Microneedling w/PRP
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny, sterilized needles using a handheld drum or pen-shaped device. These tiny wounds cause the skin to produce more collagen and elastin by stimulating the skin to repair itself naturally through a process called dermal remodeling. This process heals and helps to rejuvenate the skin.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses the infusion of concentrated platelets harvested from the patient’s blood to accelerate healing in a specific area. It contains two elements – plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, and platelets. The platelets play a vital role in healing and contain growth factors that stimulate cell reproduction and tissue regeneration in the treated area.
The patient’s blood is obtained through a simple blood draw and placed in a centrifuge to spin to create this platelet-rich plasma. The centrifuge is necessary to separate the platelets from the remainder of the blood and create a concentrate referred to as platelet rich plasma. The addition of PRP to microneedling produces superior results over microneedling alone.
Benefits of Microneedling
PRP can enhance collagen and elastin production in deeper skin levels. Microneedling with PRP effectively treats acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, large pores, uneven skin texture irregularities, and it helps to decrease the appearance of stretch marks.
- Wrinkles
- Hypepigmentation
Microneedling FAQ's
Micro-needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) allows for a controlled process of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating micro “injuries” in the skin, which triggers new collagen production. Micro-needling is utilized to treat the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, minor trauma scars, hypo/hyperpigmentation, and improving the skin’s overall appearance. To enhance results, micro-needling may be combined with the use of PRP, topical gels, creams, and/or serums to further aid in the overall appearance of the skin
Micro-needling treatment can take an hour-and-a-half, or more to complete. The exact time depends on the area that is being treated. This timeframe includes an additional 30 minutes for topical numbing to be applied prior to treatment.
Micro-Needling procedures are performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile micropen needle head and handheld micropen skin needling system. The micropen is gently pressed into the skin, and glides across the its’ surface to induce new collagen and elastin.
While micro-needling can sound rather daunting, the needles that we use during the procedure are microscopic. The treatment can cause discomfort and has been said to feel like a vibrating cats tongue. Areas with deeper imperfections may cause more discomfort than areas with superficial imperfections. We ensure that our patients are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. A topical numbing agent is applied 30 minutes prior to Micro-needling to aid any discomfort during the procedure.
Generally, patients notice tightening, and a more even tone to their skin, a week or two after their first session. For areas with deeper imperfections, results can be subtler, and additional treatments are usually required. Since Micro-needling stimulates new collagen and elastin production, these results will continue to build for up to 6 months.
It is important to realize that we cannot stop the aging process, we can only slow it down. With this in mind, results are not considered permanent, as natural degradation will occur over time. Improvements from micro-needling can be seen for several years after treatment, and results can be prolonged with the correct at home skincare maintenance.
Micro-needling can essentially be used on any part of the body. The most popular areas to treat are the face, neck, and chest. Micro-needling can also be effective on most types of scarring and stretch marks.
There is technically no downtime required after Micro-needling. After your treatment, your skin may be red. This is normal and to be expected. Redness usually lasts from one to 24 hours. You may also have a little swelling in some areas. A few days after your treatment your skin may become dry. Some patients go straight back to work, while others prefer to schedule their treatment over the weekend.
Micro-needling is considered a safe treatment for all skin types. The side effects associated with micro-needling are temporary swelling and redness.
During your consultation an assessment will be made to ensure that you are a candidate for Micro-needling. Micro-needling may not be safe for those with certain health problems.