Collagen Induction Therapy

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By Janine Ellenberger, M.D. and Robert Trow

What do peri-oral wrinkling, stretch marks, fine lines and acne scarring have in common? These are all conditions which have been frustrating physicians and patients in their inability to be effectively treated.  Now, at last, a new, non-ablative and efficacious treatment is available.

No, we are not referring to the myriad of lasers now on the market, or the extremely deep peeling options. At last, another option is now available to physicians and their patients – Medical Needling or, as it is officially called, Collagen Induction Therapy. Pioneered by the internationally renowned South African Pastic Surgeon, Dr. Desmond Fernandes, Medical Needling is a simple procedure which requires no capital equipment investment on the part of a physician, little down time for patients (no more than four to seven days) and significant, measurable, and sustainable results.

Collagen Induction Therapy - How It Works

The principle behind Collagen Induction Therapy is simple: to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. This is accomplished by causing a minute injury to the dermis, which results in the start of the wound healing cascade. The instrument is a sterile roller comprised of a series of fine needles which are used to puncture the skin and cause wounds and inflammation. These wounds, and there are thousands, produced by rolling the instrument across the treated area, become the focal point for the body to produce its own collagen, even in peri- and post-menopausal women.  As the body is producing its own natural collagen, there is no rejection. Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more.

Collagen Induction Therapy - Results

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. The patient, however, sees continual improvement. The procedure takes from ten minutes to over an hour, depending on the area to be treated. The patient must be anesthetized, usually first with a topical cream which is then followed by one or more of the following, based on the treatment area: local nerve block, infusion, or for large areas, conscious sedation.

A crucial part of the treatment is the preparation of the skin prior to the procedure with topical vitamins A and C.  This significantly reduces down time and patient discomfort.  It is very important that the patients continue using the topical vitamins for at least 6 months post procedure to ensure the production of healthy collagen and elastin. We have experience that the results are vastly inferior and that patients experience unnecessary discomfort when not following these protocols.

This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas. Physician training programs are readily available throughout the United States.

While medical needling is suitable for almost all patients, it is not recommended for those with active infections, chronic skin disorders, blood clotting problems, poor healing, a clear-cut keloid diathesis, or skin malignancies.

Many physicians have been pioneers in combining Medical Needling with other treatments including botox, a variety of fillers, and traditional surgical producers to produce an extraordinary facial rejuvenation result. A leader in this procedure is Dr. Leonard B. Miller, Brookline, MA.

For more detailed information, copies of scientific articles or additional information, contact Dr. Janine Ellenberger or Rob Trow at info@dermacareconcepts.com or call 508-539-8900. You may also visit the following web sites: www.vivida.co.za, www.environ.co.za, www.dermacareconcepts.com.

Dr. Janine Ellenberger operates a cosmetic practice in England and also serves as a physician trainer for DermaCare USA, the Eastern United States distributor of the Medical Needling instrument mentioned in this article; Rob Trow and his wife Carol Trow are distributors of Environ Skin Care and Medical Needling instruments in the Eastern US.

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