Collagen Induction Therapy in Scottsdale
Also Serving Patients in Phoenix
Fines lines, wrinkles and scarring from trauma, acne or weight gain can affect your confidence in your appearance. Microneedling offers a non-surgical way to reduce skin imperfections and reveal a beautiful complexion that is smoother and more youthful. At Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists, Dr. Ali Ghafouri and our skincare team offer various face procedures and aesthetic treatments to help you revitalize your face and boost your self-confidence.
What is Microneedling?
Medical microneedling uses automated devices as an innovative treatment for fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks and other skin concerns. A micro-pen containing fine needles is used to make controlled microscopic injuries to the skin. The skin cells’ natural reaction to the injury produces new collagen and elastin, and the tissue’s repair process improves skin quality and provides a more youthful appearance. Dr. Ghafouri and our skincare providers use the most advanced medical-grade and automated microneedling devices in the aesthetic markets.
The Role of Collagen in a Youthful Look
Touted as the “fountain of youth” protein, collagen is found in abundance in the body when you are young, particularly in your skin, cartilage, muscles, bone and tendons. This compound has a fiber-like makeup that strengthens your connective tissues and makes them resilient in the face of injury or stretching.
Unfortunately, collagen production slows down as you age and begins dropping off at an estimated 1 percent per year starting in your 20s. Sun exposure, poor sleep hygiene, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol intake and smoking can all cause collagen production to drop at an even steeper rate. The aging process damages the firm, organized fiber network in your deep skin layers, and the lack of collagen in your body weakens and thins your skin, allowing fine lines and wrinkles to surface.
Collagen’s role in a youthful “glowing” appearance makes collagen induction therapy an excellent option for treating aging or damaged skin. Microneedling stimulates collagen production by jumpstarting your body’s natural healing process to create more of the protein through micro-traumas in the skin. The wound-healing response also triggers new skin cell production.
Benefits of Microneedling
Microneedling can improve skin texture and tone and offers many benefits. This minimally invasive treatment can address various skin conditions that are otherwise difficult to improve, such as surgical scars, burns, enlarged pores, moderate to severe wrinkles, stretch marks and acne scars. Microneedling can safely be used on skin with dark patches (melasma) or hyperpigmentation because the treatment doesn’t heat the tissues. Age spots, rosacea and hyperpigmentation may be reduced with microneedling treatments to reinvigorate your appearance. Stretch marks are notoriously challenging to improve, and microneedling can effectively reduce the appearance of these streaks.
The wound healing response triggered by microneedling treatments creates new skin cells that leave you with a lustrous complexion. Microneedling shrinks large pores and makes topical products more effective by increasing absorption.
While microneedling does come with some recovery time, treatments involve fewer side effects and a shorter healing period than other options such as laser skin resurfacing or intensive chemical peels. Most patients enjoy a renewed facial appearance within one to three days of their microneedling appointment.
Microneedling with Stem Cell/PRP
Microneedling with stem cells or PRP is also known as “vampire lift.” A tube of your blood is drawn, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is separated from other blood components. PRP is rich in growth factors and stem cells crucial to healing and new collagen formation. PRP is applied to the face, and microneedling is performed. The micro-channels created by the pen device allow for deep penetration and absorption of PRP. This helps with fine lines, scarring, stretch marks and overall skin rejuvenation. When injected into scalp areas with early hair loss patterns, the growth factors stimulate the growth of new hair follicles.
Who is a Candidate for Microneedling?
Most people with skin imperfections will qualify for microneedling. However, areas with cystic or active acne may need to be avoided. If you’re interested in improving the texture and tone of your skin or struggle with scarring, stretch marks and other skin concerns, microneedling may be a good fit for you.
Dr. Ghafouri will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation at our Scottsdale office and determine if microneedling or another cosmetic treatment will help you achieve your desired results.
Schedule Your Microneedling Consultation
Contact Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists to schedule your appointment with Dr. Ghafouri and our experienced skincare providers today.
