What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that helps to soften the signs of aging, rejuvenate aging skin, and improve the appearance of acne scars. At our office, we use the SkinPen, which is an FDA-cleared microneedling device.

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling is a process in which microwounds are created in the skin which helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These micro-injuries trigger the release of growth factors, which lead to the remodeling of collagen and elastin, which help smooth the skin. The SkinPen treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of treatment areas, and the degree of treatment performed.

Benefits of Microneedling

This non-invasive med spa procedure is a simple, quick way to enhance the way your skin looks significantly. Microneedling harnesses the power of your skin’s ability to regenerate, helping turn over skin cells to reveal fresh, bright new skin layers over time. Specific benefits of microneedling also include:

  • Improving fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reducing acne scarring
  • Softening stretch marks
  • Evening out skin tone
  • Reducing large pores
  • Firming and smoothing skin texture

Add PRP to Microneedling

Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a procedure that can be done along with microneedling to boost your results. A PRP treatment involves taking a small amount of blood from a donor area such as your arm and putting it into a sterile tube. Then, this blood is spun in a centrifuge which separates the plasma from the red and white blood cells. Plasma contains high concentrations of platelets, stem cells, and growth factors. This plasma is then applied topically to the skin at the time of the microneedling treatment, which helps for optimal absorption of the growth factors for best microneedling results.

How Does PRP Microneedling Differ from Microneedling?

By adding platelet-rich plasma serum to your microneedling treatment, your skin gets potent vital nutrients delivered below the surface of the skin, right to the source where they’re most effective. While microneedling alone can provide benefits for tightening skin and shrinking pores, complementing this technique with PRP ensures that the healing response generated from the microwounds has all the nutrients and growth factors it needs to build back skin that’s radiant and tight.

What to Expect From Microneedling Session

When you arrive for a microneedling treatment, your face will first be washed and then a topical anesthetic will be applied to your face that will set in over the next 30 minutes. During the procedure itself, your aesthetic technician will move the SkinPen device throughout the treatment area until finished. If you’ve chosen to also have PRP therapy, you will also have the blood plasma that was drawn and processed massaged into the treatment area.

When the process is over, you’re free to leave and go about the rest of your day. You may experience some redness and tenderness, but it’s okay to put on makeup after the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for microneedling with PRP?

Anyone who is looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, or large pores is a good candidate for microneedling with PRP. It works on all skin types.

How long does a microneedling with PRP session take?

It depends on how much skin is being treated, but a session typically takes 30-60 minutes.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with microneedling with PRP?

Bruising, bleeding, swelling, redness, tightness, itching, and inflammation are some of the most common side effects.

Is microneedling with PRP painful?

You may experience some discomfort but the procedure isn't typically painful. A topical numbing cream is applied before the treatment to help with the discomfort.

What is microneedling with PRP?

Microneedling with PRP combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma. Microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. Plasma-rich plasma involves taking a small amount of blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and then applying the plasma onto the skin. When combined together, the plasma is applied to the skin and then the microneedling is done, helping the skin absorb the growth factors in the plasma.

What are the benefits of microneedling with PRP?

Some of the benefits of microneedling with PRP include improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reducing acne scars, evening out your skin tone, reducing large pores, and firming and smoothing the skin.

How much does microneedling with PRP cost?

How much microneedling with PRP costs depends on a number of factors including how much skin you're having treated and how many sessions you have. To determine the cost, it's best to meet with our Licensed Medical Aesthetician here at Straith Clinic so she can fully evaluate your skin care goals.

How does microneedling with PRP work?

Microneedling with PRP triggers collagen production in the skin. Collagen is an essential component of youthful skin - reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping with firmness and elasticity. By pushing the PRP into the tiny holes made by the microneedling, the growth factors in the plasma are allowed to get deep into the skin and give you a more youthful appearance.

What should I expect after microneedling with PRP?

You'll likely experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness for a few days after the treatment. You will want to avoid strenuous activity that causes you to sweat until you're completely healed. But other than that, there is no downtime.

How many microneedling with PRP sessions are needed for best results?

The number of treatments needed depends on each person's skin but 3-6 treatments are often recommended with 4-6 weeks in between treatment sessions.

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Recovery and Downtime

The overall healing time will depend on each individual. Most patients will experience some mild swelling and redness for 2-4 days following the treatment. For best results, patients should receive a course of three treatments spaced 30 days apart. There’s no bedrest downtime required from microneedling, although some patients experience discomfort to the degree that they take a day off work and have a friend or family member drive them home from the appointment.

It is recommended to avoid certain strenuous exercises that cause sweating, as sweat can further irritate your sensitive skin. This also applies to stringent skincare products like harsh cleansers and exfoliants, and it’s important to wear sunscreen during the day when you’re exposed.

Results of Microneedling

After you’re finished with a microneedling treatment plan, your results will appear gradually over the course of up to a month as your skin heals from the multiple treatments you’ve had. At the end of the day, the concern or goal you had will be met, whether for scar reduction or skin enhancement. Skin will be brighter, tighter, and more youthful throughout the treatment area.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about microneedling or microneedling with PRP, contact our office today to schedule a consultation appointment!