Posted by: Skin And Cancer Institute in Uncategorized
Take microneedling and add platelet-rich plasma, and you have a winning combination for healing. The two treatments work synergistically to improve your skin. First, microneedling injures your skin. Then platelet-rich plasma heals it. Confused about why you would damage your skin to improve it? Read on for the whole story.
What Does Microneedling Do?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure—the goal is to make your skin look better than before. It is also known as collagen induction therapy. Your dermatologist starts by numbing your skin with a topical cream. Then they glide a handheld microneedling pen or a roller across the skin. The thin needles cause micro-injuries along the way and open up tiny channels to receive the platelets that will help it heal.
What’s Platelet-Rich Plasma
The platelets come from your own body—your dermatologist is trained to draw a small amount of blood from your arm. This is placed inside a machine that spins to separate out the valuable platelets.
The Benefits Of Microneedling With PRP
These platelets are filled with injury-healing properties. Applying it to the freshly pierced skin allows your body’s own resources (platelets) to heal the injury and make it better than it was before. The three main benefits of microneedling with PRP therapy include:
- Improved acne scars
- Reduced wrinkles
- Reduced hyperpigmentation
Microneedling With PRP Before And After
The microneedling stimulates your body to produce new collagen and elastin proteins. These help you look younger. Plus, they fade acne scars, plump wrinkles, and even out your skin tone.
AKA “The Vampire Facial”
Microneedling with PRP is also known as the vampire facial. This is because of the blood that’s involved. Yes, your skin can bleed a tiny bit from the microneedling. And, of course, the PRP that’s applied topically is red. The vampire facial became famous when celebrities like Kim Kardashian posted pictures of it on their social media accounts. Plenty of people have since wanted to benefit from the one-two punch this powerful treatment provides.
How Long Does The Treatment Take?
The time it takes to complete your microneedling with the PRP procedure depends. Some people will treat their entire face, while others will only treat a targeted area that really needs it. But in general, the procedure takes about 20 minutes, give or take.
When Will I See Results?
For most people, the results from microneedling with PRP are dramatic after 4-6 treatments spaced about one month apart. But It depends on the severity of the acne scarring or wrinkling. Some people get their desired result after three treatments; others need closer to six treatments to see the improvement they want.
Can I Do Microneedling” Without” PRP?
Yes, it is possible to do microneedling without PRP. Microneedling alone is effective in reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But when it comes to reducing the appearance of acne, a 2016 study shows the benefits of adding PRP therapy. The study said it can be combined with microneedling to enhance the final clinical outcomes. This is in comparison with microneedling alone.
Take microneedling and add platelet-rich plasma, and you have a winning combination. Celebrities and regular people alike benefit from the one-two punch this synergistic treatment provides. Want to give it a try? Reach out today for an appointment with one of our dermatologists.