Microneedling has been used to treat common skin conditions and the signs of aging for over 20 years. It is one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments because it’s minimally invasive, no dangerous chemicals are used, and it’s appropriate for a wide range of patients. At Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA; we offer collagen induction therapy to people who want to improve the appearance of their skin without undergoing an operation.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in the body. As we age, we no longer produce as much of it as before. That’s why wrinkles and fine lines appear. Collagen induction therapy involves pricking the skin with tiny needles that cause micro-injuries. The body’s healing response is triggered, even though the tissue isn’t damaged. As a result, new cells are produced, and more collagen is delivered to the treatment area.
Every patient’s situation is unique, so it’s hard to tell how long these results last. People who are getting collagen induction therapy because they have long-lasting acne scars or stretch marks might experience permanent results. Those who use this method as a wrinkle treatment might need to come to the clinic two to four times a year for maintenance appointments.
CIT for the Signs of Aging
Patients usually start to experience the first signs of aging in their late 20s or early 30s. Their skin is no longer as smooth as before, and they might notice the first tiny wrinkles around their eyes and mouths. CIT is the perfect treatment at that stage because it increases the production of new, healthy cells and therefore delays the aging process.
We usually recommend several CIT sessions, each spaced four to six weeks apart. After the first course of treatment, patients experience excellent results for at least three months. Those who take good care of their skin and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and pollution might not need to come to the clinic for six months or more.
CIT for Acne Scars
Acne is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. In most cases, it’s temporary, and the symptoms disappear after a few years. Unfortunately, small scars sometimes remain behind. They often don’t respond to topical creams and are very hard to get rid of. Patients who have small blemishes due to acne, chickenpox, or an accident are great candidates for collagen induction therapy.
They might need three to six CIT appointments over the course of half a year. The results become visible around one month after their final appointment. Unless the underlying condition comes back, the results of CIT for scar removal are permanent. Patients don’t have to come back to the clinic for maintenance appointments. However, they have to take good care of their bodies and follow a suitable skincare routine every day.
CIT for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are often associated with pregnancy. The size of the stomach changes quickly, and the tissues have a hard time adjusting. Red, pink, or purple lines appear where the skin has been stretched. People who have gained a lot of weight quickly or those who have gone through a quick growth spurt might also develop stretch marks.
Aside from tightening the skin and removing small lines and wrinkles, CIT can change the color of the tissue. During treatment, the body is encouraged to break down old cells and produce new ones, which aren’t discolored. That’s why CIT is often used to treat stretch marks on people’s stomachs, hips, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
CIT for Sunspots
Unlike other body parts, the face is exposed to sunlight and pollution whenever you go outside. If you’re not careful, your skin might become discolored due to the damaging UV rays. Sunspots are dark marks that appear as a result of exposure to sunlight.
CIT can effectively even out the skin tone and get rid of sunspots. The treatment is permanent, but only if the patient avoids future exposure to sunlight. After CIT therapy, they have to stay in the shade as much as possible and wear high-quality sunscreen whenever they go outside, even in winter.
CIT for Rosacea
People with rosacea have redness on their faces. The condition might get worse when they eat spicy foods, expose their skin to sunlight, drink a lot of alcohol, or are stressed. If the condition isn’t treated, the redness might become permanent.
There aren’t many effective treatments available for rosacea. CIT is one of the best options because it reduces the symptoms for several months at a time. Sufferers might need to come to the clinic two to four times a year to maintain their good results.
What Are the Advantages of Collagen Induction Therapy?
Many common skin conditions can be addressed with microneedling. The method is extremely popular at the clinic because it is minimally invasive, so patients don’t have to spend weeks recovering from their sessions. CIT doesn’t damage the skin or put the patient at risk, and it is appropriate for almost everyone. Because the skin is pricked by tiny needles, serums and skincare products can be delivered to the deeper layers, so they are more effective.
Minimally Invasive
Whenever possible, it’s better to choose a minimally invasive treatment because the risks are lower, and the recovery time is much faster. CIT doesn’t require general anesthesia, so patients don’t have to stay at the clinic for observation. After treatment, they can drive themselves back home or to work and take part in most activities.
There are a few guidelines, which we’ll explain during the initial consultation. Pause all blood-thinning medications and supplements, and don’t drink alcohol or smoke for several days. Avoid doing strenuous exercise, visiting a sauna or hot tub, and taking very hot showers for at least two days after the session.
Appropriate for Almost Anyone
Some cosmetic treatments aren’t suitable for patients who have medical conditions or allergies. CIT is different because it’s appropriate for almost everyone. As mentioned, we don’t use general anesthesia during treatment, so it’s safe for people who have heart conditions or suffer from obesity. It is also a good choice for those who have allergies because CIT doesn’t involve the injection of chemicals.
No Dangerous Chemicals Used
More and more people are worried about the harmful effects of chemicals on their bodies. We’re all exposed to too much pollution, so it’s important to avoid skincare products that damage the tissues and pose a health risk.
Some patients hesitate to come to the clinic because they’re afraid that we’ll recommend toxic or abrasive substances. But this isn’t usually the case. Treatments like CIT stimulate the body’s natural healing process, so they don’t require the use of dangerous chemicals. This makes them suitable for people who want to lead a healthy, natural lifestyle.
Can Deliver Products Under the Skin
Sometimes, we combine CIT with other skin rejuvenation methods. We work with several manufacturers who produce medical-grade skincare products. These are effective when applied to the skin, but they are even more beneficial when used right after a CIT session. The microscopic needles open up channels in the tissues, so the serums and lotions can penetrate the deeper skin layers.
All the products we recommend have been clinically researched, so they provide significant benefits when used as directed. We offer prescription products that are much stronger than those available at your local pharmacy.
What Is the Appointment Like?
Your CIT appointment won’t take very long. Expect to be in and out of the clinic within one hour. We start by making sure your treatment site is clean and dry, then applying the numbing cream. When you can’t feel your tissues anymore, we carefully draw the CIT device over your skin. After we’re done, we apply a soothing serum.
Most patients report that they don’t feel pain during their appointment because the skin is numbed. The needles are much smaller than traditional ones, so they don’t cause injuries. After the session, patients often report that their skin feels slightly sunburned, but it isn’t painful.
Improve the Appearance of Your Skin Now
Microneedling can be used to reduce the visible signs of aging, tighten the skin, get rid of small blemishes like acne scars, remove stretch marks, and even out the skin tone. If the underlying condition has been addressed, the results are permanent. However, people who are getting anti-aging collagen induction therapy have to come back for maintenance appointments. Call us at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA to book your first treatment.