Percutaneous Collagen Induction for Acne Scars

Today, many people wants a fairly rapid solution to treat acne scars. These has brought many different topical scar removal medications and treatment techniques like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, carbondioxide lasers, deep peelings and many others which are quite effective, but the side effects and chances of scarring is still possible, especially for dark skinned peoples. So to avoid these side effects while effectively reducing acne scars, percutaneous collagen induction therapy was developed.

Percutaneous collagen induction therapy or medical needling is a technique where drum-shaped roller with fine microneedles are used to puncture the skin and release the growth factors which encourage the formation of collagen and elastin and further helps in reduction of acne scars. Various research showed that this technique is safe and effective for reducing acne scars. However just a single treatment might not give the desire results as seen with other lasers treatments, but the risk of  hypo/hyper-pigmentation and scarring is very less. The procedure can be repeated and is useful especially in those area where laser resurfacing or chemical peels have limited use.

What are the advantage of Percutaneous Collagen Induction:

1. It is cheaper then laser resurfacing
2. Specially designed tools are available in the market so its easy to use and learn the technique.
3. It can heal more quickly then laser resurfacing.
4. Risk of hyper/hypopigmentation or scarring are very less.
5. It is not limited to certain parts of body, any parts of body can be easily treated.
6. It won’t damage the skin.

What to expect with Percutaneous Collagen Induction therapy:

1. The results may not be as quick as with lasers resurfacing, it might take longer time then lasers therapy.
2. Chances of scarring are less but aggressive use may sometime give rise to scarring and pigmentation.
3. You may have slight bruising and swelling that may last for 3-4 days.
4. The skin doesn’t become sun sensitive as with other therapy but sun protection for one week is advised.
5. To get a better result multiple treating session at interval of 4-8 weeks are advised.

Recent studies suggest that combination of  Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy ( PCT) and Photo Dynamic Therapy ( PDT ) has shown better results then PCT or PDT alone. So as Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy may looks easy,cheap and readily available on the market, do not ever try to save extra money by doing it with unexperienced medical staffs always seek experts.