Automated Microneedling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT)
Automated micro-needling introduces controlled micro-injuries to the skin. The skin’s natural repair process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin resulting in smoother skin, tighter pores, flatter scars, and decreased fine lines and wrinkles. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels which can be used with topical gels, creams and serums to boost the improvement of the epidermal layer of the skin.
How is automated microneedling different from dermal needling rollers?
Dermal rollers do not create a precise vertical action like automated microneedling devices do. The lack of precision can contribute to greater discomfort, skin tearing and inconsistent effects to the skin.
Automated Micro-Needling
(also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT)
Ideal Face & Body is excited for our addition of a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for treating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance. During this procedure, done by a doctor, the Eclipse MicroPen® is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to naturally produce collagen and elastin. The skin’s repair process results in improvement of the appearance of softer wrinkles. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels which can be used with topical gels, creams and serums to help improve the appearance of the epidermal layer of the skin. Eclipse MicroPen® is the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market.
How is microneedling different from lasers?
Microneedling breaks up pigment mechanically and stimulates the collagen formation without heat. Removing heat from the equation makes for a safer, more comfortable treatment with a very low complication rate and less downtime. The lack of heat also makes it safe for all skin-tones! Most patients experience redness for 24 hours or less following the procedure (unless we are aggressively treating stubborn acne scars). That advantage means you can get the procedure performed on a Friday, and be back to work on Monday.
How is the procedure done?
A sterile cartridge containing 12 tiny micro-needles is attached to the device. Numbing cream is applied to make the procedure comfortable. The pen is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding until the entire treatment area has been covered. This process results in thousands of superficial microscopic channels throughout the entire treatment area. The formation of these micro-channels activates the release of growth factors, and stimulates collagen production. The new collagen helps to improve the appearance of scarring by restructuring the skin. This results in scars with less defined edges and a softened, smoother texture.
Microneedling can be boosted with the addition of your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP contains hundreds of growth factors to synergistically help repair and transform your skin. To collect PRP, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm, centrifuge (spin) the blood to separate out the plasma & platelets from the red blood cells. This simple, 10 minute procedure is done in our office and does not require downtime.
Can microneedling work on scars?
Whether you have acne scarring, post-surgery scars, or scars following an accident, microneedling treatment can dramatically reduce the appearance of your scarring. It can even be effective in treating stretch marks! Microneedling achieves impressive results in most cases.
Who is a good candidate for microneedling?
Most healthy adults can undergo this procedure safely, so long as you are not experiencing pregnancy, any active infections or wounds, or taking medication such as Accutane, steroids, or DMARDs at the time of treatment. Immunosuppressed patients may want to consider an alternate treatment option as well. However, your candidacy can ultimately be determined during a consultation. Research shows that microneedling does not carry the risk of causing hyperpigmentation, so regardless of your skin tone, your scarring, photo damage, and stretch marks could be effectively treated through a series of microneedling treatments.
How long does it take to see results?
To achieve the best results, a series of treatments will most likely be needed, with the appearance of the skin gradually improving following each treatment. Over the course of the microneedling treatments, the skin will develop a smoother texture, scars will show softened edges, and sun spots/photo damage will reduce in color. This means that you could see improvement in a matter of weeks. However, results vary from patient to patient based on a number of factors.
If you’re ready to find out if microneedling is the ideal scar treatment for you, speak with our professionals at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation! Be sure to check out Dr. Sarah’s instagram @dr.sarah.yovino to see more before & after photos.
