Have you heard of or tried microneedling? If yes, you may already know how effective it is in treating various skin conditions. But it doesn't stop there. Microneedling, combined with other skin treatments and products, can be a game changer.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy and Sculptra are the best skin treatments to combine with microneedling for maximum results. But it begs the question;
What is the difference between Microneedling with PRP and microneedling with Sculptra? Which combination is best for your skin?
Well, ask no more. In this blog post, we will explore these two therapies in depth to help you make the right decision for your skin's well-being.
What is Microneedling With PRP?
Microneedling has been in the cosmetic industry for decades and has undergone numerous advancements, and the same goes for Platelet-rich Plasma therapy. As individual treatments, they are sufficient to leave you with even and glowing skin, but have you ever considered combining them?
Well, if not, someone already did, and over the years, microneedling with PRP has emerged as one of the best treatments to reverse and eliminate the effects of old age, such as wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin.
What Does Microneedling With PRP Entail?
Microneedling with PRP can be perfectly described as a two-stage procedure. First, a device with numerous needles attached to its roller head is passed over the skin, slightly piercing it.
This might sound scary, but it’s not a bad thing. The tiny injuries inflicted on your skin trigger its natural healing capability and open up clogged pores.
For the PRP part, some blood is drawn from your body at the start of the procedure and put in a centrifuge. As the centrifuge spins, it separates the part that clumps, the platelets, and plasma, from the rest of the blood components. This plasma is rubbed on the treatment area to help the skin heal faster and stimulate collagen production.
Why Combine Microneedling and PRP?
It may be logical to ask why integrating the two is necessary. Well, it is like introducing a turbo button to skin regeneration. During microneedling, the tiny needles prick the skin, allowing faster absorption of the PRP to achieve glowing, toned, and plump skin.
But does it work? Drawing from available studies, researchers established that microneedling with PRP works, though experiences may differ. According to the research, using PRP alongside microneedling improves results, reducing scarring by 62.20%, whereas microneedling with distilled water improves acne scars by 45.84%.
Micro-needling with PRP has also been proven to improve general skin quality by eradicating lines, discoloration, and scar tissue.
Remember: Your skin is the outer shell people can see when looking at you. This combination may not suit your skin, so it's best to seek professional advice before using it.
Microneedling with PRP: The Procedure
Microneedling involves puncturing the outermost skin layer and letting it heal. Depending on where you will get your treatment, it usually takes 30 minutes and an hour and can be performed on the hands, face, and neck.
That said, here's a detailed guide of what to expect if you choose to undergo microneedling with PRP.
Step 1: The Blood Draw
Initially, your cosmetician draws blood from your body and places it in a centrifuge to prepare the PRP. The centrifuge separates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which includes growth factors necessary for skin regeneration.
Step 2: Microneedling
Ensure you cleanse your skin properly before the procedure and do not apply makeup. Your doctor will apply a numbing cream to ease the pain before starting microneedling. They will use a derma roller with tiny needles on the head to puncture the skin and create micro-injuries. Notify them if you feel a lot of pain during the procedure.
Step 3: PRP Process
Finally, it's the platelet-rich plasma's (PRP) moment to shine. Your doctor will dab it on the treated skin areas, soaking it into those tiny microchannels created by the needles. This will promote the healing process and stimulate the production of fresh collagen and elastin, resulting in a plumper, smoother, and more radiant you.
And there you have it! A process that transforms your skin from below average to extraordinary. It's like hitting the reset button for your complexion without surgery.
Benefits of Microneedling with PRP
- Enhanced Recovery: The improved healing process of PRP-infused microneedling is one of its most notable advantages. Stromal vascular cells within the PRP influence the increase in the dermal architecture’s ability to regenerate and heal. As a result, healing times are shorter, and skin tone and texture improvements are more pronounced. Compared to microneedling alone, the expedited healing process guarantees that the skin's general health is enhanced more quickly.
- Natural Results: PRP is a safe and natural treatment because it comes from your blood. It is a safe option for most people because there is no chance of allergic reactions or rejection. Thanks to the modest and natural-looking outcomes, your skin's appearance is enhanced without drastic alterations. For those seeking a more natural solution for skin renewal, PRP is the recommended option.
