If you have had or are having Collagen Induction Therapy/Skin Needling (especially for the first time) please note the Post Treatment Care and Observations. This is important information that will help you avoid issues or complications.
1) Collagen Induction Therapy is also known as skin needling or micro-needling.
2) It is a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure for skin rejuvenation.
3) It involves the use of a micro-needling device to create a controlled injury/micro-wound.
4) The controlled injury triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin.
5) The treatment can assist with skin rejuvenation such as improved skin texture, firmness and hydration; as well as the reduction of scars.
6) It is recommended that a homecare regime is followed to maintain the effects of this treatment.
7) It is not recommended to have this treatment if you have active acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory conditions as well as over open wounds.
8) Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your micro needling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
Post Treatment Care and Observations
Day 1-3
1) A sunburn-like effect is normal. Your skin may feel tight, dry or sensitive to touch. Treat the skin gently by washing it with a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment.
2) Some redness may also be present and in some cases, patients may experience slight bruising that can last for 5-7 days and temporary swelling for 2-4 days. Other side effects, like bumps, breakouts, and dry skin, are also within the scope of what you may experience after.
3) Avoid strenuous exercise that cause sweating as well as jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours.
4) Do not apply makeup post treatment, especially with a makeup brush that has been used before, in the 24 hours following treatment. Also avoid tinted SPF and tanning agents.
5) Sleep on your back with the head of the bed elevated to minimize swelling or pain as needed.
6) Avoid aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants, until treatment area has returned to pre-treatment condition. Avoid products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol, and Vitamin C for the first three days. These products act as exfoliants and can strip your skin of its natural oils.
7) Use a SPF such as a mineral physical sunblock everyday (at a minimum constantly for 2 weeks post treatment) - even when cloudy.
Day 2-7
1) Peeling may start 3-5 days after the treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flaking which is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. DO NOT pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin!
2) We recommend using products with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as it plays a role in tissue generation, inflammation response as well as restoring hydration levels to the skin. HA helps the epidermis (the outermost layer of your skin) carry out the regular activities of healing and repairing. Antioxidant serums also help repair the skin and fight the signs of aging.
Important information: You must allow the old skin to flake off naturally and keep it moisturized at all times. Talk to your skin specialist about which products to use.
Day 5-7
You may start your regular skin care products again, once your skin no longer feels irritated. Most of our patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment.
For best results: We recommend follow-up and repeat micro-needling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.