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Dermatologists Northbridge Sydney | Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology

SkinPen - Collagen Induction Therapy

Collagen Induction Therapy Skin Needling Sydney.jpg

What is Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)?

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) can assist in the treatment of melasma, mild scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and overall skin improvement.

CIT describes the process of applying a needling device to the skin to create a controlled injury with the intention of stimulating collagen production. The thin, medical grade needles within the pen device oscillate across the skin creating tiny “micro-channels” injuries. This micro-injury launches a cascade of activity under the skin, including the release of growth factors, initiation of cell repair and rejuvenation as well as the production of fibroblast cells which leads to a production of collagen and elastin. The micro-channels are not visible to the naked eye, but are able to effectively break down old, damaged skin cells and collagen strands, allowing for skin renewal and the production of new and stronger collagen.

CIT is suitable for almost all skin types and concerns, however a consultation and skin analysis must be performed to determine if this treatment is suitable for you. A series of treatments is required to achieve the best result and your treatment program will be personalised for you and guided by our experienced Dermal Clinicians.

 

About The SkinPen

There are different grades relating to the quality of needling devices available on the market. At NSDL we use The SkinPen to perform our Skin Needling treatments. The SkinPen is the only needling device that has been TGA & FDA approved to achieve clinical results, while ensuring the highest standard of depth precision, sterility and safety.

The SkinPen device has certain features that are superior to other needling devices, for example it utilises a disposable needle cartridge that are designed with a specialised lockout feature that makes it physically impossible to reuse needle tips. This means a new and sterile tip has to be used for every patient and each treatment, ensuring a high standard of hygiene. It is also ultrasonically sealed, meaning nothing can flow back into the device and this feature removes the possibility of cross contamination.

What can the SkinPen treat? +

SkinPen can assist in the treatment of:

  • Melasma
  • Enlarged pores
  • Thin skin and laxity
  • Aged skin
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven surface texture
  • Mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring
  • Overall skin improvement and rejuvenation
  • Some body or surgical scars (this will depend on the scar type and suitability will be determined by a Dermal Clinician)

What areas can be treated? +

CIT is suitable for most skin types and concerns and our team of Dermal Clinicians will perform a skin analysis to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

The SkinPen is frequently used to treat the face, neck and chest. This treatment can be performed on body areas as well.

How many treatments are required? +

Usually a series of 4-6 treatments is recommended at 4-6 week intervals. The severity of the condition or skin concerns will determine your specific treatment plan, which will be discussed and explained to you by a Dermal Clinician during your initial consult. Collagen remodelling can take 6-12 months to be visible so a multi-modality treatment plan may be recommended to see results earlier. Typically the intervals will be as follows:

  • For Rejuvenation: 3-6 treatments, 4 weeks apart
  • For Acne scarring: 6 treatments, 6 weeks apart
  • For Stretch marks: 4-8 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart

What is involved in the SkinPen treatment? +

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

  • Commit and adhere to the cosmeceutical skincare plan recommended to prep and prime your skin before starting the treatment program
  • Ensure you come to your appointment with no makeup or fake tan on the treatment area
  • We recommend you cease any active products (e.g. glycolic) or prescription topical agents (e.g. epiduo) for 3-5 days before your appointment
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 50 every day for at least two weeks before your treatment.

DURING YOUR TREATMENT

  • Your skin with thoroughly cleansed and prepped and then an effective numbing agent will be applied to the skin to minimise discomfort
  • Most patients are able to tolerate this treatment well, but there may some expected discomfort in sensitive areas on the face such as the top lip and around the eyes
  • The numbing agent allows for a comfortable experience. You may feel the vibration sensation of the device and a slight prickling sensation around bone contours on the face which is tolerated well
  • Calming and protective products will be applied to the skin at the end of the treatment
  • The treatment usually only takes 60 minutes

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

  • There is minimal and easily managed downtime associated with this treatment
  • There can be redness and mild swelling that usually only lasts 12-48 hours
  • For the first 24 hours, your skin will likely feel hot and tight similar to a mild sunburn sensation
  • There may be some pinpoint bleeding when treating conditions such as scars, but this usually resolves at the completion of the treatment
  • To reduce downtime and risks we strongly advise that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your Dermal Clinician
  • About 5-7 days’ post treatment your skin may become slightly flaky. This does not happen after every treatment, but if it does just increase the application of your hydrating products

How to take care of your skin after the SkinPen treatment +

To ensure you get the best results from your SkinPen treatments we recommend the following:

  • Use the specific aftercare products that your Dermal Clinician has recommended to you
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF 50+ daily
  • Avoid excessive exercise or activities that increase heart rate and body temperature for at least 24 hours post treatment.
  • Avoid exfoliating the skin for approximately two weeks post treatment. This includes both chemical and physical exfoliating products.
  • A cosmeceutical skincare routine will be developed for you to enhance and maintain your results in between your appointments.

What are the risks and suitability of SkinPen treatment? +

With any cosmetic treatment, there are associated risks and complications. These can be avoided and managed well if you adhere to the instructions and advice of your Dermal clinician.

  • Potential risks and complications include:
  • Infection
  • Bruising
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Not achieving desired results

There are some conditions and medications that may make you unsuitable for this treatment:

  • Skin cancers
  • Active skin infections
  • A history of or active cold sores
  • Open wounds or sores in the area
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Blood thinning medications
  • Chemotherapy and radiation treatment
  • Currently undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Actinic keratosis and other precancerous lesions
  • Wound healing deficiencies
  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
  • Collagen vascular disease
  • Active acne, eczema and dermatitis in the area wanting to be treated
  • Pregnancy or lactation