Are lines and wrinkles making you look older? Are you on the hunt for a treatment to reverse the clock? Collagen induction therapy is one of the best treatment options to try. Collagen induction therapy, aka micro-needling, is a minimally-invasive cosmetic surgery procedure that works wonders for fine lines, wrinkles, and minor scarring. The treatment is often done over multiple sessions, leaving you with brighter, firmer, and youthful-looking skin.
The treatment involves a tool, a micro-needling pen studded with tiny needles. The needles pierce through the skin’s top layers, creating microscopic cuts. As a result, collagen will rush to the wound site, renewing and plumping your skin. Over time, your wrinkles, fine lines, and scars will diminish.
But does collagen induction therapy work? If you are curious, keep reading the article to learn how it will benefit you.
Background of Collagen Induction Therapy
Contrary to popular belief, collagen induction therapy has been around for some time. It has been around for decades. The first record of micro-needling dates back to 1905. German dermatologist Ernst Kromayer did it. He used different-sized dental burs that were mounted on motor-driven flexible cord equipment. The treatment was done to treat scars, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and trigger collagen production.
In 1995, a relatively fresher technique was discovered by Dr. Desmond Fernandes that helped achieve similar results with hypodermic needles. It also resulted in improved collagen production. New advancements over the years have made the treatment safe and non-invasive. Multiple kinds of micro-needling devices are available these days.
From micro-needling stamps to manual rollers, dermal stamps, and automated rollers, aestheticians have various options.
Stages of Collagen Induction Therapy
Remodeling of skin isn’t an overnight thing. Microneedling penetrates your skin at a particular depth based on your skin condition and goals. The process involves the creation of micro-injuries to the dermis. It stimulates the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin in your skin.
The process begins with clot formation post-micro-needling. This clot is essentially your body’s way of stopping the bleeding and protecting your wound. Clot formation is followed by neutrophil/immune cell invasion, which protects your wounds and prevents infections.
The next step is the inflammatory phase. During this stage, macrophages and phagocytic cells kill the bacteria and damaged tissues and release chemical factors such as growth hormones. These hormones are responsible for fibroblasts, endothelial, and epithelial cells.
The third phase can be termed the proliferative part of collagen induction therapy. This step involves the formation of granulation tissues that contain active plum fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are responsible for the production of type III collagen. Gradually, they begin producing type I collagen that is much stronger.
Think of the proliferative phase as the maturation phase. It is when type III collagen is replaced by type I collagen. This phase can last up to a year. What does this mean for you? Well, you continue to grow new collagen for up to a year, so your results will continue to improve.
As a result, your skin will look lighter, brighter, younger, and scar-free. So, the answer to your question: ‘does collagen induction therapy work?’ is yes. It will make a massive difference in the appearance of your skin.
What Can I Expect?
First, booking a consultation with a certified and experienced service provider is essential. They will look at your skin, review your medical history, listen to your goals and then determine whether it is a suitable treatment for you or not. Once it is established that the procedure is proper for you, you will be scheduled for your first treatment.
- On the day of the treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure no traces of dirt and makeup on your face.
- Post that, the service provider will numb your skin with the help of a topical anesthetic.
- Once your skin is numb, the doctor will prepare the micro-needling tool.
- The tool will be evenly moved across your face to create micro-injuries.
- This will typically last for 30 minutes.
- The service provider will then use a topical cream to calm the inflammation.
The service provider will recommend multiple treatment sessions based on your aesthetic goals. It is common to experience redness, mild irritation, bruising, and swelling on the treatment site. Don’t worry, as it is perfectly normal and will subside over a few days.
Is It Recommended to Use At-Home Microneedling Devices?
While you find plenty of micro-needling devices on the internet, ranging from very cheap options to high-end ones, it is not recommended to use them. There are several reasons behind it. First, you don’t know how the product is made. The needles could be too big and might end up harming your skin. Secondly, you won’t know the right amount of pressure when using these devices. Sterilization of the instruments is of critical importance. If germs penetrate your skin during an at-home treatment session, you will end up with infection and inflammation. That is why it is not recommended to try micro-needling at home.
Can Collagen Induction Therapy Really Heal My Skin?
Well, we are all a little skeptical about any cosmetic treatment. This treatment generally works for most patients. Scientifically speaking, there is no concrete data on how many people were satisfied with the available results. However, it is still regarded as one of the best skin rejuvenation treatments. People who get it once keep coming back for more treatments over the years.
The treatment is highly beneficial for minimizing scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and dull-looking skin. Collagen induction therapy is hands down one of the best treatments available for skin rejuvenation. If you wish to with an expert and want to know more about micro-needling, feel free to connect with us today.
