Collagen Induction Therapy

Collagen Induction Therapy

By Janine Ellenberger, M.D. and Robert Trow

What do peri-oral wrinkling, stretch marks, fine lines and acne scarring have in common? These are all conditions which have been frustrating physicians and patients in their inability to be effectively treated. Now, at last, a new, non-ablative and efficacious treatment is available.

No, we are not referring to the myriad of lasers now on the market, or the extremely deep peeling options. At last, another option is now available –Medical Needling or, as it is officially called, Collagen Induction Therapy. Pioneered by the internationally renowned South African Pastic Surgeon, Dr. Desmond Fernandes,

Medical Needling is a simple procedure which requires  little down time, and produces significant, measurable, and sustainable results.

The principle behind Collagen Induction Therapy is simple: to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. This is accomplished by causing a minute injury to the dermis, which results in the start of the wound healing cascade. The instrument is a sterile roller comprised of a series of fine needles which are used to puncture the skin and cause wounds and inflammation.

These wounds, and there are thousands, produced by rolling the instrument across the treated area, become the focal point for the body to produce its own collagen, even in peri- and post-menopausal women. As the body is producing its own natural collagen, there is no rejection. Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more.

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. The patient, however, sees continual improvement. The procedure takes about an hour. A topical anaesthetic is used to ensure client comfort, this requires about 40-45 minutes to become effective, after that, the actual rolling process takes only about 10 minutes.

A crucial part of the treatment is the preparation of the skin prior to the procedure with topical vitamins A and C. This significantly reduces down time and client discomfort. It is very important that the client continues using the topical vitamins for at least 6 months post procedure to ensure the production of healthy collagen and elastin. We have experience that the results are vastly inferior and that patients experience unnecessary discomfort when not following these protocols.

This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas.