Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy

What is Percutaneous CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy)?

Percutaneous CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) is a treatment approach designed to help regenerate skin. This means that the method aims to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. 

 How soon will I see improvements?

Since the effect of Percutaneous CIT is based on stimulating the body’s own (endogenous) regeneration mechanisms, it takes time before the results become visible. Therefore, you should not expect the desired improvement to happen immediately. Within 3-6 weeks after the collagen treatment, the quality of your skin will begin to show improvements. A few more months will be needed for the natural renewal processes to achieve the full effect. 

 How many sessions are recommended?

Percutaneous CIT can be repeated, provided that the skin is given enough time to regenerate between treatments. To achieve maximum improvement, we recommend a course of up to six treatments, no more frequently than at 1-2 week intervals, under topical anesthesia. Other alternatives are 1 collagen treatment monthly, or 6 treatments every 6 months.

 What should I expect during the treatment?

Percutaneous CIT has to cause bleeding to trigger the desired regeneration processes in the deeper layers of the skin. This is not a side effect, but an effect which is necessary, and which your practitioner will produce deliberately. The bleeding acts as a stimulus or messenger for the skin cells to produce collagen and elastin. Percutaneous CIT is performed using very fine needles, and the tiny pin-pricks in the skin close up within hours, so bleeding stops by the time the collagen treatment is finished. This does not cause lasting pain. After the procedure, the skin will appear red or pink for a few days and may swell. This reaction looks like a moderate sunburn or mild abrasion, although the skin has not been abraded – only pricked. During the early (acute) healing phase you may look tired, but after about a week, your skin should feel and look as usual. The necessary wound healing reaction will cause your skin cells (fibroblasts) to produce new collagen and elastin. Therefore, the effect of Percutaneous CIT is based mainly on the activation and the subsequent natural course of the skin’s wound healing and regeneration mechanism. 

 Is there anything I need to do to prepare for this collagen treatment?

Since regeneration and healing are stimulated by certain creams that contain particularly high levels of vitamin A and C, daily pretreatment of your skin for several months, with creams recommended by your practitioner, is an important part of successful Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy.

For more information about this treatment, please contact our licensed practitioner

Franck Joly (L.Ac., MTOM, Dipl.OM) at fjoly@acujoly.com