Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling initiates the wound healing process to increase collagen production in the skin while the growth factors from the PRP penetrate deeper skin layers to accelerate the healing process.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Benefits
- Acne Scars
- Surgical Scars
- Large Pores
- Sun Damage
- Wrinkles
- Fine Lines
- Stretch Marks
- Hyperpigmentation
For scar tissue, the result of this process is to remodel the scar tissue, reducing its appearance, while keeping the skin’s overall structure intact.
The addition of PRP to microneedling produces superior results over microneedling alone.
When will I see results?
It can take a few weeks to show results, as it takes the body time to produce collagen and heal itself. In two to three weeks, some visible improvement is typically noticeable, and in 4 to 6 weeks marked results in pigmentation and texture improvement become more apparent.
The number of treatments depends on the condition you are treating, 2 to 3 treatments may be necessary to improve mild issues with the skin, whereas scarring may require 3 to 6 treatments to appreciate noticeable change. These multiple treatments are done four weeks apart to allow the skin to heal.
How is Microneedling PRP Done?
First the PRP is collected through a simple blood draw and placed in a centrifuge to spin to create this platelet-rich plasma. The centrifuge separates the platelets from the remainder of the blood and creates the concentrate, referred to as platelet rich plasma (PRP).
The second step is where a microneedling tool is used to puncture the skin’s surface. And then the PRP is then applied to the skin’s surface and allowed to penetrate the holes created by microneedling.
How Long Does the treatment take?
This non-invasive procedure takes 30 – 45 minutes.
Safety
Because the treatments use a patient’s own blood, PRP infusions are safe and can be administered alone or in conjunction with other procedures. Microneedling is minimally invasive and does not require any downtime. It’s considered safe for most people who are in overall good health.
Precautions
- It is not to be used for those who use certain acne medications
- women who are pregnant
- Patients with a history if severe psoriasis or eczema
- Keloid or raised scarring
- Raised moles, warts or other raised lesions in targeted area
- Scars less than 6 months old
Preparation for Treatment
One week prior
- Stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment.
- Your provider may also recommend that you stop using topical retinoids beforehand to reduce the risk of certain side effects.
- Avoid unprotected and excessive sun exposure or tanning.
- Discontinue the use of skin care products containing retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Notify your Provider of the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cayenne peppers, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba, feverfew, grape seed extract, white willow, dong quai, aloe, meadowsweet, etc.
- Notify your Provider if you have EVER had a cold sore or was diagnosed with Herpes Simplex.
Day of Treatment
- Numbing: Your Provider will numb your skin before the procedure to help with any discomfort or pain.
- Blood Collection: A small amount of blood is collected and processed to obtain the PRP.
- Microneedle: A microneedling device is then rolled over the area to be treated, and
- Apply the PRP is applied to the skin.
After Care
Normal activities can be resumed within 24 hours. Following the procedure, strict avoidance of sun exposure, steam, tanning beds, harsh exfoliative treatments and swimming is strongly recommended during the first 1-2 weeks. The after-care procedure, below, should be strictly adhered to for the first 4-5 days after the procedure.
Because Microneedling disrupts the skin barrier and leaves skin more sensitive, post-treatment skincare products should ideally be sterile (think single-use ampoules) or at least free from allergens that can cause rashes and contact dermatitis.
Generally, your provider will recommend you use a product with growth factors and peptides. These are naturally occurring proteins that promote cellular growth and supply the building blocks necessary for the skin to repair itself and help decrease healing time. They will also improve tone, texture, and elasticity of your skin.
At the very least you must keep your skin moisturized during your recovery using a “third” generation moisturizer that has both occlusive and humectant ingredients which provide protection and also allow water to be absorbed by the skin. A product that includes Hyaluronic acid is very beneficial since it can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. [i]
At Reflections we apply our anti-wrinkle wrinkle serum (contains the high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid) and sunblock and a recovery cream.
[i] HE John et al. Perspectives in the Selection of HA for Facial Wrinkles and Ageing Skin. Patient Preference and Adherence 2009; 3: 225-30.
After treatment
You can expect to be red for a period of up to five days. It may look like a bad sunburn. But you can wear mineral makeup starting the next day to hide the color.
Many patients can expect to be able to go out to dinner the following night. You may experience some light burning, tightness, and mild flaking. Noticeable difference in the texture of the skin will occur within a couple of weeks.
You will see results with one treatment, but the results will be even greater if you do a series of treatments. You may need at least four (4) procedures or more for the best results. Some recommend that patients have Microneedling performed every 4–6 weeks, depending on the depth of their treatment.
Common Questions:
How often can i do PRP for face?
Does PRP tighten skin?
Is the vampire facial the same as PRP?
And Get to Know Each Other!
It’s important to know you as it is important for you to get to know us. At Reflections we work with you to achieved your goals and we know that “trust” goes a long way. This is how we start to build that powerful bond with each other.
To start it off right, we should meet to discuss your skincare goals. Then you’ll get to ask all your questions you need in order for you to feel confident and secure before we start your treatment.
