What is collagen induction therapy ?
A anti-aging, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, CIT treatments help to lift and tighten the patient’s skin while improving the texture for younger looking skin. Using your body’s natural healing ability, a CIT procedure involves hundreds of tiny skin pricks, inducing the body to produce collagen and elastin (the healing protein found in skin that gives structure to your skin), which in essence makes your skin fuller and plumper. This in effect erases the signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles and also heals scars and other skin pigmentations.
How does a CIT procedure work?
A certified technician o will utilize a CIT pen s. The pen, which contains many needle points, is rolled across the face, which then pricks the skin hundreds of times. A numbing cream is often applied beforehand for optimal comfort. Furthermore, a hyaluronic acid serum and growth factor serum such as those offered by MDPen are usually applied as well, which enhances collagen production. This process is repeated until the entire face is treated. After the microneedling procedure is complete, a Hyaluronic serum is applied with an LED on the skin for optimum healing and effects.
How long does a CIT procedure take?
The typical CIT procedure lasts between 20-45 minutes, which includes the application of the numbing cream and the serums.
Does a CIT procedure hurt?
This depends on how sensitive your skin is. Akin to feeling like sandpaper rubbing across your face, your skin may be more sensitive in naturally thinner areas such as around the eyes and mouth. It can be described as “uncomfortable.” If a numbing cream is used, this discomfort is greatly reduced.
What are the results of a CIT procedure?
The results of a CIT procedure are amazing! Immediately afterwards, patients report experiencing glowing skin for a few days. Full results will be visible after about 2-4 weeks after the swelling goes down. You will continue to see fuller, plumper skin for up to 3 months after your treatment.
Will I look weird after the procedure?
After a CIT procedure, your face may appear reddish with slight swelling present. Slight bleeding may or maynot occur as well in small areas for the first 24-48 hours. Otherwise, your face will look younger and fuller almost immediately!
Is one CIT skin treatment procedure enough?
Again, this will vary for all patients, depending on their skin condition and the results they are seeking. Usually, a series of 4-5 treatment sessions for CIT is needed, spaced apart by about a month or so. For advanced signs of aging, stretch marks, and acne scars, often more treatments are needed for optimal results.
What is the recovery time after a procedure?
Recovery time is very, very minimal. Your skin will be swollen for a few days afterwards, and may remain slightly pink for up to 48 hours after the procedure. Using hyaluronic acid and creams, many of which are specifically formulated to compliment a CIT procedure . You can resume your normal activities immediately afterwards with little to no impact on your daily life. However, it is recommended to forego makeup for a few days afterwards due to the pores being opened and are in the healing process.
How much does a CIT procedure cost?
Again, this varies. The cost of a microneedling procedure is typically in the low hundreds of dollars–significantly less than other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts.
Who is the ideal candidate for CIT procedures?
CIT works on all skin types for so many skin conditions . CIT is for all those looking to improve their skin texture, regenerate tissue, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lines, scars, and stretch marks.
Is a CIT procedure worth it?
CIT is the solution for those who want to look younger and feel better about their appearance. We’re all beautiful people, but sometimes we don’t feel like it. CIT is a quick procedure that can take years off your looks, diminish those scars from childhood, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, leaving you feeling amazing and more self-confident.
- Avoid Accutane for the past 12 months
- Do not use topical agents that may increase sensitivity of skin: retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, acids that may be drying or irritating to the skin (such as alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) beta hydroxyl acids (BHA), exfoliating masks, salicylic acids, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide acne products) 5-7 days prior
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for 3 days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation
- Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure or sunburn for 2 weeks prior
- No waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis to area being treated 5-7 days prior
- No shaving the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there is dense hair present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive to your appointment. Moles, warts or actinic (solar) keratosis cannot be treated.
- If you are prone to cold sores, take antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and day of treatment.
- Avoid blood thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E) for 1 week prior. May resume the day after treatment.
- Preparing the skin for this procedure will ensure optimum results. Healthy skin will respond better and results will last longer. Skin cells need nutrients for best function.
- Skin care for pre-conditioning 4-6 weeks prior. Provider will make recommendations if pre-conditioning is needed.
- Contraindications are pregnancy, actively infected or actively inflamed skin, skin irritation, cystic acne to the area being treated, keloid scars, allergies to topical lidocaine and sunburn
DAY OF THE TREATMENT
- Skin is clean without lotion, oil, makeup, powder, perfume or sunscreen. Patient may wash face upon arrival.
- Inform provider of any relevant changes in your medical history and of all medications you are taking.
- Notify provider of any cosmetic tattoos to areas being treated.
- Topical Lidocaine will be applied for 10 – 15 min prior to treatment.
Immediately after your collagen induction therapy procedure, your skin care provider will apply a hyaluronic lotion and an LED on you
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen Motrin or Advil for 1 week. DO NOT ice face or use arnica or bromelain. These agents may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. After 24 hours, always use a full spectrum sunscreen SPF 40 or above. When exposed to the sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness
- Optional dietary recommendations: Eat fresh pineapple, tart cherry juice (no sugar), salmon (omega-3 fish oil), bone broth based soups, continue taking collagen 1 & 3 supplement for 2 weeks to optimize healing. Avoid dairy, wheat and sugar!
DAY 1-3
A sunburn -like effect is normal. The skin will feel tight, dry, sensitive to touch. Treat skin gently washing with a gentle cleanser, cool water, using hands only and pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. Redness or sensitivity might well be present.
Plan social calendar accordingly!
- Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating, jacuzzi, sauna or steam baths for 24 hours due to open pores, or up to 48 hours if inflammation exists.
- May only use Mineral makeup after 24 hours
- Sleep on your back with head of bed elevated to minimize swelling or pain as needed
DAY 2-7
- Peeling may or may not start 3-5 days after treatment. You will notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. Do not pick, scratch or scrub at treated skin! Allow old skin to flake off naturally and keep moisturized AT ALL TIMES with Hyaluronic serum and moisturizer for extra dry skin every 2 hours if needed.
DAY 5-7
You may restart your regular skin care products and Retin-A once your skin is no longer irritated.
Many patients have noticed continued skin improvement for months following the last treatment.
- For best results, we recommend follow up and repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks and a series of 3-6 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.