I love helping my patients overcome acne. I love seeing how a person’s whole demeanor changes when their skin stops breaking out and how their confidence begins to shine. Unfortunately, for many of those patients the healing doesn’t end when the breakouts stop flaring up because past acne has left frustrating scars and areas of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This scarring can be devastating and debilitating. This led me to seek out the best treatments to heal those scars. The most natural and effective treatment I discovered is Collagen Induction Therapy (also known as CIT, microneedling or skin needling).

The basic idea of collagen induction therapy has been around for over a century but the technique has been modernized and integrated into aesthetic medicine and dermatological practices. In 1997, Canadian plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Camirand accidentally discovered that skin puncturing with tattoo needles resulted in improvement of facial scar texture. Fundamentally, the mechanism is simple – controlled delivery of damage to the skin stimulates collagen production through the body’s natural healing process. Over time, the skin is remodeled which results in smoother skin texture and improved strength and elasticity. Since then, many dermal rollers and needling devices have entered the market for both professional and personal use but Dermaroller® is the only brand approved by Health Canada.

Dermaroller® is clinically proven and is perhaps the most successful treatment available for the common signs and symptoms of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin volume, and crepey skin. The Dermaroller® micro-needling treatment even targets the epidermis in such a way that it is clinically proven to minimize scars and stretch marks. The eDermastamp® is an advancement of the classic Dermaroller®, in which the microneedles are not applied manually to the skin but by motor power that moves a needle module up and down with a high frequency. The needle length is adjusted according to the indication and treatment area.

Benefits for Microneedling/CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy):

• Soften and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Plump and thicken the skin for a more youthful experience
• Reduce the appearance of acne scars and other scars on the body
• Improved appearance of stretch marks and cellulite
• Improved product penetration

What is a treatment like? Is it painful?

Collagen Induction Therapy treatments begin by thoroughly cleansing the face or treatment area, then a numbing cream is applied to minimize any discomfort from the treatment. Once the treatment area is sufficiently numb, hyaluronic acid is applied to the skin and a small pen-like device with tiny atraumatic needles is moved in small circles covering the treatment area. Once the needling is complete, a masque is applied to cool and soothe the skin as well as deliver more active ingredients that are selected based on the individual skin concerns.

What can I expect following treatment?

Immediately after CIT treatment your skin will be red, similar to a mild sunburn, and slightly puffy but this is only temporary and should dissipate after 24-48 hours (so don’t plan any big events in the days after your treatment). There may also be mild bruising for 3 days following the treatment. The first week after the treatment you may get some skin peeling which helps lighten pigmentation or scarring and the skin looks more hydrated. The results are gradual as collagen production takes time, most clients report a gradual improvement in their skin colour and texture over 6- 8 week period. That improvement is compounded as each consecutive treatment is performed. So it’s really important to apply creams at home and commit and rebook your treatments to see the best results.

Generally, a minimum of 3 treatments are required to achieve the optimum rejuvenation of an area. When treating scarring, at least 5-6 treatments would generally be required. The treatments are performed 5-6 weeks apart.

Book your visit today to get healthy, smooth, youthful skin!

Have a beautiful day!