Skin needling, also called Microneedling therapy, collagen induction therapy (CIT), and percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of a device that contains fine needles. The needles are used to puncture the skin to create a controlled skin injury. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill these microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. Through the process of neovascularization and neocollagenesis, there is improvement in skin texture and firmness, as well as reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.

Microneedling can be performed in an office setting and does not require extensive training or costly equipment. Single-use systems are available for up to a few hundred dollars, with multiple-use devices costing roughly a few thousand dollars, depending on the model. It is cost-effective, and can be done on areas of skin that may not be suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing, such as around the eyes and mouth, hands, and chest. The procedure is well tolerated by patients with minimal downtime, and can be easily personalized by going deeper on some areas where skin damage requires a Most drastic approach.

AN ALTERNATIVE TO LASERS AND DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS

EVER SINCE the days of Cleopatra, and most likely long before, women and men (yes, men) have been in search of ways to enhance their appearances. History demonstrates the use of a myriad of potions, brews, spells, creams, acids and herbs to enhance beauty and reverse or limit the effects of aging.

From 2000 to 2004 there was a 43-percent increase in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and a 16-percent increase in total cosmetic procedures, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There are no signs of this increase abating. In 2004, there were more than 9 million cosmetic procedures of which approximately 7.5 million were minimally invasive.

Modern technology has brought us ever­ improving and less-invasive surgical techniques; even stronger skin-peeling agents; lasers, from CO2 to erbium and beyond; intense pulsed light (IPL); ever-evolving prescription and nonprescription topical products; and a new generation of injectables such as Botox, fat, collagen, hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, to name just a few. HIFU technology also an amazing skin tightening procedure And now, the new “kid” on the block is something called “medical needling.”

Microneedling Results: