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An exciting new technique is now available which treats the
ageing changes in the skin which are responsible for wrinkled
or sagging skin. Developed by South African Plastic Surgeon
Des Fernandez, Collagen Induction Therapy has recently been
introduced in Australia and is rapidly gaining popularity. In
addition to wrinkles, Collagen Induction Therapy is also successful
in the treatment of acne scars.
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How does Collagen Induction Therapy Work? |
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The cause of wrinkled or sagging skin lies in
the second layer of skin, the dermis. In the dermis, the collagen
has progressively weakened with time, becoming thinner and more
loose.
Collagen Induction Therapy works by stimulating the collagen
in the dermis to become thicker and tighter thereby improving
wrinkles, sagging skin and acne scars. It does this by using
very fine needles which penetrate the first layer of skin
(epidermis) to target the dermal collagen. The needles used
are so fine that the epidermis rapidly heals without any sign
of being penetrated. The end result is that the dermis has
been stimulated to undergo remodelling whilst the epidermis
quickly returns to normal.
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What are the advantages of Collagen Induction
Therapy?
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Safety
Collagen Induction Therapy is able to stimulate collagen
whilst preserving the first layer of skin (epidermis). Accordingly,
it is a safe procedure.
Recovery
The healing phase is short and within 4 to 5 days, patients
can go out in public. Patients are allowed to resume normal
sun exposure at this time.
Cost
Collagen Induction Therapy is approximately half
the cost of laser resurfacing.
Versatility
Collagen Induction Therapy can be used on any part
of the body, including the face, neck, arms, abdomen and thighs.
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What is a Collagen Induction Therapy treatment
like? |
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Skin Preparation
Prior to the treatment it is necessary to prepare the skin adequately
for 3 weeks by using skin creams which will enhance the ability
of the collagen to be stimulated by the procedure.
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The Procedure
An anaesthetic cream and/ or local anaesthetic injection is
used to numb the face and the procedure takes approximately
45 minutes. Sometimes a sedative will also be given.
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Post Treatment
On the evening of the procedure, the skin feels tight and looks
swollen and red, but it is only slightly sensitive. By the next
day, it is improving and by day 4 to 5 it has returned to a
moderate pink flush that is usually easily covered with make-up.
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How many treatments are necessary? |
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One or two, 3 to 6 months apart. With acne scars, results
are enhanced if the procedure is combined with
IPL
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How long do the results last? |
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Because new collagen is formed, the results should last several
years. With acne scars, the results are probably permanent.
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The initial consultation with Dr Szalay is $60.00. The procedure
costs $1650. Additional costs include the costs of the skin
creams to be used before and after the procedure, the anaesthetic
cream and the anti-viral medication (see pre-treatment instructions).
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