Microneedling & Collagen Induction Therapy

Microneedling is mostly used for the face, but can also treat other areas of the body. This is an effective treatment for many types of skin imperfections or conditions, including dilated pores, fine lines, wrinkles, loose or crepey skin, mild scars, skin discoloration such as dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. Another benefit of microneedling is that it can help topical skin products to be absorbed more effectively.

If you are hoping to address skin imperfections such as acne scars or other types of scars, or other types of minor skin irregularities like wrinkles, skin laxity, or uneven skin tone and texture, microneedling could be ideal for you. The treatment is safe for most skin types and tones, but people who have taken Accutane within the last six months, have open wounds or skin infections, have recently undergone radiation therapy, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of keloid scarring, or have extremely sensitive skin should choose a different approach than microneedling.

You can discuss strategies for preparing for this treatment with our Cosmetic Surgery Institute team. You might need to stop taking certain types of medications. Avoid anything that makes dry skin worse before your microneedling session. Refrain from using Accutane® for at least six months and do not use any other topical drying agents like retinol or other exfoliants. Do not undergo any laser treatments or hair removal treatments for around five to seven days. If you have active cold sores at the time of your microneedling treatment, you should reschedule it and wait for them to heal. Reschedule your appointment if another type of rash or blemish occurs. If you have a sunburn, warts, inflammatory rosacea, excessively sensitive skin, or dermatitis on the treatment area, you should not have this procedure.

The Cosmetic Surgery Institute approach to rejuvenation—whether it involves microneedling, collagen induction therapy, or something else—is based on a desire to provide customized results that meet each patient’s goals while fitting their budget, schedule, and lifestyle.

Collagen and elastin are some of the building blocks of healthy skin, but as we age, our body produces less of these elements, causing the skin to become thinner and more fragile. Morpheus8 by In Mode Aesthetics is an advanced skin tightening procedure for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. It penetrates deep into the skin and fat with specialized microneedling pins that deliver RF energy.

Ideal candidates for this treatment include patients who have some degree of skin laxity along with irregularities on the surface. Using fractional technology, Morpheus8 targets the foundation of the skin below the epidermis and combines microneedling with radiofrequency to encourage collagen regeneration. By releasing radiofrequency at a depth of 4mm into the skin, Morpheus8 prompts the skin to become thicker and tighter.

This microneedling device can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously, including submental fat below the chin, jowls, sun damage, scars, stretch marks, skin texture issues, dilated pores, skin tone irregularities, deep lines, and creases. Morpheus8 is commonly used on the face, but can also be used elsewhere on the body. It not only enhances the skin, but also re-shapes fat. The microneedling procedure creates a more youthful appearance with firmer, sleeker contours by causing the connective tissue to contract and fat to coagulate. Some results appear right away, but your appearance will continue to gradually improve over time.

There’s only minimal recovery time needed after microneedling, since it’s a minimally invasive treatment. It can take around one week to fully recover from microneedling, but you can return to work right away if you’re comfortable doing so. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, warmth, tightness, itchiness, dryness, shedding, and flaky skin during the healing process. All quickly resolve on their own. These effects are the natural response of the skin to the micro-injuries that are created during the microneedling process. The flaking occurs because of the faster turnover of skin cells. Do not apply sunscreen or makeup during the first 12 hours after your treatment. You can resume your usual skin care and makeup routine the day after microneedling, but you will need to avoid exfoliants and glycolic acids.

The results of microneedling may not be visible right away, but they will develop gradually over time. Remember that this treatment is not a quick fix, since your body needs time to heal. Multiple treatments may sometimes be needed to optimize results. The skin will take several weeks to heal and rejuvenate. The results of microneedling are long-lasting—and in some cases, they can continue for up to five years. However, you will need monthly maintenance treatments to get the most out of the procedure.

Why stop at two good things, when you could have three? BBL™, a form of intense pulsed light (IPL), can also partner with microneedling and collagen induction therapy to give the skin a clear, smooth radiance that projects health and vitality. Talk to the Cosmetic Surgery Institute team to find out which combination of treatments will best deliver your desired results.

Discover a range of further rejuvenating options at Cosmetic Surgery Institute, including chemical peels, dermaplaning, and skincare products for use at home. Injectables and lasers and lights are also available to help produce a more youthful look.