COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY - MORE COLLAGEN = YOUNGER, HEALTHIER SKIN

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) also known as Medical Micro Needling is an innovative minimally invasive procedure  utilized in aesthetic medicine for skin repair and rejuvenation and for hair restoration. Though known for almost 2 decades, medical micro needling became exceedingly popular in the last few years due to the amazing results, the long term effects and the cost effectiveness.

Short history
 
The modern time history of Collagen Induction Therapy begins in the 1990's. But it actually has its origins in ancient China as acupuncture used in the traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for most diseases and abnormalities. Also Korean and Japanese have been using this method since antiquity, with some variations. In China stainless steel needles of different lengths were used for acupuncture, Korean used needles made of copper; the instruments of the Japanese healers were very thin needles guided by a a tube. In that far era, skin needling was an exclusive therapy, for wealthy and powerful only.
The German dermatologist Dr. Ernst Kromayer is the inventor of the multiple needle electrolysis. He published in 1905 his work and studies - he treated scars, birthmarks and pigmentation abnormalities of the skin, aiming to reduce scarring and to improve the appearance and the texture of the skin.
During the 1950's, Kromayer's work was 'reinvented' by Dr.Abner Kurtin, an American dermatologist. He modified the technique, using stainless wire brushes instead of the dental burrs, originally used by Kromayer.  Among the pioneers of anti aging medicine  Alexis Carrel, French scientist and Nobel Prize winner for Medicine is one of the most prodigious; 2 of his followers described a new technique for the treatment of scars and wrinkles using a hypodermic needle.
In 1997, the Canadian aesthetic surgeon Dr. Andre Camirand published his study, in which he described his successful results in performing skin needling with a high-speed tattoo gun. Together with his associate, he found out that the reduction in scar tissue is caused by the needles of the tattoo gun and not by the pigment.
Dr. Des Fernandes, the Cape Town based plastic surgeon said at an interview in Kuala Lumpur in 2011 "Skin needling is very controversial because it sounds wrong. What we've discovered is that when you prick your skin, it doesn't leave a scar.  When you injure skin tissue, the platelets release growth factors for the skin to heal. It promotes more collagen and elastin. We found that TGFB3 (Transforming growth factor beta-3) molecule helps tissue to regenerate instead of scar," he said. He developed his own needle stamp using it in his practice for skin needling of the upper lip with excellent results. This was the first step towards the development of the modern Dermaroller and the automated pen-shaped devices. Personally, I prefer the manual option because it allows full control during the procedure and a more uniform effect on the entire treated surface.

What is Collagen Induction Therapy?

The treatment consists of introducing a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin. The needles are attached either to a single use, sterile roller - which is rolled over the treated skin area to create numerous microscopic channels - or to a single use needle cartridge at the end of a Derma Pen. The micro traumas stimulate the body to synthesize new collagen and elastin. As a result of this repair process, the skin becomes thicker, brighter, plumper with a more youthful appearance.

Indications

Collagen Induction Therapy is recommended for the treatment of:

• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Post Caesarean-section scars 
• Stretch marks 
• Enlarged pores
• Aged, photo-damaged,sagged skin
• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Alopecia (hair loss)   

Both men and women can benefit from Collagen Induction Therapy.
The most important aspect , in my opinion, is the fact that Collagen Induction Therapy can be applied to individuals with any skin type - Fitzpatrick I- VI, compared to Photo Rejuvenation (LASER, IPL) procedures restricted by the skin type.



Procedure and Protocol

Skin preparation consists of cleansing and disinfection of the treated area and application of a topical anesthetic for approximately 20 minutes. However, sensitive persons might still feel discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the area of face or body being treated and the type of device used, (i.e. needle length) the procedure is usually well tolerated and in some cases virtually painless.

The duration of a treatment session depends on the treated area and varies between 10 min and 1 hour, including the application of a personalized cocktail according to the problem we treat, to the gender and age of the patient, to the treated body area.

The protocols also depend on the problem we treat.
My protocol for alopecia consists of a 10 sessions series, as following:
- 4 weekly sessions
- 4 sessions fortnightly sessions
- 2 monthly sessions

If necessary, the 10 sessions series can be followed by 2-4 maintenance sessions.


Generally, there are no patterns; every patient reacts differently. When using the medical micro needling therapy  for anti aging treatments, I always prefer to invite my patients for a follow up 7-10 days after the first session, in order to assess the effects and to establish how to continue the treatment.




After the medical microneedling treatment, the skin will be pink - red for a 2-3 hours, similar to a sunburn; minor bleeding and bruising is possible, depending on the treated area, length of the needles,etc. The skin may feel warm and itchy. All these effects resolve in 24-48 hours in most of the cases. Practically, the patient can return to his activity immediately after the procedure.

Highly recommended that Medical Micro Needling with medical grade rollers or automatic devices should only be performed by qualified doctors, surgeons or nurses.

Post Treatment Recommendations

In order to avoid any complication, patients who underwent a Collagen Induction Therapy session should:

• use tepid - not hot - water to cleanse the face or body for the first 48 hours following treatment and dry the treated area gently without rubbing;
• ensure that hands are always clean when touching the area treated, to avoid infections;
• not apply conventional make-up products to the skin for the first 12 hours following treatment, mineral based make-up products are allowed
• apply the prescribed skincare products according to the regime specifically designed
• apply a broad spectrum sunscreen product with a high SPF immediately after treatment before leaving the clinic and when going outside following treatment - very important!

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for the Collagen Induction Therapy are:

• Pregnancy and lactation period
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring 
• History of poor wound healing
• Presence  of open wounds or cuts on the skin area to be treated
• Presence of any skin condition on the area to be treated - Herpes Simplex, inflammation,eczema, chronic infection
• Treatment with Roaccutane within the last 3 months ( I prefer waiting 6 months after Roaccutane treatment, before doing any procedure)
• Radiation treatment within the last year
• Systemic diseases, malignancies  

 Effects and Advantages of Collagen Induction Therapy

The first signs can be observed immediately after the treatment session, the effects enhance during the following 4-8 weeks due to the synthesis of new collagen and elastin and to the repairing process of the skin.
The advantages of the collagen induction therapy: cost effective, quick, with virtually no risk or side effects, with minimal discomfort and with amazing long lasting results!


 Simple, but brilliant!