About Improvement/Collagen Production

[boafriend]

Hi Sarah:

So I've scoured the forum and have read your "Warning about rolling frequency" thread and I just wanted to ask a few things.

Today is exactly 1 month since my first stamping session.I read in the "Warning about rolling frequency" thread that collagen production is not finished in even 5 weeks, but at least the first stages are complete. I know improvement takes time (and I guess I'm impatient too) but I don't think I've seen any improvement, and I'm wondering if I should wait longer or just have a second stamping session soon.

Also, I'm wondering in terms of collagen production...let's just say the collagen has already been under process - if I stamp rigorously this 2nd time, will it possibly damage the collagen that has already been produced this past month (and same for every month after)?

Here is a picture of my scars that I'm dealing with (2 rolling scars). I used a 2.0mm stamp the first session (someone on Acne.org recommended a 2.0 to make sure I'm really hitting the dermis. I know 1.5mm is the usual recommended).



(This was taken about 2 weeks after the first stamping session, just an FYI. Also the dark spot near the top right isn't another dent, just a dry spot from a pimple that was healing)

Thanks so much.

[SarahVaughter]

Rolling scars are typically tethered to the underlying structures and that keeps them indented. You are an ideal candidate to combine stamping with the improvised suction method. The suction will loosen the strands that are pulling the scar down:

   

  https://http://forums.owndoc.com/dermarolling-microneedling/Subcision-suction-method-for-acne-scars

     

  Stamping once every 4-5 weeks with a 2 mm dermastamp is a proper stamping frequency.

   

  Let us know how it goes.

[boafriend]

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah this suction method...I don't get it...so we pretty much have to use some sort of device that'll suck onto the skin 3 days after needling? It seems like a lot of work, and I'd have no idea where to get a hold of such a suction device (although I do have Chinese suction pots). =/

Also, Sarah, I stamped pretty aggressively my first round w/ the 2mm last month, and I wanted to also ask your opinion on exactly how long and aggressive the stamping should be? I've read your threads and dermarolling/stamping instructions and places such as Acne.org's scarring forum and I'm understanding that generally 2 minutes of stamping is suggested with the stamping of scars 10 times in 4 directions. I've also heard people suggesting that one stamp scars until the cracking/popping sounds completely stop. Last month when I stamped, it was very bloody and I stamped for quite some time...I'd say 5 minutes in total? However as much as I stamped, the popping/cracking noises on my dents never stopped (I'm guessing this is because of the tethered underlying structures). Just wondering what your opinion is on this.

Next, I've read your recommendations on other threads of incoporating single needling along with dermastamping since single needling is most intensive. Would single needling in addition to stamping help? Also, I've read your instructions but I'm still not clear on single needling - so we pretty much prick at the scars from all angles/directions?

Lastly, so if I just aggressively stamp every 4-5 weeks (without doing that suction method) - will I be able to see improvements (theoretically speaking, since I know everyone's skin heals differently)?

I know that was a lot, but I'd really appreciate your advice and help. Thanks so much.

[SarahVaughter]

You should start with just a few pricks and if the skin heals well, increase it. There is no precise number of pricks known to be absolutely ideal; you have to improvise a little. Our instructions say to stamp each scar eight times with a dermastamp. Around 280 pricks per cm² (our dermastamp has 35 needles).  If the skin heals well, you can do more pricks into one scar but do not very much overdo it because theoretically you could end up with a scar.

   

  Do not incorporate single needling but surely incorporate the suctioning.

   

  Rolling scars will likely not improve much without solving the tethering problem by suctioning. The tethering strands are the main reason of the indentation of acne rolling scars. There are several suggestions in the suction thread how to improvise it. You also have to read the study itself.

Please read these two forum postings. They contain some good tips from our forum members regarding the suctioning method:

https://http://forums.owndoc.com/showthread.p...les-aftermath-(

https://http://forums.owndoc.com/showthread.p...getting-better

   

[boafriend]

Ok, thanks Sarah.

I'll buy a wine pump and we'll see what happens from there on out.