What is it and what does it do?
Collagen induction therapy (CIT), or medical microneedling, is a technique where a fractional microneedling device with fine microneedles is placed over the skin of the face and neck creating thousands of microscopic channels through the skin. It is designed to treat various skin conditions, such as fine lines and wrinkles, light scarring from acne and photo damage, and to improve skin color and other skin texture change.
Microneedling is also referred to as a non-ablative skin treatment. This means that the deeper parts of the skin are treated without removing the top layer of skin. This produces the formation of new tissue by activating the body’s wound healing cascade (hemostasis-inflammation-proliferation-tissue remodeling) to increase the remodeling of the skin.
Dr. Manrique uses CIT to create a controlled non-thermal injury underneath the skin surface, thereby inducing the body to respond through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin and collagen fibers (neo-collagenesis) as well as new capillaries for an improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) in the treated area. The results of the microneedling technique are enhanced with PRP treatment. The skin thickens in response to this stimulus, reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines and ultimately the skin texture changes.
Dr. Manrique can also advise you to have a Botox facial which combines a microneedling procedure with topical serums and Botulinum Toxin to deliver customized skin solutions deep into the epidermis but not to the underlying muscle, allowing the Botulinum Toxin to tighten the skin but not freeze the face.
Dr. Manrique uses COSMOPen to get the best results out of microneedling treatment.
COSMOPen Advantages:
- Up and down movements prevent excessive trauma
- Disposable pinhead – No risk of Cross Infection
- The small tip helps treat hard to reach areas
- Very accurate & consistent speed & depth
DermaRoller Flaws:
- Excessive & undesired trauma
- Cross-infection risks
- Too large for small areas
- Lacks accuracy & consistency for speed & depth
How does it feel?
A topical numbing cream is applied to the area before carrying out microneedling treatment to ensure any pain is minimized. Variable treatment intensities allow Dr. Manrique to further control the comfort of the treatment.
During the microneedling Vitamins, PRP, Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic acid can be applied over the skin to allow their absorption into the deep layers of the skin.
When will I see results?
You will see a plumping effect almost immediately, however the natural healing process takes time, so it can take up to six weeks before you see significant results – although some improvements can be seen much sooner.
The process will continue over the following months and several treatments are usually required.
What is the aftercare?
After your treatment, your skin will appear red and flushed; a normal sign that the treatment is working and will subside within a few days.
SPF 30 should be worn daily following on from the treatment for at least two weeks. An ongoing effective daily skincare regime is crucial to help promote and achieve optimum results. Redness can be visible for 7 to 10 days before it smooths out.
