Innopen Ashton-under-Lyne

Innopen also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT)

The Innopen Micro-Needling Pen is a state of the art micro-needling device designed for professional use only. Unlike all other devices available, Innopen is totally unique in that it deploys the world’s only sealed treatment tip. This design enables the practitioner to absolutely ensure there treatment depth is delivered in a totally controlled environment. Utilising a needle entry system ensure skin is not retracted into the needle tip causing uncontrolled depth, microscopic tears and tissue damage. The Innopen medical version is a powered device with adjustable speed settings and depth control in 0.1mm increments from 0mm-2mm which is allowed only for nurses and other medical practitioners to perform to this depth. The needles are almost as thin as a human hair causing the micro-needles which cause a stamp like motion of injury to the tissue of the skin with medical grade needles spaced out to perforate the skin at 90 degrees. The micro-channels promotes your own collagen to produce and fill the lines and wrinkles or scarring without removing the top layer of the skin. There are no chemicals, dermal fillers, laser or medicinal injections. Topical applications may be used such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) or peptides, antioxidants, hair loss applications and hyaluronic acid to enhance the effect.

How Does the Innopen Collagen Induction Therapy Work?

Innopen is a precision tool with a unique dual spring loaded disposable needle cartridge called Innotip. This uses an automated vibrating stamp like motion across the skin which causes micro injury to the skin. The gentle stimulation of the fibroblasts promotes a natural induction of collagen and elastin. The micro channels are formed by the small needles penetrating the skin layers which aid in infusing therapeutic serums for greater penetration. This allows enhancement of overall efficacy and makes Innopen, collagen induction therapy an ideal choice for non-surgical and non-ablative treatments for various skin conditions and rejuvenation skin enhancement. It can treat hard to reach places such as around the eyes and nasal area and even the lips and other areas. The treatment can be classed as a holistic treatment due to the natural healing which occurs after treatment due to the natural wound healing promoting the process of collagen stimulation.

What are the Stages Which Occur After Treatment?

There are three phases to the Innopen collagen induction therapy (CIT).

PHASE 1 – INFLAMMATION - DAY 1-3. This occurs from the stamp like motion of the pen which causes micro injury to the skin with medical grade needles to perforate the skin at a 90 degree angle. This penetrates the skin to form the micro-channels to activate the body's natural repair response. The dermal tissue releases growth factors which signals the body's immune system to begin to repair by the body's white blood cells which repair and increase the blood supply promoting new cells and tissue.

PHASE 2- PROLIFICATION - DAY 3-5. This phase is the growth and production of the cells which increase and improve the damaged area micro-needled which secrete growth factors and extracellular matrix which stimulates the elastin and collagen to make new tissue.

PHASE 3 – REMODELLING - DAY 6- 30 and ongoing. This phase allows the proliferation of elastin and collagen to continue producing fibroblasts to penetrate the small micro-channels needled. The new replaced collagen in the tissue is stronger and the dermis of the skin begins to contract giving a firmer smoother texture to the skin is observed.

What Can Innopen Help With?

The treatment can be used for anyone who wishes to improve their skin appearance or any of the following:

• It can intensify trans-dermal delivery for cosmetic, topical, photo ageing skin
• Can be used with platelet rich plasma treatments (PRP)
• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Rejuvenate skin with comprehensive improvements of skin tone and texture
• Minimise stretch marks
• Restore youth by effectively tightening, lifting and thickening and improving texture of the skin
• Improve the appearance of scars surgical, burns, acne vulgarise depressions
• Reduce pore size
• Increase absorption of cosmeceutical solutions
• Deliver visible results painlessly and safely with little or no down time

Innopen can be used on all skin types and all skin colours which allows more versatility than lasers, chemical peels and ablative treatments which are more sensitive to darker skin.

Is the Treatment Painful?

Numbing cream is applied to the area prior to treatment to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. The procedure is virtually painless some light pressure can be felt. While some areas may be more sensitive than others. The speed of the reciprocating needle tip reduces discomfort and the applied treatment solution also makes the treatment more tolerable. A soothing face mask or serum is ap-plied after the procedure to calm any redness, irritation and is very soothing.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

Treatments depend upon the area treated but is usually between 30 -60 minutes. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied prior which can take 20 minutes for full effect to ensure the procedure is comfortable. If used with combination therapies such as PRP it may take a little longer. A cooling mask with peptides or soothing serums will be applied straight after to calm the redness and soothe the skin and hy-drate and moisturise the skin which can also enhance effectiveness of the procedure.

How Many Treatments are Required?

Some people will only require a single treatment. Others may require more depending upon the area and skin problem being treated. Treatments are usually repeated 4-6 weeks apart. It is recommended 2-4 treatments but acne scarring and deep lines and stretch-marks may require more. Recommendations and treatment cycles vary depending on the skin condition and individual needs which will be discussed at consultation.

What Can I Expect Straight After the Procedure?

The area may feel a little warm and the skin may feel tight for the first 1-2 hours post procedure and redness similar to a slight sunburn may be evident.

What Should I Expect Over the Next Few Days?

For the following 1-3 days the area may look a little reddened and a small amount of swelling may occur it may feel a little tight and the skin may be dry. Usually a fast recovery is seen within 24 hours. Your practitioner will advise you on after care procedures depending upon the area treated.

What are the Possible Short-term Side Effects and Complications?

Erythema (Moderate Redness Similar to a Sunburn), Skin Tightness and Dryness, Minor Peeling or Exfoliation , Mild Sensitivity (Stinging and/or Itching Sensations), Hyperpigmentation or Darkening of the Skin, oedema (Swelling) though side effects usually settle down very quickly if any symptoms occur at all. Your practitioner will be able to advise any after-care for post treatment side effects.

When Will I Start to See Results?

Visible results can be seen within a few days of the treatment with the skin having a warm glow. The skin texture may begin to improve within a few days but results may continue for several weeks and even months as the collagen is stimulated and continues to improve. Hair-loss treatments may take longer.