Direct needle therapy is also called collagen induction therapy, or CIT, and skin needling. This is actually a part of advanced cosmetic treatments, which can help you achieve flawless and plump skin. Specifically, it can correct scars and breathe life into aging skin. So, you can cover a journey from having scars and aging signs to a naturally healed, rejuvenated, and scar-free appearance.
At the root level, collagen, a natural protein in the skin, is a reason for its aging and dullness. When its production goes down, the skin gets lines, folds, and dullness because the cell turnover becomes slower. This therapy fulfills this need for collagen by starting its reproduction, which heals the skin and regenerates cells. Typically, the results are similar to fractional laser resurfacing, or resurFX. The only difference lies in its downtime. You see it minimally in DNT.
Hopefully, direct needle therapy is not new to you now. Let’s move ahead to discover its benefits.
Advantages of Direct Needle Therapy, or DNT
Unlike other facial therapies, it is more popular because of its natural results and benefits. Not only does it rejuvenate skin, but it also makes it plumper, smoother, and younger. And this result can be achieved with minimal discomfort and downtime. If you get this treatment from an experienced and certified skin specialist, it is very customizable. In other words, it can be adjusted to your beauty goals. Let’s figure out some more benefits below:
- It heals scars, including acne scars, with lines and folds, which emerge because of aging.
- It can minimize the size of enlarged pores.
- You can see relief in the pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots.
- As the pigmentation reduces, the skin tone becomes clearer and more even.
- An adequate quantity of collagen boosts the elasticity of the skin.
- Even the stretch marks fade away because of sufficient collagen production.
- The patients suffering from alopecia also witnessed hair regrowth.
- This treatment costs minimal if you compare it with the cost of laser therapy, resurfx, or any other one.
- Unlike laser therapy, it does not involve heat, which can cause pigmentation. So, dark-toned people can prefer it to laser treatment because of its safety features.
Now arises the question as to where it can be done. You can find its answer in the next segment.
Ideal Areas Where Direct Needling Works
Mostly, this nonsurgical treatment is used on, but not limited to, the face. If you have stretch marks on your biceps, abdominal areas, thighs, or legs, it can also be done there, according to a source. For more effective results, qualified skin specialists may use dermal fillers with it.
How does microneedling work?
Typically, microneedling is based on the body’s response system and healing. This therapy basically involves pinpricking the skin with microneedles. It causes microinjuries on the upper layer of the skin, which send the message to the brain to respond. Consequently, the blood carries the message to heal, and the collagen starts reproducing in an adequate amount. As it generates new collagen-rich tissues, the scar, injury mark, or pigmentation reduces.
Overall, the skin boosts collagen production, which leads to the formation of new tissues and cell turnover. So, the patient achieves regenerative scar-free skin via DNT. It also transforms the skin by tightening and brightening
Sometimes, the skin specialist combines skin needling with other treatments, such as dermal fillers, radiofrequency, or platelet-rich plasma. This customization can help in achieving desirable results eventually.
Risks and side effects
Despite being a non-invasive procedure, microneedling can be a little risky. The most common side effect, which is temporary, is minor skin irritation. You can see inflammation in the treated area right after the procedure. Slight redness may also be there because of microinjuries.
In some cases, these effects will be more than just redness or inflammation. It can be recognized as any of them:
- bleeding
- bruising
- infection
- peeling
To get rid of them, you must know if you’re an ideal candidate for this non-invasive cosmetic treatment. Here are some points that can help you determine if it works for you:.
- If you have open wounds or active acne, avoid them because they can make your skin condition worse.
- If you have gone through radiation therapy recently, you must think twice.
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema cannot be treated with it.
- If your genes carry skin scars, stay away from this treatment.
- For expecting mothers, the doctor’s advice is a must.
Preparation
However, a consultation with a doctor is a must before proceeding. He would examine your skin condition and gain insights into your medical history. Commonly, skin specialists suggest not taking certain medicines, such as ibuprofen or Accutane. Also, some blood-thinning medicines and serums or ointments, like retinoids and exfoliants, that can increase the sensitivity of your skin must be avoided.
Microneedling Procedure
The entire procedure may be completed in approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The doctor starts by applying a topical anesthetic to the surface so that the entire treatment becomes painless. For sure, it takes 30 minutes to apply and wait.
Now the procedure starts with a pen-like tool with tiny, sterilized needles. The doctor causes microinjuries on the surface by using them. This pricking won’t hurt because it leaves unnoticeable injuries on the senseless surface.
The tool is evenly moved across the skin so that the aftereffects will evenly rejuvenate the entire skin. If required, he or she can apply a serum according to your skin condition. All in all, this entire procedure takes place in approximately an hour.
Expectation to Meet
Skin microneedling is a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime. It does not involve any cutting, but skin irritation and redness can be pronounced within the first one or two days. This is a natural response to the minor injuries. And, once it’s done, the patient can continue doing whatever he or she does in routine.
The skin specialist recommends a ‘no makeup’ look for a few days and sunscreen to shield the treated area from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Try to cover your face with a scarf and sunglasses, too. It helps patients achieve desirable facial rejuvenation within a couple of weeks.
The treatment may not be complete in one session. So, you will have to visit the doctor multiple times for complementary treatments. These are follow-up sessions wherein the doctor can repeat the treatment over your surface. All these efforts contribute to achieving the desirable goals of facial rejuvenation. That’s why it can be called an anti-wrinkle treatment.
Optimal Care of Skin After the Procedure: How
This procedure can be challenging if you have any medical conditions or allergies, like a cold sore. Once done, the practitioner suggests the following things to do:.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Say no to skincare products carrying alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol.
- Stay without makeup for a few days to avoid infection or allergy.
- Stay in a cool environment, preferably in shade.
There are certain hacks to speed up recovery, such as lubricating your body, embracing an antioxidant serum, using ice packs, and using collagen-stimulating peptides.
Conclusion
Direct needle therapy is a cell-regenerative therapy that ensures scar-free and rejuvenated skin. It can be an effective anti-aging and anti-scaring treatment without any incision or cutting. An individual can get rid of aging signs and scars without waiting for months. It’s extremely effective.
