The benefits of healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and quality skin care are undeniable. However, the beautifying effects after skin rejuvenation treatments are faster and more apparent. That’s why millions of men and women undergo cosmetic treatments that help them look younger and feel a boost of self-esteem.
Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a newer addition to non-surgical treatments. It provides smooth, glowing skin with minimal downtime.
Read on to learn how microneedling with PRP works and what benefits to expect from the treatment.
What Is Platelet Rich-Plasma (PRP)?
PRP is a small sample of the patient’s blood centrifuged to remove red blood cells and leave plasma with a high concentration of platelets – tiny blood cells that aid in blood clotting. Medical professionals use PRP to help support wound healing after surgery and treat joint injury and baldness. In cosmetics, it is increasingly used with microneedling to enhance its effects.
How Does Microneedling with PRP Work?
The treatment consists of the following steps:
- The medical provider applies a numbing cream to your face.
- While you wait for the cream to take effect (approximately 30 minutes), your medical provider draws a small sample of your blood and places it in a spinning device called a centrifuge to separate PRP from the rest of the blood.
- The provider then uses a microneedling pen with hundreds of tiny needles to make controlled punctures on your skin’s surface. They move the device in all directions for approximately ten minutes.
- After microneedling, your medical provider applies PRP to enhance the effects of the treatment.
Microneedling prompts the body to produce collagen to heal the micro-injuries. PRP contains platelets, growth factors, and cytokines that penetrate deep into the dermal layers and further boost skin rejuvenation.
Note: Microneedling with PRP can be used as a corrective procedure after fillers go wrong.
What Skin Conditions Can Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Treat?
Microneedling with PRP effectively improves various skin concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dark under-eye circles
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Loose skin
- Stretch marks
- Spider veins
Results of Microneedling with PRP: Before and After
Microneedling with PRP provides gradual results that appear within several weeks after the treatment. There is a high satisfaction rate with the procedure among patients. They notice reduced signs of aging and scarring, a more even tone, and refreshed, younger-looking skin.
The treatment’s effectiveness depends on the severity of the patient’s skin issue, their expectations, and the number of sessions.
One microneedling with PRP treatment can permanently eliminate or reduce certain skin issues, like acne scars and dark under-eye circles. For other issues, such as wrinkles, you need regular microneedling treatments.
Note: Learn about the differences between microneedling and microdermabrasion.
Benefits of Microneedling with PRP
The benefits of adding PRP to microneedling therapy include:
- Faster healing process.
- Enhanced microneedling results – tighter and smoother skin.
- Fewer risks of infections and other side effects.
- Visibly rejuvenated skin.
Risks and Side Effects of Microneedling with PRP
Most healthy people can undergo microneedling with PRP. However, the following conditions may compromise the safety of the procedure:
- Pregnancy
- Active acne
- Skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis
- Herpes
- Blood clotting disorders
- Recent surgery
- Recent skin treatments
Let your medical provider know if you are taking medications or suffering from any health issues.
The common side effects of microneedling are typically mild and resolve after several days. They include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Sore or tender skin
Rare side effects include scarring and infection. Since the process involves the use of your own blood, the chances of infection are minimal.
Patients report that PRP helps reduce the side effects and speed up recovery after microneedling.
How to Prepare for a Vampire Facial
Patients are advised to follow a few simple rules before the treatment to ensure its effectiveness and minimize side effects.
A Few Weeks Prior
For one or two weeks before the treatment, medical providers recommend avoiding the following:
- Sun exposure and tanning beds
- Facials
- Chemical peels
- Laser resurfacing
- PDO threading
- Potent skincare products with retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid
Several days before the treatment, don’t use:
- Aspirin
- Fish oil
- Cod liver oil
- Vitamins A and E
- NSAIDs
- Omega-3s
- St. John’s Wort
- Gingko
- Garlic
Also, avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, and other hair removal methods in the treatment area.
Appointment Day
Follow these tips on the appointment day:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours leading to the treatment.
- Drink 4-6 cups of water and eat a healthy meal in the morning.
- Don’t wear any make-up, lotions, moisturizers, and other topical products.
The medical provider cleans your skin and applies a topical numbing cream 30-60 minutes before the treatment. Some providers ask patients to have the anesthetic applied at a pharmacy before they come to the med spa.
What Not to Do After Microneedling with PRP
The aftercare process for microneedling with PRP involves the following steps:
- Avoid exposure to direct sources of heat.
- Wear sunscreen outside.
- Avoid activities that increase sweating, such as exercise, saunas, etc.
- Don’t rub, scratch, or apply pressure to the treated area.
- Minimize your skincare routine.
The Cost of Microneedling with PRP
The cost of microneedling with PRP depends on your chosen medical provider’s location, their experience, and the number of required treatments.
One microneedling session at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $300. The addition of PRP may increase the price. Contact our Vibrant Skin experts to discuss your skin goals and how we can help.
Conclusion
Microneedling with PRP provides a range of benefits that few cosmetic treatments can rival. Whether you want to hide dark circles, minimize acne scars, or reduce aging signs, we highly recommend you experience the rejuvenating effects of microneedling with PRP.
For more on PRP treatments read our article and find out how PRP for hair loss works and how it can regenerate hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth.
