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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 by promoting collagen production. At our office, we use SkinPen, which is an FDA-cleared microneedling device.
What Causes Facial Aging?
Dr. Marissa Baca of Straith Clinic explains the causes of facial aging.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling uses a process called dermal remodeling 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
Expectations
What to Expect From Your Microneedling Session
Length of Session
30 – 60 minutes
- Who is a Good Candidate for Microneedling with PRP?
- How Long Does a Microneedling with PRP Session Take?
- Are There Any Risks or Side Effects Associated with Microneedling with PRP?
- Is Microneedling with PRP Painful?
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.
2 - 4 Days
Recovery and Downtime for Microneedling with PRP
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.
The Treatment
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.
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!