Advanced Beauty Therapy, Treatment

First Impressions – Introduces a BRAND-NEW TREATMENT

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or Dermal Micro-Needling

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), also known as dermal micro-needling, is a safe, non-invasive method of treating fine lines, wrinkles, scars and now even hair loss. The modern derma roller uses tiny titanium or stainless steel needles mounted on a roller with a handle. The device is rolled methodically over the skin so that it makes small punctures in the epidermis. The needles used are very fine and discomfort is minimal. A local topical anaesthetic or ice can be used to minimize discomfort, but most patients do not find this necessary.

The skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the innermost fat layer. Two important proteins of the skin are collagen and elastin. Collagen makes up almost 80% of the skin’s dry weight, while elastin makes up 4%.

The dermis contains the skin’s collagen layer. Collagen and elastin are vital for the youthful and plump appearance of the skin. Everyday damage caused by sun and pollution can break down collagen and elastin. Wrinkles form when collagen fibres and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin can no longer stretch and contract. With age, the dermis also loses collagen and elastin, and the skin gets thinner. When this happens, the dermis cannot supply enough moisture to the epidermis. As well, the fat in the subcutaneous layer that gives skin its radiance begins to disappear.

The American Academy of Dermatology attributes 90–95 percent of skin aging to sun exposure (in NZ we have the HIGHEST UV EXPOSURE IN THE WORLD due to the hole in the ozone directly above us). Sun exposure drastically affects the collagen fibres in the dermis. A lack of collagen is not only responsible for wrinkles and fine lines, it is also the cause of many scars.

This is where Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) and a derma roller come into play. The process of puncturing the skin stimulates a healing response and the body responds by producing natural collagen. In fact, micro needling has been shown to increase your collagen production by 1000% for up to a year following a single treatment! For the best results, a course of three micro needling treatments is recommended.

ADVANTAGES:

• Needling with a derma roller has many advantages over other skin therapies and rejuvenation processes; the most evident is that it does not remove the outer layer of the epidermis (as is the case with most laser therapies and chemical peels).
• The body’s protective layer remains intact which reduces the possibility of infection or side effects.
• It uses the body’s own natural healing processes to create fresh, healthy, youthful tissue, free from the imperfections of sun damage and aging.

HOW DOES IT WORK?:

• When a blood vessel is pricked, platelet cells release growth factors for the skin to heal. Needling the skin causes a surge of transforming growth factor Beta-3 (TGFB3). If you cut yourself, TGFB3 normally lasts about 24 hours. However, when skin is needled, TGFB3 may last for two weeks. It has been found that the TGFB3 molecule significantly reduces dermal scarring.
• Simply put, needling causes micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production, and creating healthy new tissue from the dermis upwards.

A study out of India found that out of 36 patients treated with CIT, 34 achieved a reduction in the severity of their scarring by one or two grades. More than 80% of patients assessed their treatment as ‘excellent’ on a 10-point scale. No significant adverse effects were noted in any patient.

A study conducted in Germany found that micro-needling increased the formation of new tissue.  This remodelling of skin has three stages:

1. Inflammation – skin is red and inflamed after treatment (controlled inflammation).
2. Inflammatory response – healing and stimulation of growth of healthy tissue.
3. Tissue formation – skin is remodelled for up to 1 year, then a booster course is recommended.

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

While there are many types of micro-needling systems, studies found that using a roller to create channels was safe and simple, and is also FDA tested and approved.

Micro-needling surpassed IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers in clinical studies. Korean dermatologists compared IPL laser treatment to micro-needling. Patients underwent three treatments at two-week intervals. Patients undergoing micro-needling showed more increase in skin thickness and more collagen fibre, than IPL laser patients. The growth factors released through CIT resulted in regenerative healing and ideal healthy type III collagen formed from the base upwards. In comparison, growth factors released from the epidermis after IPL laser treatments produced collagen from the top down, producing type I scar collagen.

CLIENT SAFETY: First Impressions will conduct a thorough consultation/consent form prior to treatment. We have invested in disposable medical grade titanium dermal needles, with a new roller used each time for every treatment. There are other options out there that are cheaper, but we wanted to maintain our impeccable hygiene standards so we use hospital grade cleaning equipment, and disposable Dermal Rollers.

Dermal needling (CIT) is an advanced beauty therapy treatment and will only be performed by a senior therapist who is fully qualified and has all the knowledge regarding the procedure. We go the extra mile and include a soothing green tea mask treatment with all dermal needling treatments to help promote healing, and recommend a homecare programme with skincare and internal supplements designed to give you the full benefit and maximize your results.

Dermal Micro Needling with Green Tea Mask Treatment – $220.00
50-minute booking time. Includes: cleanse, skin preparation, skin numbing, dermal needling of the face & jaw, a green tea soothing mask treatment, nourishing moisturiser, and sun care.

Dermal Micro Needling with Omnilux and Green Tea Mask Treatment – $270.00
75-minute booking time. Includes: cleanse, Omnilux light therapy treatment, skin preparation, skin numbing, dermal needling of the face & jaw, a green tea soothing mask treatment, nourishing moisturiser, and sun care.

We recommend a minimum of 3 treatments per client, with a maximum of 6 treatments per year.

For amazing results, we advise a course combined with Omnilux light treatments and following our specialised homecare programme using active skincare and supplements.

2018 Exclusive VIP Winter Course – $1399.00
With the option to spilt payment or pay thirds over 3 months.
Course includes; 9 Omnilux Light Therapy Treatments (3 to have as a combined treatment with needling), 3 Micro Needling Treatments (each 4 weeks apart), 3 Green Tea Nourishing Mask Treatments, 3 Priori Hand & Arm treatments.
The course also includes: Priori DNA Recovery Serum (valued $199) + Omega 3 supplements.
Week 1 – (First Treatment) – Consultation & Consent, Dermal Micro Needling & Light Therapy
Week 2 – One Light Therapy Treatment
Week 3 – One Light Therapy Treatment
Week 4 – One Light Therapy Treatment
Week 5 – Dermal Micro Needling & Light Therapy
Week 6 – One Light Therapy Treatment
Week 7 – One light therapy treatment
Week 8 – One Light Therapy Treatment
Week 9 – Dermal Micro Needling & Light Therapy

2018 Micro Needling Winter Course – $699.00
3 x Dermal Micro Needling and Omnilux Light Therapy Treatments (to have 4 weeks apart).
(SAVE $111 – value is $810)
Homecare must be used in conjunction with this course. Omega 3 to be taken internally every day, and must use a corrective serum, nourishing day/night cream, and sun care.

2018 Peel or Micro and Omnilux Winter Course – $900.00
6 x Peel and Light Treatments to have weekly
3 x Light Therapy Treatments to have in between peels
(SAVE $300, value is $1200)
Homecare must be used in conjunction with this course. Must use a corrective cleanser/toner, corrective serum and moisturiser and sun care. Your therapist will tailor your homecare prescription to your skin’s needs.

2018 Peel Winter Course – $486.00
6 x Peel Treatments to have weekly
(SAVE $54, value $540.00)
Homecare must be used in conjunction with this course. Must use a corrective cleanser/toner, corrective serum and moisturiser, and sun care. Your therapist will tailor your homecare prescription to your skin’s needs.