Micro-needling
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Collagen induction therapy
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In this article, SONETTE DONKER of Skin iD, outlines the history, applications and benefits of micro-needling.
lso called microneedling or dermal needling, collagen induction therapy involves the use of tiny needles to make small channels/ holes in the skin, causing injury which leads to the stimulation of fibroblast making collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. This process leads to the rejuvenation of the skin.
History 1950s: Micro-needling is first described by the founder of mesotherapy, Dr Michel Pistor, who didn’t employ the method himself but came up with the concept that pricking skin would promote collagen formation. (Pistor, M. Presse Med. 1958 Jun 4;66(44):999-1000).
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1995: Subcision, a new method of subcuticular mining for the treatment of depressed cutaneous scars and wrinkles, is introduced. Mechanism of action is two-fold: releasing action of the procedure; and new connective tissue via the wound-healing response. (Orentreich DS, Orentreich N. Dermatol Surg. 1995;21:6543–9). 1997: Needle dermabrasion using a ‘tattoo pistol’ to treat scars. Intended to remove the tension and tightness in the skin caused by scarring. Patients receiving skin-coloured tattoos over facial scars saw evidence of pigmentation after one to two years even though the tattoo pigment was long gone. Scars were immensely improved in
texture, appearance and colour. Not feasible due to time and labour intensive nature of using just one needle to treat scars. (Camirand A, Doucet J. Needle dermabrasion. Aesthet Plast Surg. 1997;21:48–51). 1998: Dr Des Fernandes of South Africa presented his findings on needling at a conference in San Francisco. He introduced a needling device, a small needle stamp, to induce collagen and used as a regular treatment in his surgical practice. (Fernandes D., Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2006;17:51–63) 2000: Horst Liebl, inventor of the original German Dermaroller, designed the very first
