Dr Sanjay Gheyi MBBS, MS, FRCS, FP Cert

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Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction therapy

Before and after pictures, wrinkles and acne scars after dermaroller treament

Safe and effective treatment option for acne scars/ stretch marks and deep wrinkles.

Also know as dermaroller, skin micro needling or collagen induction therapy. The quest for the perfect anti-ageing treatment has included chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, ablative and non-ablative lasers, intense pulsed light and light-emitting diodes. Collagen induction by micro-needles has recently resurged in popularity after introduction of medical roller devices by various companies in Europe, North America and the far east. This process is similar to nappage technique of mesotherapy where multiple superficial injections are made for "mesoglow" or "mesolift".

What is it?
It is the process of stimulating collagen synthesis without destroying the skin's epidermal barrier. Microscopic holes are created in the skin, these heal within hours but set into motion a cascade of changes responsible for inducing growth of new collagen fibres which result in skin plumping and skin tightening.

How did it originate?
Some surgeons used skin needling to successfully induce skin plumping and reduce appearance of scars and wrinkles. It was also observed that tattooed skin was smooth so a tattoo gun was used without ink and was observed to provide beneficial effects.
There is a similar technique in practice of mesotherapy but here no medication is injected into the skin.

How does it compare to fractional CO2 lasers, active fx, fraxel, smartxide DOT etc?
We believe that CO2 lasers are most effective devices for skin resurfacing, wrinkles and scars.Collagen induction therapy by medical micro-needling is an attractive option which provides less down-time and can be repeated. The major attraction and advantage of this procedure is lack of complications especially pigmentary changes so it is particularly useful for patients of darker skin types such as asian, indian and mediteranian. It is also cheaper than fractional laser resurfacing procedures which also require repeat treatments. Another advantage of PCI is preservation of protective epidermal layer of skin. Percutaneous collagen induction uses needles to provide microscopic penetration into skin, unlike lasers these zones close quickly as there is no tissue vapourisation. As a result risk of pigment alteration is less than lasers, recovery is quicker and pain and heat sensation is less.

What can it be used for?
For skin tightening on face, neck, cleavage, arms, buttocks, thighs etc
For reducing fine wrinkles and signs of skin ageing
Acne scars
Scars from trauma
Stretch marks

Who should not have it?
Patients with-
Active skin infections, active acne or cold sores
Skin cancers and warts
Patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin
Patients on chemotherapy, corticosteroids or radiotherapy
Uncontrolled diabetes
Hepatitis or HIV
History of keloid scarring

© Dr Sanjay Gheyi