MTS Treatment: A Complete Guide to Understanding Its Effects, Principles, and Ingredient Delivery

MTS treatment is a procedure that creates intentional micro-injuries in the skin using ultra-fine micro-needles, prompting the skin to produce new collagen and elastin during its natural self-healing process. Academically, it is known as CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy), and it frequently appears in dermatology literature under the name micro-needling. The core principle is that rather than burning tissue with heat like lasers do, it awakens the skin's inherent healing response.

Therefore, MTS has two distinct aspects: one is regenerating the skin itself, and the other is delivering active ingredients deep into the skin through the micro-opened channels. This is also why Onlif Clinic views MTS as so important. Just as important as the technique of creating pathways with needles is the belief that what you deliver through those pathways determines the results.

🔬 How does MTS treatment work?

The mechanism by which MTS works is identical to our body's wound-healing response. When micro-needles apply tiny micro-stimulations to the skin, the skin recognizes them as damage to be repaired and undergoes a three-stage process: Inflammation stage → Proliferation stage → Remodeling stage.

During this process, fibroblasts are activated and new collagen is synthesized. What is interesting is the timeline. The effects are not immediately visible right after the procedure; rather, collagen remodeling progresses gradually for up to 6 months post-treatment. At this time, the type III collagen initially produced transitions into stronger type I collagen, progressively improving skin texture and elasticity.

This means there is no need to become impatient after a single session wondering, "Why isn't it changing?" The skin naturally changes slowly, but steadily.

📌 Key Takeaway: MTS achieves results through a multi-month regeneration process involving micro-injuries → 3 stages of wound healing → transition of type III collagen into type I collagen.

📏 Why is needle depth so important?

The most crucial variable in MTS is the needle depth. Depending on the depth, the targeted skin layer changes, and its purpose and safety standards differ completely.

Meaningful collagen induction effects begin to appear from 0.5 mm and above, and depths exceeding 1.0 mm are classified exclusively for medical clinics. In the case of motorized devices like Dermapen, depths are typically adjusted within the range of 0.25 to 2.5 mm, with depths of 2.0 mm or more used only restrictively based on medical judgment.

Derma rollers used at home have limitations in depth adjustment and are difficult to maintain hygienically, making it hard to expect the same results as clinical procedures. Home care should strictly be considered a mild maintenance level of 0.3 mm or less.

📌 Key Takeaway: Collagen induction begins at 0.5 mm, depths of 1.0 mm or more are clinic-exclusive, and home-care derma rollers serve as supplementary care at 0.3 mm or less.

✨ What are the benefits and advantages of MTS?

The advantages of MTS can be broadly summarized into three points.

First, it has broad indications. It is widely applied to acne scars (rolling, boxcar), enlarged pores, rough skin texture, fine lines, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. It is particularly well-known for treating atrophic scars such as rolling and boxcar scars.

Second, it is relatively safe for darker skin types. For darker skin corresponding to Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI, fractional lasers that utilize heat carry a high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Because MTS does not use thermal damage, this risk is significantly lower.

Third, it serves as a delivery pathway for active ingredients. Through the micro-opened channels, regenerative ingredients such as PDRN, growth factors, and exosomes are absorbed beneath the skin barrier—at depths incomparable to simple topical application.

Comparison Between MTS and Other Regenerative Approaches

📌 Key Takeaway: MTS is versatile across scars, pores, texture, and pigmentation; because it uses no heat, it is safe even for dark skin and acts as a delivery pathway for regenerative ingredients.

💧 What ingredients should be applied? (The most crucial part)

This is precisely what people often miss when discussing MTS. MTS is a technique for opening pathways in the skin, and what you introduce through those pathways accounts for more than half of the outcome.

Immediately after the procedure, micro-channels remain open on the skin. Because these pathways do not stay open forever and close over time, the key is to infuse proven regenerative ingredients during this brief window. Typically, agents like PDRN (damaged cell repair), growth factors (fibroblast activation), and exosomes (promoting transdermal absorption) are combined.