- Versatility:Laser therapy and topically applied medications may cause greater depth of injury to the skin. Laser therapy is an excellent option for anyone trying to enhance their skin's general health and appearance because it works well with all skin types and tones. The procedure can be customized to address unique skin requirements, thoroughly resolving various skin problems.
Drawbacks of microneedling with PRP
- Multiple Sessions Needed: With PRP microneedling, set yourself up for treatment in sessions. This can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if you want to make significant changes. Since each session builds on the one before it, following a treatment plan religiously is essential to getting the best results.
- Downtime: Even though PRP microneedling has a shorter recovery period than other more invasive techniques, you should still anticipate some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the days following the operation. There might be better options for people who lead hectic lives or have little time for recovery. Making appropriate plans and adhering to post-treatment care instructions are crucial for minimizing recovery time and optimizing outcomes.
What is Sculptra and How Does It Work
Sculptra is an injected substance that uses poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material, to produce collagen deep in the skin. Unlike instant fillers, Sculptra works gradually, for about three to six months, to volumize the face and improve skin condition.
Benefits of Sculptra
Sculptra offers several benefits:
Prolonged Outcomes
Long-lasting results are one of the main benefits of using Sculptra for microneedling. Over many months, Sculptra encourages the creation of collagen; the benefits can continue for up to two years or more. This makes it an affordable option for people looking for long-term skin enhancements.
Progressive Enhancement
Microneedling with Sculptra can produce gradually improved results and look natural. Over several months, you'll see your skin getting gradually smoother and firmer because collagen creation takes time. This incremental improvement offers a more natural makeover without the abrupt, visible changes that come with some other therapies.
Restoring Volume
Microneedling with Sculptra enhances skin texture and replenishes lost volume, especially around the cheeks and temples. Because of this, it's an excellent option for people who want to address volume loss and seem younger and plumper. The restored volume improves the face's appearance by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
The Contouring of the Face
Sculptra can improve the overall shape of the face and highlight facial characteristics. It helps reshape facial structures by encouraging collagen synthesis in certain regions, which makes it an excellent choice for people looking for mild yet noticeable facial contouring. This enhancement of facial features contributes to a more youthful, well-proportioned appearance.
Potential Side Effects and Downtime
While Sculptra is generally safe, potential side effects include:
Redness and Swelling
These are typical and go away in a few days. As the skin heals, these side effects usually disappear, so you can quickly return to regular activities after the surgery.
Bump and Lumps
Small lumps under the skin may appear in certain people; they usually disappear with time. As advised by your clinician, they can handle these lumps with a light massage to help them blend in seamlessly with the surrounding tissues.
Bruising
The injection site can bruise somewhat, although this usually goes away in a week. If you want to reduce bruising, it is best to avoid taking any blood-thinning drugs or supplements before the surgery. Also, adhere to any pre-procedure instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Initial Investment Cost
Microneedling with Sculptra may have a higher upfront cost than alternative treatments. The price is commensurate with the superior materials and skill needed to deliver the treatment. However, because Sculptra's benefits can endure for years and minimize the need for frequent touch-ups, the long-lasting effects frequently outweigh the original outlay.
Gradual Results
While some people may benefit from incremental improvement, others can find the delayed onset of outcomes annoying. If you seek results immediately, the rapid cure you're hoping for may not come from microneedling with Sculptra. Sculptra's gradual results do, however, need patience, although the rewards are frequently more lasting and natural-looking outcomes.
Microneedling with Sculptra
The advantages of both Sculptra and microneedling can increase when combined. While Sculptra further increases collagen growth and restores volume, microneedling enhances skin texture and stimulates the generation of new collagen. Skin that looks firmer, smoother, and younger is the outcome of this combo. Microneedling with Sculptra enhances the effect of Sculptra and produces more collagen.
Benefits of Combining the Treatments
The benefits of combining microneedling with Sculptra include:
- Enhanced Collagen Production: Both treatments improve skin texture and firmness by stimulating collagen, but more significantly.
