Microneedling is a famous cosmetic treatment that utilizes a rolling device filled with fine needles that prick the skin. This pricking device then stimulates the body to produce extra collagen, helping heal scars and reduce the common signs of aging. On the other hand, Microneedling with plasma-rich platelets (PRP) uses part of the patient’s blood to rejuvenate the skin.
Today, we’ll know the basics and what to expect from microneedling with PRP or platelet-rich plasma.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP is a hybrid cosmetic treatment that helps stimulate collagen production by rolling skinny, fine needles over the patient’s skin then applying platelets, which are a portion of what composes our blood.
The addition of PRP from our blood may enhance the already effective procedure of microneedling. Plasma is the liquid in our blood, while platelets are the solid aspects. Platelets aid in blood clots, so they are crucial in healing wounds and injuries. PRP is a plasma type in which the platelet concentration is much higher than other blood components.
Your doctor or practitioner will take a blood sample and then place it in a centrifuge, a spinning tool that separates the PRP from the rest of the blood.
PRP contains essential proteins like growth factors and cytokines. These vital proteins help the skin tissue repair itself naturally.
First, your doctor or practitioner will use the microneedling tool in pricking your skin, making tiny punctures on your skin’s surface. This step might sting a bit. Next, they will apply the PRP to these tiny holes, encouraging collagen production and cell reproduction.
Benefits of Microneedling with PRP
Many people may want to resort to microneedling with PRP if they have issues and concerns that they wish to treat, especially particular marks or blemishes on their bodies or faces that can be treated for cosmetic reasons. Doctors and practitioners may use microneedling with PRP in treating:
- acne scars
- hyperpigmentation
- large pores
- sun damage
- surgical scars
- uneven skin texture
- wrinkles and fine lines
PRP’s addition to the microneedling process may speed up the natural healing process and stimulate the renewal of skin, possibly creating much better results than microneedling alone.
A 2016 study researched the benefits of PRP addition to microneedling for acne scars. In a 50-person trial with acne scars, microneedling with distilled water led to an increase of 45.84% in acne scars. Meanwhile, microneedling with PRP improved the presence of acne scars by 62.20%. None of the said participants indicated any lasting or recurring side effects from the experiment.
Another 2019 review of PRP microneedling for acne scars showed various studies that indicated the addition of PRP to microneedling to result in the following:
- decrease of downtime people needed after the procedure
- delivery of higher patient satisfaction
- improvement of acne scarring
However, researchers still need more studies and further evidence to confirm these findings with additional, more reliable data.
The number of microneedling with PRP treatments a person can receive will undoubtedly vary. People may be required to have repeat treatments only to see more promising results from microneedling with PRP. More prominent scars or burns may be some of the most challenging hurdles people may experience and can contribute to treatment taking even longer.
If some receive PRP microneedling treatment to counter against the signs of aging skin, they may wish to undergo repeat treatments.
Microneedling with PRP can also take a couple of weeks for results to show because the body may take its time in producing collagen. Resulting from this natural occurrence, people can expect continuously see improvements in their skin only after weeks following their treatment.
Those with acne scars may have noticeable yet gradual improvements in their skin in no more than nine (9) months. Typically, the majority respond well to the process of microneedling and may require only very minimal recovery time. The American Academy of Dermatology said that microneedling “is safe for all skin colors.”
Side effects from Microneedling with PRP
Recovery time needed from microneedling is usually quick to none at all. Most patients may experience a bit of soreness and tenderness right away after treatment. The targeted area may also experience redness, and some mild bruising, which usually clears automatically within 4–5 days.
Other known side effects (minor ones) can coincide while the skin heals like:
- a mild flare-up of acne
- milia, which are white bumps in the skin
- oozing
- swelling
TIP: Take acetaminophen to help relieve any feeling of discomfort or painful side effects.
Risks Associated with Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling produces tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. In some rare scenarios, this procedure can become a way of introducing bacteria into the skin, causing an unwanted infection. It may result in cold sores brought by the herpes simplex virus
in some instances.
PRP treatments are proven safe since they use the patient’s blood for the procedure. People should religiously follow instructions for aftercare their doctors or practitioners will provide, reducing the risk of any potential complications. If you start experiencing any severe pain or side effects after your treatment, immediately see your doctor as soon as possible.
Microneedling with PRP may be very suitable for pregnant women or those with certain conditions or other risk factors, including the following:
- a chronic illness
- a history of scarring or bruising easily
- a platelet or blood disorder
- an infection on the face, such as herpes
- active acne
- had major surgery within the last six (6) months
- HIV
- skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea
- used or are using isotretinoin to treat acne
If you find yourself in any of the categories mentioned above, you should consult with your doctors and healthcare providers about microneedling with PRP treatment and how safe it can be.
People can also lessen having the risk of side effects or complications from microneedling with PRP by consulting a board-certified dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests keeping in mind the following points before undergoing any cosmetic procedure:
- ask to see before and after photos of people whom the dermatologist has treated
- check that they are board-certified
- discuss the likely results of the procedure
- find out how regularly a practitioner performs the desired procedure
- find out what qualifications and experience a dermatologist has
Microneedling with PRP may be more lavishing than microneedling alone, and some others may have good results with only having the regular microneedling treatment. People need to discuss any potential treatment options with their doctors and healthcare providers in finding the perfect treatment that best suits them.
Final Thoughts on Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling with PRP is a procedure from the best of two (2) worlds. Best to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider first before anything else so that afterward, you can reap what you saw and have your hard-earned results brought by undergoing microneedling with PRP.
Do you want to start your journey today towards skin rejuvenation using Microneedling with PRP? Your wish is granted. Our great friends at Skin Deep Facial Aesthetics can guide you through your procedure today. Visit them now! https://skindeepfacialaesthetics.com/