PERCUTANEOUS COLLAGEN INDUCTION (PCI) – MEDICAL ROLL-CIT
What is PCI?
PCI or skin needling is a safe and minimally invasive alternative to more abrasive and invasive procedures. The simple technique involves a hand-held roller tool with rows of fine 1mm needles that create minute channels into the dermis, inducing a natural process of skin rejuvenation. Needling of the skin creates tiny areas of trauma that initiates a natural process of healing which releases numerous growth factors and also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes smoother and tighter, without any damage to the overlying epidermis.
The epidermis is 0.2mm thick and should at all times be kept intact to protect us from the surrounding environment and UV rays. Essentially one would aim for a thick, healthy outer layer of skin with collagen and elastin in the dermis and a good blood supply. The best way to achieve this is to feed the skin topically with vitamin A and antioxidant vitamin C, E and beta-carotene.
Topical vitamin A is well known for its skin normalizing effects, however, when it comes to wrinkles and sagging of the skin, the problems are in the dermis where collagen has been damaged and has become thinner. Percutaneous Collagen Induction is the ideal technique for treating wrinkles and shallow scars. The procedure is done with a topical anaesthetic.
How is PCI performed?
A topical anesthetic is placed on the face and left to activate for 45 minutes. The face is then thoroughly washed with Sebuwash® to remove the entire topical anaesthetic. The skin is then rolled with the Roll-Cit™ horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. The skin is cleaned with clean swabs and EssentiaA® is applied to the skin.
How long does PCI take?
It is advisable to set ± two hours for PCI and this includes preparation and treatment.
How does PCI work?
PCI results from the natural response to the wounding of the skin, even though the wound is minuscule. Each tiny wound goes through the three classic phases of wound healing;
• Inflammation
• Proliferation (tissue formation)
• Tissue remodeling
Each needle prick minutely injures the upper 0.5 mm of the dermis, causing some localized damage and bleeding. This in turn promotes the normal posttraumatic release of growth factors and infiltration of fibroblasts causing them to produce more collagen and elastin. Needling only penetrates through the epidermis and does not remove it, so the tiny punctures will rapidly heal. As a result of slightly swelling, the holes close quickly. With thousands of small holes placed next to each other, the effects virtually merge and a sheet of collagen will be laid down in the area just below the epidermis. Collagen slowly shortens after a few months and so the skin tightening is progressive.
How do I treat my skin after PCI?
Immediately after needling the skin, clean with Sebuwash®, apply Moisture-gel EssentiaA® or their own set of products (their home care products and avoid using the AHA for 1 day). The client should take a tepid shower that evening and ensure that the little bumps from oozing are removed and EssentiaA® or their own products is placed once again on the skin. Use a clean pillow-case, avoid direct sunlight and contact with cats and dogs for a day or two.
How long will I take to recover?
Immediately after the treatment, the skin is slightly pink and the patient may return to work the following day. It is important for the client to cover their skin with EssentiaA® and Anti-Oxidant Gel® to promote better healing and even better production of collagen. Again the patient uses their home-care products regularly
What is PCI indicated for?
• To restore skin tightness in the early stages of aging
• People with very thin skin
• Acne scarring
• Fine wrinkles
• Lax skin
• Hypo-pigmentation
• Stretch marks
• Scarring e.g. burn, surgery
• Telangiectasia
How many treatments?
One treatment alone may not make a dramatic enough change; so many clients wish to repeat the procedure to get their desired results. Each client will purchase their own the Roll-Cit™ and cleaning solution, Roll-Cit™ may be used for up to six treatments, the treatments may be done as soon as one week apart, depending on the condition of the skin.
What results could I expect from PCI?
PCI thickens and rejuvenates the skin, reduces pigmentation marks and diminishes the appearance of dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia/couperose). The results of the treatment are ongoing and endure for many years, with understanding that the long-term outcome is utterly dependent on and enhanced with the continued use of vitamin A, C, E and anti-oxidants to provide nutrition and protection to the skin.