- Better Skin Quality:Wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss are just a few of the issues the combination treatments can help with.
- Longer-Lasting Outcomes:Both treatments can build collagen that lasts for a long time, which has long-term advantages for the skin.
Ideal Candidates for the Combined Treatment
Microneedling with Sculptra is best suited for people who want to address volume loss and improve the texture of their skin. Use this combination if you have fine lines, wrinkles, acne, blemishes, and sagging skin. If this treatment is perfect for you, you can check through a consultation with a certified provider.
Comparing PRP and Sculptra: Key Differences
The following are the primary distinctions between microneedling with Sculptra and microneedling with PRP:
- Source:PRP is a natural and biocompatible treatment made from your blood. An injectable synthetic is called Sculptra.
- Outcomes: Sculptra gives long-term collagen stimulation and volume restoration, while PRP promotes immediate healing and rejuvenation.
- Downtime: There is not much downtime with either therapy. Both treatments promote the creation of collagen, although PRP might have faster healing effects.
Microneedling with Sculptra Or PRP: Which One is Better?
Factors to Consider
When deciding between microneedling with PRP and microneedling with Sculptra, consider the following factors: First, assess your skin concerns—whether you're dealing primarily with volume loss, fine wrinkles, or skin texture issues. Next, think about the results you desire: Sculptra offers gradual, long-lasting enhancement, while PRP provides quicker, healing-focused results. Finally, consider your budget by analyzing the cost of each treatment and the potential number of sessions needed.
When to Choose Microneedling with Sculptra
Microneedling and Sculptra have the best effects and long-term results in face lifting and volume restoration. Do you want to enhance the shape of the face or make it dramatically fuller? Well, this therapy is your answer.
When Should You Opt for Microneedling with PRP
If you want the case to be solved quickly and with natural restoration, then PRP microneedling is the best choice. PRP can give excellent results only if your significant issues are fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
Combining Both Treatments
Using microneedling with Sculptra and PRP is advisable to rebuild the skin from the foundation. Here, you can get the benefits of the two therapies without the cumbersome nature of having to embark on the two individually. This strategy thus has short-term as well as long-term benefits.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care is crucial for achieving the best results:
- Prevent Sun Exposure: Protecting your skin from the sun is recommended, as it can harm it.
- Use Gentle Skincare Products: Avoid tangible products that can harm the skin and intensify the problem.
- Observe the provider's instructions. Your practitioner will let you know if there are any specific methods you need to follow in the days following the procedure.
Expected Results and Timeline
Both therapies yield results in a few weeks and typically last for a few months. Thus, to summarize, PRP treatment has an enormous advantage in the speed of the result—it becomes visible much faster than Sculptra. However, Sculptra seems to last longer.
Cost and Considerations
Factors Affecting the Cost
Microneedling with Sculptra and PRP can have different costs depending on a few factors:
- Experience of the Provider: More experienced providers can set higher prices.
- Geographic Location: Are you in the United States, the United Kingdom, or wherever you wish to receive treatment? Based on the above findings, the cost may vary depending on the region and the level of intensity required.
- Number of Sessions: This may require several sessions, which is costly, considering that you’re targeting the best outcomes.
Long-Term Investment
Even though they are both one-time-cost procedures, Sculptra might be less expensive in the long run, given the longer duration of its effect. Compared to traditional PRP, treatment through PRP F recipients produces results more swiftly. However, you may have to get more time to achieve the desired outcome.
Conclusion
Using PRP or Sculptra in microneedling has several advantages for skin rejuvenation. Although both treatments stimulate collagen formation, PRP produces faster outcomes because of its concentrated growth factors. Conversely, Sculptra provides a more progressive and long-lasting restoration of volume. The optimal option ultimately depends on personal skin issues and objectives. Getting advice from a skilled dermatologist might help you decide which course of action is best for achieving your goals.
Have you considered undergoing microneedling with Sculptra or PRP? For the two operations, premium products are available from Diaminy. Are you geared to get youthful, radiant skin? Please contact us and find a certified practitioner. It is the best that your skin needs and can ever wish for!
