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Collagen induction therapy and micro-needling are skin treatments quite popular nowadays. As similar as they may seem, they also have differences from one another. Let us learn today if these two skin procedures are the same or very different from each other.
Collagen Induction Therapy 101
Collagen induction therapy, or just CIT, is a decorative way of saying non-surgical micro-needling. It is a minimally invasive procedure involving using medical-grade rollers that have fine needles that work over an area of skin, helping stimulate the collagen production of that particular skin area. Usually, it is used to:
Firm out loose skin
Rejuvenate aged hands
Lessen fine lines and wrinkles
Reduce acne scars and scars from burns
Tighten pores
Eliminate stretch marks
Lower pigmentation
Promote hair growth
How does it work?
Collagen induction therapy works through stimulation of the body’s system of natural collagen production. This treatment uses tiny micro-needles or sharp fine needles placed on medical-grade rollers that are moved systematically over the targeted area. These fine needles produce evenly spaced skin micro-punctures. They create micro-damage within the skin that triggers the body’s natural collagen production. In the subsequent few months post-treatment, the amount of skin collagen will increase and give the skin that revitalized, plumper, and smoother-looking appearance.
The various needle sizes are used to treat different skin concerns. The shorter needles are for penetrating the skin surface, whereas the longer goes a bit deeper. Typically, the 5-1.0 mm needles are foraging and wrinkle treatments that will stimulate collagen induction. Meanwhile, 5–2 mm needles are for acne treatments. CIT sessions differ depending on the treated area size and take roughly around 10 minutes to an hour. Pre-treatment, application of topical anesthesia reduces any potential pain and discomfort. Other treatments like radiofrequency, light therapy, vitamin serums, or platelet-rich plasma go well with CIT. This combination enhances particular conditions such as hair loss, acne treatments, or anti-aging treatments.
What are some side effects?
Redness to the skin is the most common side effect of collagen induction therapy. But the following symptoms may also occur:
Bleeding and scabbing
Bruising
Dry skin
The appearance of millia, or small white spots
What are some after-care?
After your CIT treatment, you are required to:
Clean the face using lukewarm water for the next 48 hours. Avoid rubbing the skin harshly as much as possible.
Never pick at scabs or touch the treated area to reduce the risk of infection. Keep your hands clean all the time before touching your face.
Avoid wearing conventional makeup for the next 12 hours, although you may use approved post-cosmetic treatments.
Immediately apply SPF after the treatment.
Is it that effective?
Collagen induction therapy has been known to be quite effective in wrinkles and acne scarring reduction and with burns and areas of pigmentation. In addition, when combined with minoxidil, it has shown to be very useful in hair regrowth stimulation.
Microneedling 101
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure minimally invasive that is used in treating skin concerns via collagen production. Also termed collagen induction therapy may help people looking to reduce that undesirable acne scars and stretch marks appearance.
Also used in specific anti-aging procedures such as eyelid surgery and sunspots, this treatment is not adequate for people losing hair, despite the potential function of collagen in hair growth. You may be eligible for this skin procedure by having good health and some skin concerns that have not responded well to home treatments and other dermatologic procedures like skin peels.
This procedure can also be your final stretch before even considering cosmetic surgery in battling anti-aging and other concerns. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor first to learn and see if this procedure is the best option for your skin.
How does it work?
Microneedling works by somehow forcing the skin to produce more collagen. The pinpricks from this procedure cause minimal injuries to the skin, with the skin responding through new collagen-rich tissue production.
In turn, the new skin tissue produced is more even in terms of tone and texture. This incident is typical for the skin since collagen is lost as we age or with our injuries. Encouraging the skin to make new tissue will produce more collagen, helping make the skin firmer at the same time.
What is the procedure?
During this procedure, doctors make tiny pricks beneath the skin using a pen-like tool. These pinpricks are so small that it is implausible to notice them after the treatment. Doctors move the device evenly and carefully across the targeted skin area, allowing new skin to rejuvenate evenly, too.
Before you start, your doctor will use a topical anesthetic to help reduce the potentials of pain. This step is done one hour before the treatment. In some instances, doctors may then apply serums or calming therapies. In total, expect to potentially be at the clinic for at least a couple of hours.
What are some commonly targeted areas?
Microneedling is often used on your face, primarily to target:
acne scars
age or “sunspots.”
fine lines and wrinkles
large pores
other scar types
skin elasticity reduction
uneven skin tone
What are some side effects?
All cosmetic procedures, including micro-needling, come with some risks, too. One of the most common after-effects immediately following the process is minor skin irritation. Redness may also be seen for a few days after. Talk to your doctor if some side effects become noticeable, like bleeding, bruising, infection, and peeling.
What to expect after?
Microneedling isn’t as invasive as plastic surgery, needing very minimal time to recover. Noticeable skin irritation and redness within the first few days may manifest following the procedure. This response is natural due to the minor “injuries” done using the needles that punctured your skin. With minimal to no downtime needed, quickly return to work or school after the procedure once you feel comfortable and fully recovered. Others apply to camouflage makeup for the first few days while the redness dissipates. However, your skin will also likely be more sensitive to exposure to the sun, so keep your sunscreens readily available all the time.
After the micro-needling, your skin will work pretty quickly in rejuvenating new tissues. In theory, results should have manifested already within a couple of weeks. Maintain the effects of your treatment through additional multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing therapies. Follow your doctor’s advice on the best plan of action based on your individual goals.
They’re the SAME!
Collagen induction therapy and micro-needling are more the same rather than different. Both provide effective skin rejuvenating results. So, consult your doctor to know which micro-needling and collagen induction therapy is the best option for your skin needs.
Want to know more, especially about collagen induction therapy but don’t know where to go and who to talk to so you can learn more? Don’t worry. Our awesome friends from Forma Medical Aesthetics will help you find the perfect skin treatment for you. Visit them now!
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