COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY (CIT)

Relevant Information, everybody should read who is interested in CIT

Collagen Induction Therapy (also known as Skin needling) is a skin rejuvenation treatment that helps you restore collagen and elastin through a natural healing process.  Ultra fine, medical grade needles are passed across the skin vertically creating multiple skin punctures that induce a wound healing response to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. This will also assist in breaking down existing scar tissue and encourage further and better healing of acne scars and fine wrinkles so skin texture will be refined.  Skin needling also helps repair stretch marks and surgical scars.

HOW DOES CIT WORK?

Each of the thousands of tiny puncture wounds induces the release of growth factors that begin the process of wound healing. These factors stimulate new collagen and elastin growth in the surrounding skin. New collagen and elastin production is the goal of all skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments.

Once initiated, new collagen production can continue for up to 12 months to 2 years, resulting in an improvement in skin firmness and texture and a softening and lifting of scars and wrinkles.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Vitamin A and C are essential for collagen production and sun damage reversal. It is impossible to achieve high concentrations of vitamin C or A in the skin by taking tablets orally. Therefore you will be recommended to use skin care products at home that contain high concentrations of these vitamins as well as Brightening Serum to enhance your results. These products must be used for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your treatment as a healthy skin will respond better to this treatment.

The micro-fine needles are passed over the area to be treated multiple times to create an even distribution of tiny injuries. These needles will be of varying depth for different areas of the body and needles of various lengths are selected according to the condition to be treated and thickness of your skin. Numbing cream will be used to minimise any discomfort. After treatment, skin will appear red, swollen, with the appearance of sunburn or windburn.  A light graze consisting of tiny crusted areas that feel rough and look tanned may occur. Skin may feel tight and dry. Varying amounts of flaking/peeling may occur as healing progresses. During this healing stage it is important to adhere to the aftercare prescribed for the next 2-7 days. It is best to keep the skin moist during this time so apply the prescribed moisturiser as often as required. Makeup should not be worn for the next 24 hours. The use of a daily sunscreen is  recommended.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Generally a minimum of 4-5 treatments are required to achieve improvements in skin firmness and texture. Scarring may take 6-8 or more treatments. Results accrue gradually because collagen production takes time. Most clients notice an improvement in their skin tone and texture within 4-6 weeks of each treatment. The initially triggered new collagen will eventually be turned into a more permanent type of collagen over time. Substantial results take time and are dependent on home care use and your general health and lifestyle. Treatments are spaced at 4-8 weekly intervals. The frequency of your treatment will be recommended by your practitioner.

 WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Most areas are suitable for CIT – with great results for stretch marks achieved all over the body. Face, neck & décolletage are also treatable for firming, tightening & rejuvenating effects.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR CIT?

CIT  is suitable for fine lines, dull skin, sun damaged and ageing skin,  enlarged pores, acne scars, chicken pox scars and surgical scars (more than 6mths old), as well as for tightening and smoothing of skin on the face, hands, neck and chest. CIT can be performed on all skin types and colours and on all parts of the body.

CIT is NOT suitable for those who have been on Roaccutane in the last 6 months, have active acne, open wounds, infections, psoriasis or dermatitis or permanent fillers in the area to be treated,  have uncontrolled diabetes, are pregnant or breast feeding, or who are prone to keloid scars or other abnormal wound healing.  Precautions must be taken if you are currently using prescription Retinoic Acid or had nurofen/aspirin in the last 48 hours. Smoking reduces the body’s capacity to make collagen therefore healing may be delayed. Please advise your practitioner if you have had any injectable fillers or Botox in that last 2 weeks.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS?

You may experience various degrees of redness, swelling, bruising, crusting, flaking, weeping, and oozing during recovery. Depending upon the depth of your treatment, some downtime may need to be allocated away from social and work commitments. As with any treatment that punctures the skin infection, pigment changes and scarring are remote risks.

HOW DOES CIT COMPARE WITH LASER REJUVENATION?

Although CIT and laser rejuvenation ultimately both achieve improved skin firmness and texture with minimisation of scarring, they work in uniquely different ways.  Unlike laser skin rejuvenation, CIT does not involve the removal of any skin tissue. This means that CIT  can be safely performed on all skin types (white to dark skin) and that it may be the treatment of choice for sensitive thin skinned areas such as the neck and chest. CIT is a low downtime, and often a cost effective alternative to fraxel lasering.