Collagen induction therapy

Collagen induction therapy
Intervention

Nurse performing collagen induction therapy for scar reduction using a microneedle stamping device

Collagen induction therapy (CIT) also known as microneedling RF or skin needline is an aesthetic medical procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles (microneedling the skin). CIT should be separated from other contexts in which microneedling devices are used on the skin, e.g. transdermal drug delivery, vaccination, etc.

It is a technique for which research is ongoing but has been used for a number of skin problems including scarring and acne.[1]

The procedure usually involves a specialized device which can take the form of an FDA cleared Microneedling RF (Radio Frequency) device, manual rolling device or an automated stamping device. The automated microneedling RF devices use different types of motors. The more advanced motors are the micro-memory robotic controlled and others are solenoid driven, or hydraulic driven. The microneedling RF devices can control the depth of penetration anywhere from .5mm down to 3.5mm in increments of .1mm with the most precise devices and by .25mm or .5mm on others depending on the type of motor. Radio Frequencies can vary depending on the device and the more advanced will have both 1mhz and 2mhz while others only having one frequency. The radio frequency is the energy source that produces small thermal coagulation zones in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin and this is one of the big differences between RF and Pens. Needles also vary in the type of medal as some are actual Gold covered and some are insulated and non-insulted. The insulated needles are the most popular as the bottom .4mm of the needle are exposed so the RF energy transmits where you target and not at the epidermis where the most nerve endings are. The insulated needles make for a more comfortable treatment while the non-insulated needles will produce more tightening with a longer downtime and more painful. The Microneedling RF devices in the market are under brand names as The Vivace Experience,Lagato, Profound. The stamping devices, or "microneedling pens", have been listed by the FDA as adulterated and not FDA cleared are typically powered by a motor and can be adjusted for frequency (stamps/second) and depth of the microneedles. These "pens" are marketed under a number of brand names, such as SkinPen, DermaPen, Micropen, and InnoPen.

Notes

  1. ↑ Cohen, BE; Elbuluk, N (5 November 2015). "Microneedling in skin of color: A review of uses and efficacy.". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 74: 348–55. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024. PMID 26549251.

References

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