What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is known as Collagen Induction Therapy. Collagen Induction Therapy helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, minimize pore size, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles as well as smooth out the overall texture.
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. Microneedling causes injury to the skin to create new collagen-rich tissue. This process also helps to make the skin appear firmer.
Before getting started, a topical anesthetic is applied to reduce the chances of pain. A serum is applied during microneedling to ensure an even glide and also to help the healing process. After the procedure, you may have slight pinpoint bleeding, a pink hue to the skin that feels like a mild sunburn.
Downtime is around 2-3 days and you are sent home with products to help with the healing process. Your skin will be a little sensitive for a few days to the sun, so applying sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is a must! Many patients will also apply camouflage make-up to cover the redness if they are going to work or school.
To achieve results, multiple sessions are recommended. Advice will be given for your individual goals.
What is PRP?
PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is an added service to microneedling that helps with scarring, acne scarring, minimizes pore size, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, helps with skin texture and dark spots. PRP is injections to create more tightness in the skin and helps speed up the healing process.
Preparing for PRP:
• Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning several weeks before the appointment.
• Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment.
• Be off all of your facial products, such as retinoic acid (RA) glycolics or strong acids, a few days before your scheduled appointment to help reduce sensitivity during the procedure.
A topical anesthetic is applied to reduce the pain.
A vial of blood will be drawn, usually from your arm, while your face is numbing.
The vial of blood is placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at intensely high speeds. The spinning causes the blood to separate into layers: Red blood cells, approximately 45% of blood, are forced to the bottom of the vial. This leaves the PRP on the top, which is then removed.
The PRP solution is then massaged into the treatment area where you are microneedling. The microneedling creates small micro punctures in the skin to allow penetration of the PRP.
After the treatment is done, a serum is applied to calm the skin. Recovery is relatively minimal. You can go back to work or school the day if you wish.
There will be a few days of redness and other signs of minor irritation, but you will want to avoid applying too many products to your skin during this time. This includes alcohol-based products and exfoliants during the recovery stage.
Sunscreen is a must if you are exposed to the sun!
A lightweight powder or foundation can be applied to minimize redness.
Until your skin has completely healed, avoid heavy workouts that may cause excessive sweating.
PRP will take multiple sessions to see the desired results.