Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)
How should I prepare for my treatment?
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow us access to your body.
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Do not wear make-up to your appointment.
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Be sure to eat a snack or small meal an hour or two before your appointment.
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If possible, avoid strenuous activity or exercise after your treatment.
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Avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours.
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Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before and after.
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Do drink plenty of water before and after your treatment.
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Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and Vitamin E for two weeks prior to treatment to reduce the potential for bruising.
What does the treatment consist of?
This nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment is specifically designed to improve skin appearance by reducing fine lines, acne scars, skin laxity, enlarged pores, crow's feet and lip wrinkles, melasma and hyperpigmentation, rosacea, stretch marks, and hair restoration. Visible results can be seen within two weeks. This treatment can be performed on the face, neck, scalp, stomach, thighs, arms, and décolletage.
The treatments address the physical, mental, and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to skin health so that you may receive acupuncture on your body depending on your unique concerns. Your CIT treatment uses tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin's outer surface, triggering the body's wound healing mechanism. This immune system reaction will increase the production of your body's collagen and elastin to improve skin texture and appearance and stimulate dormant hair follicles (think over-plucking, not laser hair removal). Unlike other minimally invasive skin corrective treatments, such as laser therapy, microneedling is considered safe for darker skin tones as this does not remove the outer layer of skin.
A brief intake will be followed by numbing cream that will sit for about 20 minutes. Once the skin is adequately numbed, the cream is removed, a serum is applied, and the needling will begin and will take about 25 minutes. Needle cartridges are sterile, single-use devices.
Minor and temporary bruising is the most common side effect, with most bruising disappearing within two weeks. You will be red for 8-12 hours and may flake for the next 24 hours. On the day of, after treatment, patients should avoid sweat, sun, makeup, and application of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, retinols, and Vitamin C. Use mild soap only and soothe the skin with aloe or arnica for the first 24 hours, and use only the provided products for the first seven days. Be sure to consider this when scheduling your appointment. Recovery time is fast and there is minimal risk of swelling or infections.
Who could benefit from Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy?
Almost anyone can benefit from Collagen Induction Therapy. However, CIT should NOT be used by those with:
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Patients on blood thinners
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Moderate to severe skin conditions
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Pregnancy
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Acute oral herpes outbreak
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Bruising or bleeding disorders
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Acute cold or flu symptoms
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Severe keloid scars
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Recent Botox injections and potentially conflicts with fillers
Cosmetic acupuncture goes deeper into the tissues is recommended if you are looking to treat sagging eyelids, neck, jowls, or other more significant signs of gravity.
How many treatments will I need?
Dramatic and long lasting changes generally occur with a series of treatments. An initial 4-treatment series is recommended once a month for four months, with maintenance to follow. Results begin within two weeks. Each person responds differently, depending on his or her condition and lifestyle prior to treatment.