21 Sep 2023 | by Leonard Miller, MD, FACS, FRCS
Medical microneedling, also known as Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy (PCIT), is a nonsurgical procedure designed to dramatically improve the skin’s texture and tone. This state-of-the-art technique which is becoming one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic medicine will refresh and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance using the body’s own healing properties. Dr. Miller is probably the first person in the USA to perform microneedling. Since 1990 Dr. Leonard Miller, has been achieving amazing results for his patients removing wrinkles from their face and lips and reducing acne scarring and stretch marks.
What exactly is medical microneedling?
Microneedling is a technology that introduces multiple fine needles into the skin at different depths. The micro injuries are either created by a roller with the needles on the barrel or by a power generated repetitive vibrating pen-like device creating a scenario for healing to occur. As the cellular layers, collagen and elastin build up in response to the injury a smoother skin appearance is achieved. Depending on the depth of the injury or the length of the needles the procedure can be performed by one self, a trained nurse or a medical practitioner.
Medical Microneedling Will:
- Reduce the appearance of scars from acne, trauma, and stretch marks.
- Eliminate fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Tighten loose, lax skin
- Shrink pore size
- Increase the effectiveness of additional topical products
- Stimulate blood flow, collagen production, and elastin for long-lasting results
History of Medical Microneedling:
While the idea of medical microneedling is a relatively new technique in the U.S., the practice of using needles to heal the skin, as with acupuncture, is an ancient method that can be traced back thousands of years. Originally, the practice began as a way to alter the body’s natural channels of energy, returning it to a healthy state. However, in the early 1900s, European plastic surgeons began to notice that the fine needles, when strategically placed, could trigger the tissue’s healing response. Over the decades, physicians started using this technique as a method for treating deep acne scars and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Although the use of needles to heal the skin continued to evolve throughout the 1980s, it was slow to gain mainstream popularity. Then, in the 1990’s the modern Dermaroller microneedling technique found new life in South Africa and Germany. It was at this stage that Dr. Miller brought the Dermaroller microneedling to the United States. Over the years, through numerous studies, the benefits of medical microneedling have been shown to successfully soften facial lines and wrinkles smooth acne scars, fade stretch marks, eliminate age spots, and even encourage new hair growth.
Bringing Microneedling to Boston:
As a leader in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Boston’s Dr. Miller was the first to introduce microneedling to U.S. patients. Initially the technology involved rolling needles across the skin but now the fine microchannels in the skin are frequently made with a power generated pen-like device. Dr. Miller uses both techniques on his patients. His experience allows him to choose the best method for the different clinical situations. Results are maximized and ill effects are avoided. More and more people are now able to turn to microneedling for firmer, clearer, smoother, and brighter skin. The microneedling procedure continues to gain more popularity as one of the most effective techniques for skin rejuvenation thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. Miller’s colleagues in South Africa and Germany.
What can I expect:
At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, all medical microneedling treatments are performed in a private, comfortable exam room. Downtime depends on the depth of the microneedling. The treated skin may look pink or mildly red for the initial 12-24 hours with superficial treatments, but may be intensely red and crusting with a deeper medical procedure. Compared to traditional skin rejuvenating treatments, medical microneedling with PCIT is safe and cost effective, and consistently provides desired results.
If you would like to find out more about medical microneedling, or any of the other exceptional procedures available at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, call the office at 617.735.8735 or fill out our Contact Us form. We will be happy to answer your questions, explain the treatment process, and assist in scheduling you’re in-person consultation with Dr. Miller. For patient convenience, medical microneedling consultations can be made in both our Boston and Brookline locations.
