We all yearn for a long lasting solution to persistent skin concerns. Microneedling offers just that, and when combined a with PRP procedure, it is an irresistible, transformative skincare remedy.
A study by Wiley Online Library revealed that microneedling with PRP diminishes acne scars by 62%, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. From wrinkles as a result of old age to stubborn stretch marks, this winning combination remedies all these skin conditions, leaving you with even, healthy, and glowing skin.
But what exactly does the procedure entail? And what benefits do you stand to reap from the treatment? Here's a rundown of everything you need to know.
The Basics of Microneedling
For years, experts and skin enthusiasts have been raving about the power of microneedling, and the hype is not for nothing, as microneedling has proven to get rid of various skin conditions and concerns.
But what does it entail?
Microneedling uses a derma roller or derma pen to penetrate the epidermis and trigger the skin's ability to heal itself. The skin heals tremendously well, and in the process, blood flow on the skin increases, new and healthy skin cells are formed, and more collagen is produced.
Understanding PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is another skin therapy that has been making waves in the world of dermatology, and rightly so.
The blood contains development factors that mainly help repair damaged tissue but could use a boost. Therefore, the skin cure involves separating plasma and platelets from a patient's blood and applying it to an injured part of their body. This accelerates the healing process of tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints, eliminating the need for anti-inflammatory medication and opioids.
Besides transforming how the body repairs damaged tissue, PRP therapy has established itself as a leader in the cosmetic world, where its concept is used as a treatment for numerous skin conditions.
How Does Microneedling Work with PRP?
PRP is a safe and effective procedure for enhancing the process of mending damaged body tissue. It can be performed alone or together with other procedures, such as microneedling.
For efficiency, the two procedures cannot be performed simultaneously, but in quick succession, and derma rolling goes first. After forming microchannels on the skin, PRP is then applied and the skin absorbs it.
What Does the Combination Treat?
When performed alone, microneedling treats most skin conditions and concerns, from stretch marks to acne and even hair loss. However, when performed with PRP, the combination focuses mainly on conditions that affect the face, hence its nickname, 'vampire facial.' Their collective properties make the combination perfect for you if you want flawless skin.
The Ideal Candidate
Before committing to microneedling with PRP as your preferred skin treatment, it is important to know if you qualify, as the procedure is not suitable and safe for everyone.
Some groups of people who are not ideal for this treatment are;
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with fresh acne
- People who have taken Accutane to cure acne at least 3 months before the procedure
- Skin radiation patients as recent as 12 months
- Recent facial Eczema and rosacea patients
- People whose skin scars easily or has a history of poor wound healing.
The treatment combination is suitable for all skin types, tones, and complexions. But if you're in any of these categories, it is best to find alternative skin treatments that will pose fewer risks to your skin health and general well-being.
What to Expect
Once you have settled for microneedling with PRP as your preferred treatment, it takes proper preparation to ensure the procedure is as safe, smooth, and effective as possible. For this, you may need the help of a professional to navigate the dos and don'ts before, during, and after treatment.
Before
During the consultation stage, a skin expert will give you a list of detailed and specific instructions that you need to adhere to. These include:
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. If you must be out in the sun, ensure to use sunscreen with the recommended SPF.
- Drinking a lot of water in the days leading up to the treatment, as water is a game-changer when it comes to hydrating the skin.
- Temporarily avoiding various skincare and beauty products. These include acid-based products and retinoids, which may affect the procedure's efficiency by causing irritation and dry skin.
- Stopping blood thinning medication, which may interfere with the results of the treatment.
- Taking any medication prescribed by the professional to deal with other conditions, such as herpes breakouts, which may affect the skin during the procedure.
Your preparation period should cover any loopholes that may affect the efficiency and results of microneedling with PRP.
During
On the day of the microneedling with PRP procedure, ensure that you have enough time, as it may take longer than a regular microneedling session. You may also want to arrive at the clinic with a makeup and sunscreen-free face to avoid contaminating equipment and eliminate the risk of infection during the procedure.
The procedure comprises two steps, and your doctor will apply enough numbing cream to get you through both. Afterward, your doctor will draw some blood and start preparing the PRP.
Microneedling goes first in the combination, and you should feel very little pain as the derma roller or derma pen rolls over the treatment area. This should last about 30 minutes, during which the PRP solution will be ready.
A Platelet-rich plasma solution is formed by putting the blood in a centrifuge, which detaches the plasma and platelets from the blood. After derma rolling, the solution is massaged into the skin around the trea area, where the skin absorbs it through the microchannels formed by the derma pen.
Aftercare
When the procedure is completed, it marks another milestone in your quest for gorgeous skin, but it is not the end. You may experience redness, swelling, and pain once the numbing agent wears off. Still, your dermatologist will apply balm or a serum to help alleviate the side effects of microneedling with PRP.
If the professional prescribes medication or creams to reduce irritation and sensitivity on the treated area, ensure to get them to help with the healing process. Most of the immediate side effects of microneedling with PRP are temporary, so unless any adverse reaction occurs, you can go home and rest or assume your daily activities.
