Jury Stilll out on Collagen Induction Therapy - or Microneedling - Bel Air, MD

I did not take a photo prior to the procedure. The procedure itself was not planned. The procedure was recommended during my scheduled dermatologist appointment after I mentioned I was thinking of getting botox for my forehead. I was told I could get the treatment that day if I wanted as it only took a few minutes after I would wait 25 minutes for a numbing agent to take effect on my forehead. I decided to have it that day.

Wow! I have it done 2 times and my sister and friends as well. I had the SkinPen done which is the orininal microneedling pen. Mine looked NOTHING like that. I would happy to send u pics of what mine looked like. It was super red and swollen but not like that. No red lines. I got mine on a friday and my monday or tuesday, their was no sign of it. All my friends love their results. I dont see a difference, really but all the dernatologists say its collagen induction therapy.

Thanks. That's why I think I'm going somewhere else for round two. From what I have read it should look like a sunburn. While mine cleared up, I looked horrible for four days. While it was done by a board certified dermatologist, I wonder how much training he had with the pen.

Thank you so much for taking your time to share this info with me. After all of my research , I am not returning to the dermatologist for any more CIT. My gut instinct told me that this is probably not what it is supposed to look like (directly after). I believe cosmetic dermatology is not really much of a focus of that practice - plus I still have a nasty looking spot where he did a biopsy on my thigh for possible skin cancer (all clear!) but it's been over 2 weeks and that spot still isn't healed and I typically heal very well. So - no more visits to that office for me! I do blame myself for not waiting after hearing about it and researching it first. Hearing his explanation of it - it sounded really great and there was no discussion of how it would look - so I was shocked afterwards that it did not come with a warning. As far as follow up care - I was told to use certain over the counter products and I was given samples. I was told to wash my face gently with Cetaphil right after it was done - then leave it alone for a full 24 hrs. Then I was told to apply Neutrogena Hydro Boost 3-4x a day for several days. I was also given a Rx for Retin-A gel, which I have never used and was told not to apply it until the forehead was "healed" --- which I was told may be a few days. I have been using the Rx every other eve all over my face - along with the Hydro Boost. I see no improvement in the forehead wrinkles, understanding that it is not a "once and done" treatment - but I have too many doubts to ever go back. I am also not a fan of the products and still in the "adjustment period" with the Rx. I did find a plastic surgeon in my area that does the procedure and I am going to call and ask a lot of questions first (this time!) before I sign up for a Round 2. This time I will ensure that I am a good candidate for it and that this doctor has experience with the procedure. Thanks again for all your time and info. I am new to this site and have found the info very helpful.

You are welcome. That sounds likes at plan for next time. I would also make sure that you are using sunscreen when starting any form of vitamin A (your retin-a). I think that every other night sounds like a good plan, I would also incorporate some skin strengthening peptides and vitamin c into the equation as well for healing . You cc apply these products over you scar where they took the biopsy after all incisions are healed. Good luck! ( why did they take my post down by the way? I don't understand how it was against any guidelines. I was simply stating kings from my experience after seeing your pictures. Hmmm?!?!)

The spot where you had a biopsy takes a lot more than 2 weeks. It takes months to heal. As for the micro-needling it takes 1-2 months to see the results and can take 3-6 treatments to get optimal results. This of course depends on how deep the wrinkles or scars are. I use hyaluronic acid, stem cells and Vit C on my patients. Hang in there and remember it's a process. Skin rejuvenation is takes time.

thanks for telling me that about the biopsy spot - that makes me feel so much better. I only had 1 biopsy prior and it was over 10 years ago. That spot was very shallow and healed in about a week and didn't hurt at all. The derm had told me to keep it clean and put Polysporin on it every day and it healed right up. By contrast, this spot was deeper and was sore for almost 3 weeks whenever I would put any pressure on it at all. It has a red ring around it, which scared me, but I wash it with Hydrogen Peroxide and put Polysporin on it every day. It's much better now and scabbed up but I never thought it would take this long to heal.

As far as the CIT - I really don't believe my forehead should have looked like that but I haven't given up on CIT altogether. Right now I am still trying to adjust to Retin A .08% gel - which has been a challenge but I have read it can take up to 8 weeks to adjust - so I am hanging tight and focusing on that for now. Still just doing the Rx every other night - I am only 3 weeks in.