P.I.N. (Percutaneous Induction Needling) is a method of introducing a controlled wound into the skin triggering a release of natural growth factors, new collagen & elastin. This process causes much less damage to the epidermis than dermal rolling or lasers and other ablative treatments, which helps to protect the new skin cell growth providing for quicker healing, higher success rates and longer lasting results.

​

What is automated micro-needling?

​

Automated Micro-Needling (also known as Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy or PCIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s appearance. During this procedure, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. The skin’s repair process results in a thicker dermis with the appearance of softer wrinkles. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels, which allow topical serums and creams to be absorbed more effectively into the skin. Collagen P.I.N. is the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market.

​

How is Collagen P.I.N different from dermal needling rollers of the past?

 

Micro-needling rollers are the previous generation of needling devices. One of the many drawbacks of dermal rollers is the fixed needle or penetration depth (i.e. 0.5mm) which is not very conducive when treating an area like the face which requires different depths due to the varying thickness of skin tissue, depending on the area(s) being treated. Therefore, having a fixed needle depth or penetration level is a huge drawback when trying to customize a treatment for consistency. Collagen P.I.N. ™ has an adjustable needle depth that allows your skincare provider to adjust penetration depth throughout the entire treatment. This will allow the medical provider to properly address the specific needs of thinner skin on your lower eyelids, crow’s feet, and forehead. Additionally, where the tissue is thicker in other areas, like the upper lip, cheeks (due to fat pads), neck and décolletage, the necessary adjustments can easily be treated with 1 needle tip instead of 5 or 6 needle rollers. The other dramatic difference is in the type of injury that occurs using the Collagen P.I.N. versus a Dermal Needling Roller.

​

How is Collagen PIN different from lasers?

​

When used correctly resurfacing lasers can be a great tool for treating aging skin. However, lasers use focused light to produce heat to destroy certain colors of pigmentation and vaporizes skin. This is great for targeting dark spots but often leads to complications when treating patients with naturally darker skin. Collagen P.I.N. ™ breaks up pigment mechanically and remodels the collagen without heat or the light. When the heat is removed from the process, it makes for a much safer, more comfortable and more consistent treatment. No heat also equals less downtime! Most Collagen P.I.N. ™ patients have a healthy pink glow immediately after the procedure, which lessens dramatically within 24 hours or less. Most patients are back to work the same day and out to dinner the same evening and experience little to no downtime.

​

How is the procedure done?

​

A sterile needle-tip containing 12 to 36 tiny micro-needles is attached to the Collagen P.I.N. ™. Your skincare professional will apply a thin layer of topical serum to your skin and select the appropriate treatment depth based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the Collagen P.I.N. will be gently glided across the skin in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered. This results in thousands of microscopic channels throughout the entire treatment area. This treatment can be performed at one of our comfortable Santa Cruz spa locations!

​

Who can be treated with Collagen P.I.N., and on what areas of the body?

​

Collagen P.I.N. can be used on all skin types to address a variety of concerns, most all areas of the body can be treated unless your medical provider determines otherwise.

​

• Face

• Arms

• Neck

• Legs

• Décolletage

• Abdomen

• Hands

• Back
   

How many Collagen P.I.N. treatments will I need?

Typically a series of 3-6 Collagen P.I.N. treatments is recommended, depending upon your area of correction or concern. Your skincare professional will ultimately determine a treatment schedule based on your individual goals and desires. Treatments are usually spaced in 4 week intervals. Patients with deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, stretch marks, or any type of scars, usually require 6 or more treatments to achieve the desired results.

​

What is the method of application for Collagen P.I.N.?

​

A sterile disposable needle cartridge, holding either 12 or 36 micro-needles is glided across the skin with the Collagen P.I.N. device that mechanically induces a micro injury to the desired depth chosen for your skin by your medical provider. The Collagen P.I.N. creates micro channels which allows topicals and serums to reach the true targeted areas, producing a much more efficacious result.

​

Will the Collagen P.I.N. procedure hurt?

​

Prior to your treatment with the Collagen P.I.N., the medical provider will apply a topical numbing agent. Most people say they feel almost nothing after having been pretreated with a topical numbing agent.

​

How long will it take for me to see results from my Collagen P.I.N. treatment?

​

Most all patients see results after the first Collagen P.I.N. treatment. Individual results vary depending on individual skin health. It is most common to begin to see true changes or positive results as soon as 1-2 weeks after the first treatment. Many patients comment on positive changes in even less time. Often, change is noted within just a few days!

​

How long will my Collagen P.I.N. results last?

​

Collagen P.I.N. produces results through the stimulation of growth factors and collagen, thereby promoting new skin cells to surface. As our skin ages, our collagen production naturally slows down. Your overall result will last longer when using an at home skin care regimen that includes a daily Retinoid product. Your medical provider is best suited to make this recommendation. New collagen & elastin formation in the skin are documented as visually and measurably improved as much as one year after just one treatment. However, a series of treatments is typically recommended for best results.

​

What will I look like after my Collagen P.I.N. treatment?

​

Collagen P.I.N. is considered a no downtime treatment. Immediately after your treatment your skin will look slightly pink to moderately red. Your medical provider will recommend skin care products for your post care based on your individual skin, which will greatly minimize these symptoms and enhance your overall results.

​

Can I use makeup after having my Collagen P.I.N. treatment?

​

Directly after your treatment we recommend using only mineral based foundation, as it cannot build bacteria. You may go back to your regular foundation 4 days post treatment.

​