How the Dermaroller works

The Collagen-Induction-Therapy (CIT) with the needling device called Dermaroller™ is a fairly new procedure for the stimulation of new collagen fibres and other skin cells. In contrary to all ablative techniques such as acid peels or laser it does not damage the skin nor is the epidermis removed. The mechanism of action of the CIT remains largely unknown. If a CIT is performed lege artis I hypothesize that the usual release of growth factors from thrombocytes only play a minor or no role at all.

STIMULATION OF CELL GROWTH

Abstract reflections about COLLAGEN-INDUCTION-THERAPY (CIT)
A Hypothesis for the Mechanism of Action of Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) using Micro-Needles 1st editition February 2006. 2nd revision January 2007
By Horst Liebl

ABSTRACT

The Collagen-Induction-Therapy (CIT) with the needling device called Dermaroller™ is a fairly new procedure for the stimulation of new collagen fibres and other skin cells. In contrary to all ablative techniques such as acid peels or laser it does not damage the skin nor is the epidermis removed. The mechanism of action of the CIT remains largely unknown. If a CIT is performed lege artis I hypothesize that the usual release of growth factors from thrombocytes only play a minor or no role at all.
In 2006, Dr. Laaff, a dermato-pathologist, evaluated 20 blinded biopsies from a study performed by Dr. M. Schwarz, a plastic surgeon from Freiburg, into the effects of the Dermaroller on collagen and elastin formation. Biopsies were taken by Dr Schwarz from various parts of the body of 10 patients undergoing elective cosmetic surgery. A first 'control' biopsy was taken adjacent to the site that was needled with the Dermaroller. Six to eight weeks later, another biopsy was taken from the needled skin. New collagen and elastin fiber formation was obvious and quite dramatic. On average, an increase of new fibers of 206% was observed by the pathologist and in one case a 1,000% increase was recorded. In the absence of any signs of overt tissue damage, a new hypothesis for a possible mechanism of action of CIT is proposed.
Histological Findings, Freiburg/Germany 2006 20 times magnification of tissue cross-sections. Dr. Schwarz & Dr. Laaff
(Collagen fibers are schown in purple)

Although we do not know exactly how the needles of the Dermaroller induce such a dramatic amount of collagen, we have scientific proof that the needling procedure triggers new collagen fibres, new melanocytes, stimulates revascularisation, hair growth (especially in scars), re-pigments stretch marks, fills depressed acne scars, softens scars and so on. Quality needles do not damage the skin in the sense of a classical injury. The pricking channels close within 60 to 90 minutes and infections therefore are unlikely. In contrary to new laser devices such as Fractional Laser Therapy where a laser beam penetrate the skin as much as 600 to 700 µm, the Dermaroller needles induce new cell formation exactly where it is needed, without thermal damage. The Dermaroller and all its therapeutic possibilities are just at the beginning of research.