In the last few decades, many minimally invasive treatments have been created. As people live longer, they want to enjoy their golden years without having to worry about wrinkles, discolored skin, and permanent scarring. One of the most successful new methods is microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy. At ProMD Health in Annapolis, MD, we offer this gentle treatment to patients who would like to restore the smooth and even texture of their skin.
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling?
There are many reasons why so many patients get collagen induction therapy. The treatment is quick and easy, and it doesn’t come with a long recovery process. This makes it compatible with a busy lifestyle. Our patients appreciate how this method doesn’t involve chemicals or dangerous incisions, but it still provides them with long-lasting results. Because it can be combined with other methods, it’s ideal for those who want a complete transformation.
Collagen induction therapy can address a wide range of symptoms. It is often used on patients’ faces, but the SkinPen can also be used on other body parts like the stomach, the arms, the legs, and the hips. With CIT, we help patients get rid of the first signs of aging, skin conditions like rosacea, blemishes, and uneven pigmentation.
Addresses the First Signs of Aging
When we grow older, our bodies no longer produce as much collagen and elastin as before. The cells don’t get broken down and replaced as quickly, so our skin starts to sag and wrinkle. Although this process is completely normal, it is distressing for many people. Collagen induction therapy is a great solution because it rejuvenates the tissues for up to a year at a time.
During the session, we use tiny needles to prick the skin and encourage the natural healing process. Because the body perceives a micro-injury in the treatment area, it produces growth factors that stimulate the production of new cells. The old tissue is broken down and replaced, so the skin is effectively rejuvenated.
Addresses Common Skin Issues
Several conditions affect the texture and color of the skin. A common one is rosacea. The symptoms are flushed areas in the face, sometimes coupled with small spots and tiny broken blood vessels. There’s no known cure for rosacea, and the condition often gets worse over time. Collagen induction therapy is a great way of reducing or eliminating the symptoms for up to a year at a time.
Patients most likely need several sessions to see the best results. After their final appointment, they’ll notice that they’re less prone to redness, even if they eat a lot of spicy food, expose their bodies to very hot or cold temperatures, and drink alcohol. Enlarged pores can also be addressed with collagen induction therapy. This issue is often related to hormones, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Addresses Scars and Permanent Blemishes
People with small blemishes and scars on their faces are perceived as less attractive, more insecure, and less healthy than those with clear skin. Studies have shown that blemished skin is the first thing most people notice about those with scars. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population has permanent scars from minor accidents, acne, and chickenpox.
Collagen induction therapy helps to even out the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It is a great treatment for anyone who is no longer suffering from the condition that caused their scars. After the initial set of sessions, patients often don’t have to return to the clinic because their results are permanent. However, they need to stick to a good skincare routine that protects their faces from further damage.
Addresses Uneven Pigmentation
Some people suffer from uneven pigmentation at an early age, but this is a condition that often occurs with age. The most common reason why people develop darker spots on their faces is that they exposed their skin to too much sunlight in the past. UV rays are extremely damaging, and they can cause permanent problems.
Microneedling addresses many kinds of pigmentation problems. Aside from age and sun spots, it can also reduce stretch marks caused by pregnancy or rapid weight gain. The results of CIT for uneven pigmentation are permanent, but only if the patient avoids damaging their skin. If the tissues are again exposed to a lot of UV radiation, the sunspots are likely to come back.
Safe for Almost Every Patient
One of the best things about collagen induction therapy is that it isn’t exclusive. It’s appropriate for almost every person, no matter their skin color, age, and medical background. Even people who have medical conditions can get treatment because this method doesn’t involve the use of dangerous substances or general anesthesia.
At the clinic, we always examine our patients’ health histories before allowing them to take part. Some people can’t have CIT because they suffer from a serious medical issue like heart disease or an acute skin condition like a fungal infection, eczema, or psoriasis. These people can come back to the clinic once they are feeling better. However, they might need alternative treatments in the meantime.
Easy and Quick Treatment Process
Your microneedling session won’t take more than 45 minutes, so it’s easy to find time for it, even if you’re very busy. We always start by numbing our patients’ skin with a cream to make sure they’re comfortable during the appointment. Then, we carefully draw the SkinPen over their faces until the treatment is complete.
After your appointment, you can go straight home. There’s no need for you to be observed because you’re not anesthetized during treatment. You can lead your usual lifestyle, as long as you don’t heat your skin too much in the first 24 hours after the session. Avoid taking blood-thinning medication, drinking alcohol, and consuming nicotine for at least 48 hours.
No Risk of Skin Discoloration and Complications
Like CIT, laser therapy is extremely effective at addressing common skin issues related to aging and removing unwanted body hair. At the clinic, we offer several types of laser treatments. Although they are appropriate for most patients, they are more effective in people with lighter skin. This isn’t the case for collagen induction therapy, which is appropriate for anyone. Because the skin isn’t heated up, there’s no chance of discoloration.
It’s also worth noting that we don’t inject a foreign substance into your tissues during CIT. This means that your body won’t reject the treatment or react badly. This makes CIT the ideal solution for people who have allergies and are worried about how their bodies will respond to cosmetic treatments.
Long-Lasting Results
Most patients need several collagen induction therapy sessions before they see the desired results. The appointments are spaced approximately one month apart to give the body time to recover and create new, healthy cells. Once the initial course of treatment is over, patients can expect their results to last for at least a year. Those who are getting CIT for scar removal might see permanent results.
You can make sure you experience the full benefits of CIT by living a healthy lifestyle in between sessions. Don’t expose your body to excessive amounts of sunlight, and always wear strong sunscreen when going outside. Use our recommended skincare products, which are designed to support the results from CIT. Always drink enough water, so your tissues stay supple and moisturized.
Can Be Combined with Other Methods
Collagen induction therapy is easily customizable. After we’ve created channels in your skin with the microscopic SkinPen needles, we usually apply a serum that addresses your specific cosmetic concern. We might choose a substance that hydrates your tissues, encourages your pores to close, or speeds up the recovery process.
Sometimes, collagen induction therapy on its own isn’t able to resolve a patient’s skin problems. In this case, we combine our minimally invasive methods. There’s no reason why people can’t have injectables, laser treatment, or PRP injections at the same time as CIT. Getting several treatments at once is cheaper and more efficient, so it’s a great option for people who want a dramatic change.
Restore the Smooth and Even Texture of Your Skin Now
Microneedling is a great treatment for anyone who wants to rejuvenate their tissues without undergoing surgery or injecting a chemical under their skin. This method can address the first signs of aging, common skin conditions, permanent scars, and uneven pigmentation. It’s gentle and minimally invasive, so it’s appropriate for a wide range of people. Call us at ProMD Health in Annapolis, MD to schedule a meeting and find out whether you’re the ideal candidate.