients until microchannels have closed.
Benzyl peroxide and drug photosensitivity may cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin types after needling. Drugs causing photosensitivity are: