Tara’s Experience – Collagen Induction Therapy

For those of you that have struggled with acne in the past and have the scars to prove it, Collagen Induction Therapy may be an option for you!  Our very own Front Desk Coordinator Tara tells us about her journey with acne, the residual scarring, and her current treatment plan.  Photos to be uploaded soon.

Acne has proven to be a constant (not so friendly) companion since early adulthood for me. I can remember blemishes plaguing my face as far back as 7th grade. By high school, my acne was a constant struggle. My blemishes were not restricted to whiteheads or blackheads; a large portion of my acne was cystic. Not only were the cysts painful, it felt at times they were taking up permanent residence on my face.

By end of freshman year, I started seeing a dermatologist who put me on an oral medication along with a topical regime. Although the names of said medications escape me now, I do remember that they worked for a while. When my skin started to become angry again, despite my intense regime, the doc tried to tweak a few things. With little to no improvement, I became frustrated, as I assume most adolescents and adults become when their skin isn’t behaving the way they want it to. Instead of sticking with the program, I decided to go my own route. In retrospect, I wish I would have continued going to my dermatologist instead of taking matters in my own hands. Then again, being a stubborn 16 year old, I doubt I would have even listened to future Tara. Needless to say, over-the-counter acne products took over my cabinet space. At times, the products did seem to help. On other occasions, my face was outraged with the over-drying and constant extractions. I was constantly picking at my face which made matters even worse. I think there is something in all of us that makes us want to extract a whitehead or squeeze at a blackhead despite knowing better. After years and years of this vicious cycle, my skin has finally started to settle down.

I began seeing an aesthetician a few years back who advised me on certain products and suggested chemical peels. The peels definitely helped with my active acne. I noticed less and less cystic acne, and my other blemishes, although I still had them, were fewer in number and happened less frequently. As most college students can attest to, money became tight and I ended up having to break ties with my aesthetician. A few years later, I started to see another aesthetician at a different location. Again, chemical peels were recommended. This time, their purpose was less to clear up acne but more so to help with the scarring my acne had left me with. Although not as noticeable to an outside eye, the ice pick and boxcar scarring is all I can see upon looking at my reflection. It is a constant reminder of the acne that resided on my face for the better part of a decade.

Now, that I have the opportunity of working for Dr. Frank Barone and Evolv Medical Aesthetics, I am presented with the opportunity to try new methods to help with my “unhappy reminders.” Not to mention, I have an amazing aesthetician, Rachel Hanus, who has helped with my new skin regime that is not only manageable but effective. I very rarely get breakouts, and I have less redness than ever before. The SkinMedica Tri-Retinol Complex I have been using easily ranks as one of the top five best products I have ever used. I have even noticed textural improvements.

Now that you have a brief history, and are probably bored to tears, I want to tell you about the plan of action that my aesthetician, Rachel, has in store for me. Thus far, I have done one chemical peel while working for Dr. Barone. It was a Vitalize SkinMedica peel which is good for patients with mild to moderate skin conditions such as my own (acne and acne scarring). The peel definitely helped with clarity and slightly improved the texture of my skin. Although the results were minimal after only one peel, I welcome any improvements with open arms. Due to the deeper scarring on my cheeks, Rachel also recommended a treatment known as Collagen Induction Therapy. This treatment uses a dermal roller with micro fine needles to create channels in the skin which, in turn, releases growth factors stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This treatment also aids in product absorption which will allow them to work to full capacity. Mind you, I am not an aesthetician, and this information is coming from the information pamphlet available in our office along with my aesthetician. I look forward to seeing results from this treatment, and I will keep you posted with updates on how my skin is doing. Until next time!

Day 1 (1/3/12) – Treatment Rachel explained to me fully what to expect from the Collagen Induction Therapy. She explained that the actual method can cause some discomfort, and the results may not be noticeable until after the third treatment. For best results, she wants me to come back four weeks from the first treatment and another month after that for the third. The numbing agent that Rachel applied was cool and tingly. I sat for about twenty minutes before Rachel removed that and prepped my face for the collagen induction therapy. Due to the numb, certain areas of my face felt little to no discomfort from the treatment. Other areas, however, were slightly uncomfortable. Specifically, areas around the nasal labial folds and upper lip seemed more sensitive. The entire process was definitely tolerable; however, and I would not hesitate to continue in the future with additional treatments. Upon completion of the rolling, Rachel applied SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum to my face. Due to the recently formed channels in my skin, the product would be able to absorb into my skin with more efficacy. The serum felt cooling and wonderful, and the benefits it provides are numerous. It has peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, and other powerful ingredients that help not only with skin texture, tone and elasticity, but the serum also aids in the process of skin regeneration. After the TNS Essential Serum, Rachel applied a peptide mask to my face that provided even more of a cooling effect. The process was new and different, and I can’t wait to see results!!!!

Hot Topics in Skincare for January 2012

Ongoing education is a top priority for our entire staff, especially the skin care team. One Saturday each month, Dr. Barone and our aestheticians meet to discuss evolving trends in advanced medical skin care, as well as revisiting the fundamentals such as skin anatomy and physiology. 

What does this mean for you, the patient?  Our very knowledgeable staff can provide exceptional patient care, with a focus on two very important things:  safety and results!  Topics that were up for discussion this month: Recognizing Common Skin Conditions and Essential Knowledge of Chemistry for Aestheticians.

One of the benefits of having your skin care services at evolv medical aesthetics is the close working relationship with Dr. Frank Barone.  Sometimes patients visit us for a treatment and they have a question regarding a suspicious spot.  While your aesthetician cannot diagnose the spot, she can refer you to Dr. Barone, who is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon that can reccommend proper medical treatment if necessary.  Sometimes we can take care of your needs here, or you may need to be referred to another physician, such as a dermatologist.  Our aestheticians can also can help you manage symptoms of certain conditions such as acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, etc., and can work with your other physicians’ treatment plans if needed.

Our other topic for January is Essential Knowledge of Chemistry for Aestheticians.  This may seem boring to most, but important concepts such as pH really come in to play when giving treatments and building our patients’ home care regimens.  The skin is slightly acidic, a pH of about 5.5, so essentially, we want many skin care products we use on it to also be slightly acidic.  Some products, such as cleansers for oilier skin types, may be slightly alkaline to help unclog pores and cut through oil.  This isn’t knowledge that the average patient would need to know, but is important when customizing skin care regimens.  One popular question that comes up often is “Do I really need to use a toner?”  The answer, it’s probably a good idea, since most cleansers are slightly alkaline.  Ideally we would like to return the skin to a lower pH, which is best for the skin and also helps the rest of your regimen absorb properly.  And by the way, that plain old bar soap you use?  Definitely alkaline, which can overdry the skin. 

Stay tuned for more skin care knowledge in February!