Trends in Cosmetic Surgery – Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)

One of the most recent health and beauty topics trending in the media is Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or more simply stated, Micro Needling.

What Exactly is Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)?

CIT is an effective and affordable treatment for skin rejuvenation that works on a cellular level in order to achieve skin that is smoother, firmer, thicker, and more evenly textured.  CIT has also shown to be effective for the reduction of large pores, and minimize scaring (acne and surgical but NOT keloids).  This procedure is performed to release essential growth factors that promote scar-less healing, with the deposition of normal collagen.

What Results Can Be Expected From a CIT Treatment?

Collagen deposition is responsible for plumping the skin and reversing the signs of aging.  It takes approximately 4 weeks for new collagen synthesis (development).  A series of treatments will gradually build collagen; therefore a person should expect to have 3 to 6 treatments.  Various serums can also be applied with the CIT treatment for even greater lasting results.

How is CIT Performed?

A topical anesthetic is applied to the skin prior to the procedure for the client’s comfort.  CIT is then performed with a hand held wand device that has several sterile compact fine surgical stainless steel needles.  The device can be set for various needle depths, depending on the treatment issue.  These needles make very small channels, which allow serums to penetrate more effectively.   A hyaluronic acid serum is applied to the skin allowing the wand to move freely over the skin.  The hyaluronic acid also acts as the body’s natural hydrator to bind moisture to the skin giving it a dual purpose for this application.

Who is a Candidate for CIT?

CIT is an ideal treatment for all skin tones.  CIT is non-ablative (not removing or damaging the epidermis) unlike more invasive procedures such as a deep chemical peels or some laser treatments.  Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur when the epidermis is damaged, especially with darker skin.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Common side effects associated with CIT include redness, stinging, dryness, flaking, and tightness.  Using deeper needle depths associated with medical needling for scars may have more side effects associated with it.  These can range from a deeper redness similar to bad sunburn, some scabbing, and possible bruising.

Is CIT Safe?

CIT is very safe; however it is always best to have a professional personal evaluation to make sure that this is the appropriate procedure for your skin.  Certain skin conditions may be contraindicated for this application.  Also, certain medications have the potential to weaken the skin structure making this treatment counterproductive.

Buyer Beware:

There are many dermal rollers on the market for home use, which may not be as safe or effective as seeing a medical professional for several reasons.  Optimum results will depend on needle quality, size, and thickness.  Different needle depths are generally required for different areas of the skin on the face.  The needles on lower quality rollers can bend and/or rust causing damage or infection to the skin.  It is possible to create injuries that cause scar tissue from defective or inferior devices.  The goal with using medical grade equipment is to create micro-channels that stimulate fibroblasts, which produce collagen through the natural healing process without scaring.  Too much rolling or pressure in an area can cause real trauma.  Many rollers aren’t always small enough to reach hard spots such as the nose and around the eyes.  Bacteria can be spread across the skin when not cleaned thoroughly or especially if acne is present.  Cleaning an instrument is not the same as decontaminating it.  It is important to destroy blood borne pathogens so they are no longer capable of transmitting infections.  This may be very difficult to achieve with many of the home dermal rollers.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Patricia Ferguson, BSN, RN

Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center LLC

I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you in for an in depth consultation to determine if this would be the best course of action for your skin care concerns. I can be reached at (860) 409-1515 or by email at PFerguson@stanislawmd.com for any questions.