Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

What is Microneedling (CIT)?

Sign up

MicroNeedling, also called Skin Needling or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is an aesthetic medical procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles (microneedling the skin) in order to induce endogenous production of cutaneous collagen.

Percutaneous collagen induction ( PCI ) therapy or medical microneedling is a technique where a fractional microneedling device with fine microneedles has been shown to increase the remodeling of the skin by creating thousands of microscopic channels through the skin, to increase the formation of new tissue by activating the body’s wound healing cascade (hemostasis-inflammation-proliferation-tissue remodeling).

 PCI aka CIT aka Microneedling may also be referred to as a non-ablative skin treatment. This means that the deeper parts of the skin are treated without removing the top layer of skin. It is designed to treat various skin conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, keloids and photo damage, and to improve skin color and other skin texture changes.

COSMOPen uses an exclusive disposable 12-pin needle-head, which allows to control the depth of penetration (0,25 – 2,50 mm) and speed of the needles, up to 110 cycles/second, resulting in almost 1300 microchannels per second, that’s 20% faster than most first generation devices!

COSMOPen is a state-of-the-art medical grade high speed micro-needling System. It offers the same results as a fractional laser without pain, downtime, expense, and thermal damage.

COSMOPen can be used to treat acne and surgical scars—including keloids—as well as wrinkles, stretch marks, pore size, and signs of aging.

Additionally, by vertically piercing the skin, COSMOPen helps naturally induce collagen production and treat pigmentation.

How Does It Work?

COSMOPen microneedling is a form of Collagen Induction Therapy.

CIT works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin, contributing to a youthful and healthy appearance.

The idea behind CIT aims to create a controlled non-thermal injury underneath the skin’s surface, thereby inducing the body to respond through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin- and collagen fibers (neo-collagenesis) as well as new capillaries for an improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) in the treated area.

Applications

  • Acne Scars and Keloids

    Microneedling promotes new tissue growth and collagen remodeling, helping to reduce the visibility of acne scars and keloids.

  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles

    Microneedling enhances collagen and elastin production, helping to plump the skin to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, with regular treatment leading to deeper and more lasting results.

  • Enlarged Pores

    By promoting collagen production around the pores, microneedling can help to tighten the pores and make them appear smaller.

  • Hyperpigmentation

    Microneedling can help to break down excess melanin, leading to a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of sunspots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Striae (aka Stretch Marks)

    Improved circulation that accompanies microneedling helps new, red or purple stretch marks fade and blend in with the surrounding skin. 

  • Androgenic Alopecia (+PRF)

    Microneedling creates channels for deeper PRF absorption of growth factor while simultaneously stimulating the body’s own natural healing mechanism. This synergistic approach enhances hair restoration.

What to Expect

A consultation with your provider to discuss the specific skin concerns you want to address

Your skin will be cleaned and numbed with a topical anesthetic

After 15 minutes, the anesthetic will be removed and a serum tailored to your specific skin concern will be applied

The CosmoPen will be traced along the skin at different depths based on your pain tolerance and the area being needled

Once your treatment is completed, a hydrogel mask is applied to allow the skin to cool off

After your treatment, it is normal to experience peeling, pinpoint bleeding, and mild discomfort. It is important to apply sunscreen throughout the upcoming weeks due to increased sensitivity.

Benefits

Increased Collagen and Elastin Production

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin, contributing to a youthful and healthy appearance.

Minimally Downtime

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure with relatively short downtime compared to more aggressive treatments, according to health and beauty resources.

Customizable Treatment Plans

By boosting collagen and elastin, CIT can help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular treatments can lead to more profound and lasting results, revealing a smoother and more youthful complexion.

Gradual Results, Natural

Patients may see early signs of a healthier complexion within a week, but significant improvements in texture, tone, and concerns like scars and wrinkles become noticeable over several months with a series of treatments

Versatile Treatment Applications

CIT can effectively minimize the appearance of various scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. The increased collagen production helps to remodel scar tissue and improve its texture and appearance.

Combination Therapy with PRF

CIT can be combined with other treatments like PRF of PRP therapy or topical serums to enhance its effects and address specific skin concerns or even hair restoration.

Suitable for all Skin Types

Collagen induction therapy is generally safe for most skin types, including darker skin tones, with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to some laser treatments.

Targeted Treatments

CIT can make pores appear smaller by stimulating collagen production around the pore, causing the area to plump up and appear more refined. Microneedling can help to break down excess melanin, leading to a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of sunspots and hyperpigmentation. 

Enhanced Absorption of Skincare

The micro-channels created during microneedling allow for deeper penetration of topical skincare products, making them more effective.

 FAQs

 FAQs

  • The COSMOPen can be used on all skin types and is a valuable tool to treat a variety of skin concerns such as: facial rejuvenation, scarring (acne and surgical), stretch marks, and pigmentation disorders. It can be used just about anywhere but most commonly is used on the face, neck and decollete.

  • A topical anesthetic is applied before microneedling, ensuring the procedure is virtually pain-free. Additionally, the needle depth can be precisely adjusted to minimize any discomfort. Recovery time is minimal, with most patients only experiencing mild redness lasting 12 to 48 hours.

  • Visible improvements often emerge after the first or second session, with the most remarkable results typically achieved following 4 to 6 treatments spaced 10 to 15 days apart. As collagen remodeling unfolds, your skin continues to enhance progressively over the next 6 to 12 months, especially when complemented by a dedicated skincare regimen.

  • Why is microneedling with COSMOpen better than radiofrequency microneedling?Many clients have heard of Morpheus8 or Vivace, which is microneedling with radiofrequency light. Here at Save Face, we choose to avoid microneedlinng with RF light as those devices can cause catastrophic problems on patients with darker skin tones or underlying etiologies, such as melasma.