If you’re reading this blog from Dr. Carter and her team at Deschutes, you know that collagen is what we all want. Collagen is the protein in the body that is responsible for providing support and structure to the skin. It makes our skin firm, yet supple. The problem is that as we age our body produces one percent less collagen every year after we turn 20. Bogus. That’s why older skin is more loose, wrinkles easier, and loses volume in areas such as the cheeks.
The goal of many procedures is to kick start our collagen production. Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is one of those non-invasive procedures. Microneedling creates thousands of microscopic micro-injuries in the skin that triggers a wound response from the body. The response? Increased collagen production at the treatment areas.
At Deschutes we use the Rejuvapen microneedling system for treatment of wrinkles and scars.
How does microneedling work?
The concept behind microneedling is to trigger a wound response and increased collagen production. When the skin is injured the body rapidly gets to work repairing it. In addition to the platelets that close the wound off from any more blood loss, the body is also rebuilding the skin by producing new collagen and elastin for the area.
At Deschutes, we use the Rejuvapen system, which has 12 tiny needles located in the tip of the microneedling pen. When used over the target area, the needles produce microscopic holes/channels down into the skin. These heal in just a few hours, but the body perceives them as injuries and elevates collagen and elastin production in the area to compensate.
This has two benefits. First, it stimulates the healing response. Second, these short-lived channels down into the skin are great for the application of topical gels and creams to penetrate below the surface of the skin.
What do we treat with microneedling?
- Fine lines and deep wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
- Deep lines and crepe-like texture across the face can be firmed
- Coarse, sun-damaged skin
- Acne, burn, and surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Overly large pores
We use a topical numbing cream prior to your treatment, so you feel no pain. And there isn’t really any recovery time, just some redness on the treated areas for a day or so.
Interested in microneedling? Call us at [primary_phone].
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