Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) hurt?
You will feel some pressure but with the use of topical numbing agents the procedure is comfortable.
What are the goals of skin rejuvenation?
Optimize cell function
Preserve the integrity of the epidermis
Strengthen the dermal/epidermal junction
Preserve dermal papillae
Break down scar tissue
Release epidermal growth factors (EFG)
Increase natural collagen/type III through transforming growth factor TGF-B3
Induce regenerative healing
CIT does ALL meets all the above key goals!
What are the risks?
CIT safely and effectively improves the skin quality without damaging the surface layers of skin. Produces only pin point insertion marks, which seal and heal very quickly. Small needle clusters penetrate the skin and stimulate skin cells to produce new collagen (up to 1000% increase).
CIT has many advantages over laser resurfacing:
No risk of scarring with needling vs significant scar risk with laser resurfacing.
CIT is safe for darker skin types vs laser resurfacing contra-indicated in darker skin types.
No risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation vs significant risk of pigment changes with lasers.
CIT is the only skin rejuvenation treatment to target and regulate 3 key skin cells (keratinocyte, melanocyte and fibroblast) without compromising the integrity of the epidermis. The growth factors released through CIT results in regenerative healing (collagen forms from the base upwards) and is type III collagen or healthy/natural collagen as opposed to the growth factors released when when the epidermis is damaged by ablative or heat methods which in contrast produce cicatricial healing (collagen forms from the top down) and is type I collagen or scar collagen.
CIT can help counter or minimize the amount of scar collagen associated with ablative and heat laser treatments if performed 10-14 after these treatments. Any scar tissue laid down would be fragmented and remodeled and allow for normal collagen formation.
As with any procedure or treatment you must follow the aftercare protocol.
Can I use Botox and fillers (ie., Juvaderm) with CIT?
Yes, however you need to wait 48 hours between CIT and Botox and 2 weeks between any fillers?
How much down time can I expect?
Healing time is 1-4 days depending on the depth of treatment. Skin rollers tend to have a shorter downtime (less than 24 hours) time than the digital machine procedures (4 days). I use the roller method unless we decided together otherwise. Taking proper care of the treated area will help speed along the healing process. Keep the skin clean and hydrated both internally and externally.
What will the treated skin look like after the procedure?
Treated skin will look like a sunburn when the skin roller is used which is the preferred method because the down time is less than 24 hours. The hand-held machine approach is used for primarily for the treatment of various scars. The hand-held approach will take a few days longer to heal (approximately 4 days). Depending on your comfort level you may want to wear a clean scarf draped around your head if your face is treated.
How can I support the results of my CIT treatment(s)?
Taking care of yourself. Eat healthy (lots of fiber from natural sources), exercise, reduce stress, use a good sunblock and drink plenty of water.
The following will compromise your CIT results and your overall skin health:
Chemical peels
Alpha hydroxy Acids
Glycolic acids
Retin-A
Too much exfoliation (more than once a month is too much)
Ablative lasers
Smoking
Suntanning (15 minutes a day is good for vitamin D)
Eating processed foods
Eating refined sugar
Using toxic skin care products
Using non-chirally correct skin care products
How long until I see results?
Collagen and elastin fibers take 3 weeks to build and continue to build for up to a year. Using Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care will help build additional collagen and provide overall skin health.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of treatments required depends on the amount of collagen destruction currently in the skin. Results may be seen with the first treatment, however, for optimal results 4-8 treatments may be required. Treatments can be spaced as close as 4 weeks apart.
At your consultation we will discuss the number of treatments to plan for.
I offer a discounted package rate - 20% off a series of 3 treatments and 25% off a series of 4 treatments.
Why do I have to wait at least 4 weeks to have CIT again?
Collagenase is the enzyme that peaks around day 14 in the wound healing process to assist with remodeling excess collagen. Performing CIT more frequently would cause collagenase to constantly peak this having a negative effect in the long term.
How long will my results last?
The results are permanent. Practicing proper skin care and healthy living will support your collagen formation. Remember sun exposure, smoking and stress play a significant role in collagen break-down. (i.e., wrinkles and loose skin)
When can I wear make-up?
The day after your procedure.
What are the skin conditions that prevent CIT being performed?
CIT cannot be performed on pustular acne lesions, active herpes outbreaks, or any other acute infection or inflammation of the skin, and is not recommended for those with the following:
- Blood clotting problems
- Poor healing
- Skin Malignacies
- Active Pustular or Nodular Rosacea
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Severe solar keratosis
- Raised moles/warts
- Open cuts