Potential Side Effects of a Microneedling With PRP Treatment
Although a microneedling with PRP procedure is minimally invasive, you may experience various side effects afterward. They include swelling, which is normal immediately after microneedling with PRP, but it should subside within 2-3 days if you apply the recommended serums.
You may also experience pinpoint bleeding, which also common but should last more than 6 hours after the procedure, as the needle punctures should have started to heal by then. Additionally, the skin around the treated area will become very sensitive to touch, just like a regular burn or bruise.
After a microneedling with PRP procedure, you may notice that the treated area of the skin becomes dry a few days after the microneedling with PRP procedure. However, you can ask your doctor to recommend the best serums to combat the dryness without upsetting the skin.
As the skin continues to implement its healing mechanisms after the procedure, you will also experience darkening, which may force you to take 2-3 days of social leave, especially if the procedure was performed on the face.
Post-Treatment Care
The side effects of the procedure are inevitable. However, with great sacrifice and change in routines, you can implement measures to speed the healing process and manage the side effects. Here are some of these aftercare measures:
- Follow professional advice given after the procedure and get any prescribed medication and serums that will help in the healing process.
- The first 24 hours after the procedure are crucial, so you can't apply any makeup. Afterward, you can only apply mineral makeup to avoid irritation and contamination.
- Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight, and if you must go out, apply sunscreen with a recommended SPF.
- In the first 48 hours, the microwounds may still be open, leaving the skin vulnerable to infections. Therefore, you have to thoroughly clean any items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as eyeglass frames for the face.
- Use Tylenol as directed by your dermatologist and try cool compresses every 1-2 hours to reduce the pain and soreness.
- Lastly, when the wounds are almost fully healed, avoid peeling, exfoliating, or picking the treated area.
What Do I Stand To Gain?
The treatment combination is more complex and strenuous than performing either procedure alone. And while combining the two may seem like attempting overkill, it's not.
The rewards are worth the effort, and they include:
Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles are a predicament that everyone is bound to find themselves in. However, you need not worry, as microneedling with PRP is the perfect remedy for you. The treatment works mainly by encouraging cell turnover and speedy healing of tissue, which works well in reducing the signs of aging and keeping a smooth, flawless skin even as old age kicks in.
Improving Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone is one of the major skin concerns caused by excessive and unprotected sun exposure, leading to dry and dull skin with sunspots all over. However, the treatment breaks up the scarred tissue on the skin's outermost layer, resulting in smooth skin that you can proudly flaunt.
Increased Manufacture of Collagen
Collagen is a crucial component of the skin structure. It plays a major role in keeping the skin firm, smooth, and hydrated. However, as we grow old, the body produces less and less of this crucial protein, but microneedling with PRP solves this problem by promoting blood flow and creating microchannels on the skin.
Improving Acne Scars
Acne is arguably your skin's number one enemy. This is not only due to its ability to alter your appearance and lower self-esteem but also to the deep and ugly boxcar, rolling, and ice pick scars it leaves behind.
Acne scars have always been disturbing and challenging to treat, but gone are the days of overapplying makeup just to hide them. This is because microneedling breaks up scar tissue before the platelet-rich plasma comes in handy to speed up healing and ensure that you have smoother skin with fewer scars.
It may take a few procedures to see the full elimination of acne scars, but microneedling with PRP is the new champion when it comes to getting rid of them.
It's All Natural
The treatment employs the body's mind blowing natural healing ability to transform the skin.
During the procedure, the tiny needles puncture the skin and trigger the healing response, while the PRP solution, drawn directly from the patient's body, speeds up the healing process. It is a chemical-free procedure, which comes in handy, especially with the recent shift to environmental and health-friendly beauty products.
When Can I Expect Results?
While the duration before you see results is a major concern, there is no conclusive general timeframe, although it shouldn't be long, depending on various factors.
Most people report seeing significant improvements a few weeks after the procedure. This is most common for people who aren just looking to achieve an even and flawless skin.
If you're treating acne scars, you may have to be a bit more patient, as you require 2-3 treatments, depending on the depth of the scars, to see gradual improvements. Therefore, to increase the treatment's efficiency, you have to commit to a procedure every four weeks, as this allows the skin ample time to heal.
After reaping the benefits, experts recommend you schedule a follow-up procedure for maintenance and skin rejuvenation. This way, you can enjoy the results of microneedling with PRP and remain confident all year round.
Adding in Microfrequency
Microneedling with PRP is an effective combination on its own, but it doesn't hurt to want more efficiency by adding microfrequency to the combination.
Microfrequency can be described as a low-level electromagnetic current that is not enough to shock the body but can create controlled damage. It can be used during the microneedling with Platelet-rich plasma procedure to penetrate deeper into the skin and repair damaged or aged skin tissue. This comes in handy in correcting various skin conditions, such as deep scarring, skin sagging, and sun damage.
Ready to Try Microneedling With PRP?
Are you looking for a remedy for your persistent skin conditions? If yes, discover the power of the microneedling and PRP combination by reaching out to Diaminy. Our extensive range of products and tips will set you well on your way to achieving your skin goals.
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