Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy (CIT), is aimed at stimulating the body's own collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, skin laxity and scarring, such as that caused by acne or chicken pox.

The treatment introduces a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin via a pen device.  The needles are attached to a single use, sterile needle which is moved over the surface of the skin to create many microscopic channels.  This damage encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin which generate new cells to repair itself; the skin becomes thicker, plumper and more youthful.

Medical skin needling treatment is suitable for most skin types.

It is not suitable for:

• the use of Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within the last three months
• have open wounds, cuts or abrasions to the skin
• have had radiation treatment within the last year
• have a current outbreak of herpes simplex (cold sores) or any other infection or chronic skin condition in the area to be treated
• have areas of the skin that are numb or lack sensation
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
• are on blood thinners

Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, which scab formation in rare cases.

Home roller vs clinic treatment

We are asked all the time whether a home dermaroller (another type of microneedling) is as a good as a clinic treatment. The clinical/medical rollers/microneedlers have longer needles to induce collagen in deeper skin layers.  The homecare rollers are very short, not more than 0.18 to 0.20mm (clinic/medical use are from 0.5 to2mm).  When done at home, there is only a reddening of the skin which lasts for a few minutes.

In a clinic environment, we can use additional serums and cosmeceuticals to enhance the treatment.