Services & Products

Microneedling

WHAT IS  MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive process that stimulates collagen production. Used primarily as an anti-aging treatment, collagen induction treatment may also be used to reduce acne scarring and even the severity of stretch marks on the abdomen and thighs.

Collagen induction therapy helps tighten, smooth, and brighten the skin; as such, it is often the final step before cosmetic surgery. While some evidence suggests the treatment may stimulate hair growth, more research is needed to verify this claim.

If you are in generally good health and deal with a skin condition resistant to dermatologic treatments and home remedies, you may be a good candidate for collagen induction therapy.

Before After

HOW COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY WORKS

The treatment involves making near-microscopic punctures in the facial skin. The series of pin-pricks are small enough not to be readily noticeable but penetrate deeply enough to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.

About an hour before the treatment begins, you’ll be given a topical anesthetic to reduce any possible pain or discomfort. The needling process takes about half an hour. After the treatment is complete, a calming treatment or serum is usually administered. All said collagen induction therapy should take no more than a few hours.

When used as a facial treatment, collagen induction therapy is most often employed to treat:

  • acne scars
  • fine lines
  • wrinkles
  • age spots
  • large pores
  • reduced elasticity
  • uneven skin tone

Usually, collagen induction therapy targets the facial skin. When used to target stretch marks on the abdomen, or body scarring, collagen induction therapy is often used in conjunction with fillers.

Before After
Before After

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

All cosmetic procedures involve some degree of risk, and collagen induction is no exception. Fortunately, the most common side effects associated with the treatment are relatively minor, such as skin redness and mild-to-moderate irritation.

If your skin is bleeding, peeling, bruising, or appears to be infected, following collagen induction therapy, see a doctor right away.

There are some circumstances under which collagen induction therapy should be avoided. The treatment likely isn’t right for you if you are pregnant; have open wounds; have psoriasis, eczema, or certain other skin conditions; or have recently undergone radiation therapy.

 

IS THERE A RECOVERY PERIOD?

Unlike cosmetic surgery, microneedling treatments are noninvasive and therefore require little, if any, recovery. It’s common to experience some redness and irritation, as your facial skin has, in a sense, been injured to stimulate collagen production. Some people choose to wear camouflaging makeup while the face heals. Sunscreen is recommended after collagen induction therapy, as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

As long as you’re comfortable doing so, there’s no reason you can’t return to work the same day as your treatment. You should begin to see results within a few weeks of your therapy, though follow-up sessions will be necessary to maintain the results.

Based on your skin condition and desired results, your doctor or aesthetician may suggest complimenting treatments along with collagen induction therapy.

 

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

Before treating yourself to collagen induction therapy, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or licensed aesthetician about how to prepare so you can expect the best possible results.

Some medications (ibuprofen and certain acne medications, for example) should not be taken before having collagen induction therapy. Again, speak with your doctor regarding any medications you take before your microneedling treatment.

 

MICRONEEDLING TREATMENTS VERSUS HOME ROLLERS

Though marketed as a more budget-conscious alternative to microneedling treatments, home rollers offer few of the benefits of professional collagen induction therapy.

The needles on over-the-counter home rollers barely puncture the skin, so the collagen-producing benefits are minimal, at best. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, home rollers may brighten skin, but little more should be expected from them.

 

COSTS OF COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY

While prices vary somewhat by region, a single collagen induction therapy session can cost one hundred to seven hundred dollars. According to one study, the average cost of a session is three hundred dollars.

Microneedling is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance.

If you’re considering microneedling in Augusta GA area, our licensed aestheticians will answer any questions you may have and let you know if you’ll make a good candidate for the treatment. At Spa Indigo, our goal is always to help you look and feel your very best.

 

Call Spa Indigo today to schedule a consultation, or visit us online to learn more about collagen induction therapy and our many other rejuvenating and age-defying cosmetic services.