Micro-Needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of fine lines, acne scars and the improvement of the skin’s texture, tone and colour.
During this procedure, a micro-needling pen is used to create controlled and precise micro-injuries to the skin using a high speed automated needle tip in order to aid in the production of collagen and elastin.
The skin’s repair process results in a thicker epidermis by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture, softer/younger-looking skin and fewer signs of aging
Potential applications for micro-needling include:
Benefits:
The procedure itself lasts 30 minutes on average, depending on the size of the treatment area. Immediately after the treatment, you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the pen position used and the number of overlapping passes performed.
On average, patients experience redness for 2-4 days though some patients heal completely in 24 hours. Following post-treatment care recommendations can aid the healing process. Most patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several weeks. Results can continue to improve up to 6 months after the treatment.
During the procedure, appropriate pen position and depth will be selected depending on your unique needs. Additionally, treatments can be customized using hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma to enhance the treatment outcomes.
It is possible to treat all over the body including the face, neck, décollete, arms, legs, abdomen and back. In a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.
While some areas are more sensitive than others to treat, a specialty compounded numbing cream applied before the start of the treatment makes the experience more comfortable. The micro-channels created allow topical gels, creams and serums to be absorbed more effectively, enhancing the effects in deeper layers of the skin.
Number of treatments vary from patient to patient. Histology shows thickening of skin and a dramatic increase in new collagen and elastin fibres after the first treatment alone. New collagen production starts from 5 days after treatment and continues slowly over a period of time, reaching its peak production in about 12 weeks after treatment [1].
As such, some patients only require a single treatment once a year to achieve optimal results. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a minimum of 3 treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. For patients with more significant skin-care concerns, such as acne scars, it is recommended to receive 6-8 sessions at 6-week intervals.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
PRP contains growth factors that are useful for accelerating wound healing and tissue repair. For this add on, patients blood is withdrawn from the body and prepared for use. It’s application to the skin immediately before a micro needling treatment has been found to me more effecting in improving acne scars than skin needling alone [1]. In fact, studies have shown that undergoing micro needling with PRP infusion produces results sooner and with fewer sessions than those undergoing micro needling alone or with micro needing toning formulas [1].
[1] Fabbrocini G, Fardella N, Monfrecola A, Proietti I, Innocenzi D (2009) Acne scarring treatment using skin needling. Clin Exp Dermatol 34: 874-879.
quality nutrients with quick and
long-lasting results
Intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection therapies are the administration of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids) directly into the bloodstream or muscle, respectively. This allows for bypass of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the availability of these nutrients for immediate use by your cells.
Intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy in a naturopathic treatment option that delivers vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the blood stream. This allow the nutrients to by-pass your digestive system so that your cells can use the nutrients right away – hello maximal absorption! With this direct access to the bloodstream, we can actually get higher doses of the nutrients into the body in comparison to oral supplementation.
Though oral supplementation definitely has its place in naturopathic treatment, depending on how well your digestive system is functioning, you may not even be able to absorb the your supplements properly. Low stomach acid? Leaky gut? Irritable bowel syndrome? Stress? Gut bugs? Yup. All can play a major role in preventing optimal nutrient absorption!
Ask your ND today about potential benefits of IV therapy.
Several vitamins are also available in a quick injection which is given intramuscularly (IM) in the shoulder muscle or gluteus muscle). Ultimately, IV nutritional therapy can provide a quick but long lasting boost to the body to help restore energy, support the immune system and help with both physical and mental recovery.
book your IV nutritional consult today
Have questions about how IV nutritional therapy could help support your health outcomes
STAY IN THE KNOW