Conversely, there are things that must be strictly avoided. If fragrances or preservatives from regular cosmetics penetrate through open pathways, they can trigger granulomas or severe inflammation. Therefore, only sterile, specialized formulas must be applied. Casually applying ampoules used at home after MTS is a dangerous idea.

Onlif Revine Rubbing Booster

The signature skin booster that Onlif Clinic pairs with MTS is the Revine Rubbing Booster. By closely absorbing a rubbing formula optimized for the micro-channels created by MTS, it delivers active ingredients to depths that simple topical application cannot reach.

Revine consists of four core ingredients (4-CORE):

• Glutathione — Purifies dull complexions into a clear, luminous glow

• PDRN — Repairs damaged cells and reconstructs the skin barrier

• High-density hydration — Plumps from deep within for a dewy radiance and smooth texture

• Tranexamic Acid — Targets uneven pigmentation concerns such as melasma and blemishes

The procedure progresses in three steps: ① Open micro-channels using precise MTS techniques, ② closely infuse and absorb highly concentrated active ingredients deep into the skin, and ③ lock in and soothe the infused ingredients with a hydrating protective barrier. This approach is ideal when makeup sits poorly on rough skin texture, when skin has become sensitized from repeated procedures, or when vitality is urgently needed ahead of important events.

📌 Key Takeaway: Only sterile, verified ingredients must be applied after MTS; Onlif Revine Rubbing Booster is designed with a 4-CORE formula encompassing brightening, regeneration, hydration, and pigmentation care.

📅 How many sessions and at what intervals should it be received?

The standard protocol is a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Because collagen remodeling accumulates over several months, consistent repetition rather than a single session produces tangible results.

The duration varies slightly depending on the goal. For maintenance centered on skin texture, pore refinement, or ingredient absorption, it can be relatively light; in cases requiring tissue regeneration like acne scars, 5 or more sessions are often necessary.

Immediate post-treatment redness usually subsides within 24 to 72 hours. If severe erythema, pus, or localized heat persists after 3 to 5 days, a suspected infection should be considered, and you should contact the clinic immediately.

📌 Key Takeaway: The baseline is 3–6 sessions at 4–6 week intervals; scars require more sessions, and redness typically resolves within 24–72 hours.

⚠️ Precautions to check before the procedure

While MTS falls into the relatively safe category, not just anyone can receive it at any time. The following items require verification beforehand:

• Active acne — Inflammation may spread, so proceed only after it has calmed down

• Keloid diathesis — Contraindicated due to the risk of hypertrophic scarring

• Active herpes phase — Risk of viral transmission

• Isotretinoin (Accutane) usage — Traditionally, waiting 6 months post-discontinuation was recommended, but recent trends evaluate this on an individual basis depending on procedure intensity

During the procedure, for depths of 1.0 mm or more, a topical lidocaine numbing cream is typically applied 20 to 60 minutes prior to minimize discomfort. After the treatment, UV protection and moisturizing are vital for aftercare, and irritating ingredients such as retinol, AHA, and BHA should be paused for several days.

Additionally, narrow and deep scars like ice-pick scars have limitations when treated with MTS alone. In such cases, combination approaches alongside subcision, TCA CROSS, RF micro-needling, or fractional lasers are recommended. In other words, not all scars can be resolved with MTS alone; the clinical judgment to design a combination suited to your specific condition is essential.

📌 Key Takeaway: Keloids, active acne, herpes, and isotretinoin use require screening; deeper scars are more effectively treated with combination therapies.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many MTS sessions are needed to see results?

Typically, a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is recommended. Because collagen remodeling builds up over several months, consistent repetition rather than a single session yields results. For acne scars, 5 or more sessions are frequently required.

Is there a big difference in efficacy between home-use derma rollers and clinic MTS?

