Some days, it’s tough to get excited about adding another element to our beauty routine. It just seems like so much… work. What if we told you Northcoast Laser Cosmetics has a new treatment that doesn’t require you to so much as lift a dollop of face cream onto your cheek? Would that pique your interest? Even better – what if we told you one patient referred to the procedure as “liquid gold?” We’re guessing that now, we’ve got your attention.
It’s our firm belief the words “Automated Micro-Needling” will soon be a household term among women who want to look more youthful. The beauty procedure, which is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, or CIT, helps treat acne scars, issues with unwanted pigmentation (both dark and light), fine lines, tone and texture.
Here’s how it works: First, a patient’s own blood is drawn, and spun down to what is known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This solution, from your own body, is chock full of growth factors to help rejuvenate your skin. Because the blood is your own, there is virtually no risk of any type of allergic reaction. Next comes micro-needling. A gel is placed over the face, and the special “pen” with twelve micro needles is gently pressed against the skin, gliding to the next area until the session is complete. No anesthesia is needed!
Some patients says it feels like “sandpaper” being moved over the skin. And, did we say, no anesthesia is needed! This “micro-injury” causes collagen and elastin to be produced. These natural elements in the body help to firm, tone and plump the look of the skin. The PRP is then applied to the face for half an hour and rinsed off. The platelet-rich plasma (referred to by our patient as “liquid gold”) augments the rejuvenation process.
This treatment is versatile, because we can customize it to what a patient desires. It can also be done without a blood draw or the platelet-rich plasma. That’s because the tiny channels created can also allow gels, serums and creams to penetrate the skin more deeply to enhance results.
Most people find downtime with this procedure minimal. The skin will be reddened immediately following micro-needling, but many patients see the redness disappear within hours to a couple of days. Often, redness is resolved within twenty four hours. The results: An immediate glow to the skin, with more lasting effects over several weeks. In fact, improvement may be seen for up to six months as collagen continues to be produced. Generally, 2-3 sessions, approximately one month apart, are recommended. Deeper scars or stretch marks may require a longer treatment interval.
If you want to look more beautiful, with both early gratification and long term results, consider micro-needling. We’re hoping that, like our patient, you, might also think the results feel “good as gold.”
