Medical Needling, Derma Roller, Derma Stamp (Collagen Induction Therapy CIT)

Pioneered by the internationally renowned South African Pastic Surgeon, Dr. Desmond Fernandes in 1997, needling has been combined with other therapies as well as performed on it’s own, to successfully treat acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles. Other names for this treatment include percutaneous collagen induction, or intradermabrasion. A similar and more current process for this is with the use of Derma roller and Derma stamping. 

How it Works:

The principle behind needling (Collagen Induction Therapy) is simple: to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. This is accomplished by causing a minute injury to the dermis, which results in the start of the wound healing cascade. These thousands of tiny wounds become a focal point for the body to produce it’s own collagen, an act to repair itself from injury. There is no rejection to the body producing it’s own collagen, so this procedure has been effective in patients of all ages, including peri and post-menopausal women.

Results:

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. The patient, however, sees continual improvement. The procedure takes from ten minutes to over an hour, depending on the area to be treated.

This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas.

Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more.

Who is a candidate for medical needling?

While medical needling is suitable for almost all patients, it is not recommended for those with active infections, chronic skin disorders, blood clotting problems, poor healing, a clear-cut keloid diathesis, or skin malignancies.

Skin Needling is for:

  • Scars from most surgeries or injuries
  • White or light colored scars
  • Scars from chicken pox or picked scabs
  • Acne and pock scars on face and body
  • Stretch marks from pregnancy or weight loss
  • Wrinkles on face, neck, and hands
  • Large pores on face

Why is this safer than using a needling roller at home?

Needling can be done with a roller at home with satisfactory results, although it is difficult for most patients to know how to effectively treat their own skin. Because a patient has scars or striae, or detailed fine lines and wrinkles, a professional treatment rather than self- treatment likely encourages a better treatment outcome. In addition to having a professional skincare provider perform the treatment, using our machine or more aggressive rollers and stamps provide a more focused and precise treatment, targeting very specific acne scars and lines.

 

What treatments work best with needling?

Fractional (Fraxel) laser treatment is most often combined with needling in our office. This combination is more effective than either treatment independently, on the appropriate patient.

Permanent Makeup is also very common. Many patients have white or light scars, and after significant improvement is made with needling and Fraxel resurfacing, camouflage permanent pigment is like the icing on the cake...

What is the price for needling?

Needling patients is priced individually. Guidelines for pricing can be simplified by time; 15 minutes of treatment is equal to $150. During your consultation and test spot appointment, fees and recommended number of treatments will be disclosed.