Yes, there is a significant difference. Home-care rollers are limited to 0.3 mm or less and have limitations in depth control and hygiene, serving only as light maintenance. Meaningful collagen induction occurs at 0.5 mm or more, which falls under the scope of professional medical clinic procedures.

What ingredients should be avoided after MTS?

Regular cosmetics containing fragrances or preservatives should be avoided, as they can penetrate open micro-channels and cause granulomas or inflammation. Only sterile, dedicated formulations like PDRN and growth factors should be applied, while retinol, AHA, and BHA should be discontinued for several days.

How long should I wait for MTS after taking isotretinoin (Accutane)?

Traditionally, waiting 6 months after stopping the medication has been recommended. However, recent clinical practice tends to evaluate this individually according to the type and intensity of the procedure, so be sure to disclose your medication history before treatment.

I have dark skin and worry about hyperpigmentation. Is MTS safe?

Because MTS relies on physical micro-stimulation rather than thermal damage, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is lower compared to lasers that use heat. It is considered a relatively safe option for darker skin of Fitzpatrick types IV to VI.

How is Revine Rubbing Booster different from standard skin boosters?

Revine utilizes a rubbing formula optimized for the micro-channels opened by MTS to ensure close absorption, aiming for much deeper delivery than simple topical application. With its 4-CORE formula of Glutathione, PDRN, High-density hydration, and Tranexamic Acid, it comprehensively addresses brightening, regeneration, dewiness, and pigmentation.

When can I wear makeup during the downtime after MTS?

Immediate redness usually subsides within 24 to 72 hours, and the timing for resuming makeup depends on how well the skin has calmed down. It is safest to avoid irritating ingredients or products with potential contamination risks until the open channels have stabilized, so follow the post-care instructions provided during your procedure.

Things to Check Before Choosing a Clinic for MTS

Even for the same procedure, results and recovery processes vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed. Asking the following questions during your consultation will help you make an informed decision:

• Does the clinic perform this procedure frequently? — Every clinic has different primary specialties. Check if MTS treatments are routinely carried out.

• Can you verify the products and devices used? — Inquire during the consultation whether product names and genuine authenticity (such as import approvals or unsealing verification steps) can be confirmed.

• Is the cost breakdown clearly explained? — Rather than just hearing a total price, you need an explanation of which product is used, how much is administered, and across what treatment area.

• Is the treatment designed with the entire face in mind? — Even for the same procedure, application sites and volumes vary depending on facial shape, skin condition, and bilateral asymmetry.

• Are potential side effects and recovery processes explained beforehand? — Rather than consultations that only highlight expected improvements, clinics that also explain possible adverse reactions and management methods help you make better judgments.

• Is there a clear follow-up channel after the procedure? — Check whether follow-up check-in timings, contact methods in case of anomalies, and criteria for revisits are established.

How Onlif Clinic Performs MTS Treatments

• We assign dedicated specialists — Believing that a single physician should not handle every treatment indiscriminately, Onlif assigns dedicated doctors tailored to each specialized field.

• We verify products and equipment together during consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing/unsealing verification process during your consultation.

• Costs are explained along with the breakdown after diagnosis — Because areas, dosages, and coverage vary per person, we explain what costs what in detail.

• We design around the balance of the entire face — Viewing the face through the three pillars of texture, balance, and youthfulness, we build plans to refine areas obscuring your natural impression rather than altering your facial structure.

• We discuss potential side effects and recovery first — Alongside expected outcomes, we explain individual variations, possible adverse reactions, and response measures prior to treatment.

• We monitor post-treatment progress together — If check-ups are needed during your recovery period, we provide guidance for revisits and communication channels.

If you are considering MTS treatment, it is best to first evaluate what is achievable and what is challenging given your current skin status. Precise diagnoses and treatment planning can only be determined through an in-person consultation. Find out more through a consultation at Onlif Clinic in Gangnam.