Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is commonly known as microneedling or skin needling. While the basic concept behind skin microneedling has been around for more than a century, the emergence of this therapy in aesthetic medicine didn’t occur until the mid-1990s. In 1997, Canadian plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Camirand accidentally discovered that skin puncturing with tattoo needles resulted in improvement of facial scar texture. Fundamentally, the mechanism is simple – controlled delivery of damage to the skin stimulates collagen production through the body’s natural healing process. Over time, the skin is remodeled which results in smoother skin texture and improved strength and elasticity.
A decade later the first microneedling device became available: the Dermaroller. This rotating drum-shaped tool embedded with stainless steel needles even came in versions for home use. However, there are multiple limitations including excessive trauma and pain caused by angled piercing, inability to conform to facial contours, and non-adjustable needle depth. All these shortcomings led to the development of the automated microneedling device or Dermapen™.
Dermapen’s unique spring-loaded needle tip uses an automated vibrating stamp-like motion that enhances results while offering a more controlled and safer method of treatment than other microneedling devices. Dermapen’s needle depth can be adjusted during the course of the procedure to accommodate different treatment areas and can easily maneuver around facial contours and delicate features, such as the eyes, nose and mouth. The small and light Dermapen™ is available in two models. The Aesthetic Model has a limited treatment depth suitable for use by aestheticians. The newer Dermapen 3MD™ is a Medical Model which may be used to penetrate up to 2.5 mm for more aggressive treatment and is used exclusively by medical practitioners.
Read more about our Dermapen™ services at drandreahickey.ca/services/dermapen.
Improved acne scars and minimized pore size after 5 sessions:
