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Feb
Your skin is vulnerable to so much, from the harmful effects of UV/sun exposure to the ravages of habits like smoking. These factors can degrade the proteins in our skin that provide structure and support, such as collagen and elastin. Your skin may appear prematurely “aged,” and formerly taut and well-defined features may now appear saggy and wrinkled. The good news is that Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie L. Adams and our team in Columbia, Maryland, can unwind the visible signs of damage and heal your skin from within.
Based on the principles of microneedling, we use a special device called SkinPen®” to soften wrinkles, tighten lax areas, and more. Also known as “collagen induction therapy” or CIT, microneedling involves producing very small channels or punctures in the skin. In doing so, we encourage healing and the repair of damage. This process triggers or induces collagen production as the body attempts to close the controlled micro-wounds. More collagen is generally associated with firmer, tighter, and smoother skin.
We appreciate that any mention of the word “needle” can induce fear. However, you won’t feel anything during treatment. We apply a local anesthetic and ensure the treatment area is fully numb before applying the SkinPen® device.
The SkinPen® is applied to cleansed and numb skin. It features 14 ultra-thin microneedles. These needles penetrate the skin at depths that have been customized to your needs. This characteristic promotes the most personalized experience. Such customizability also supports utmost safety and makes SkinPen® microneedling an appropriate option for all skin types and skin tones. The resulting micro-punctures usher in beneficial wound healing. As more collagen and elastin are produced, you will gradually notice that your skin looks and feels better in the weeks and months following treatment.
As a minimally invasive, no-downtime process, patients largely require a series of initial treatment sessions. It is generally advised to undergo three treatments. Each treatment can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes and may be spaced three to six weeks apart. Your results only get better and more noticeable with time as collagen and elastin continue to be renewed for up to nine months.
No. SkinPen® may be used for many signs of aging and sun/environmental damage. Our team at Melanie L. Adams, M.D., P.A. Dermatology has had great success in softening the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation or dark spots. It can also be used on parts of the body that have sustained damage, such as the backs of the hands. Finding the best option for you first requires scheduling an evaluation at our office in Columbia, MD. Please call us at (410) 910-2366 to request your consultation today.