Microneedling is a collagen induction therapy that involves puncturing the skin and the deeper layer called dermis with sterilized needles using a handheld pen-shaped device. These tiny wounds cause the skin to produce more collagen and elastin by stimulating the skin to repair itself naturally through a process called dermal remodeling. This process heals and helps to rejuvenate the skin. Microneedling can be used to improve acne scarring, sun damage, surgical scars, burns, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Numbing cream is used on the skin prior to the procedure.
What about PRP and how does it work with microneedling?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses the infusion of concentrated platelets harvested from the patient’s blood to accelerate healing in a specific area. It contains plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, and platelets. The platelets play a vital role in healing and contain growth factors that stimulate cell reproduction and tissue regeneration in the treated area. The patient’s blood is obtained through a simple blood draw and placed in a centrifuge to spin to create this platelet-rich plasma. Because the treatments use a patient’s own blood, PRP infusions are safe and can be administered alone or in conjunction with other procedures. PRP is a wonderful addition to microneedling. First, a microneedling tool is used to puncture the skin and make numerous holes in the skin’s surface. PRP is then applied to the skin’s surface and allowed to penetrate the holes created by microneedling. PRP can enhance collagen and elastin production in deeper skin levels. Microneedling with PRP effectively treats acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, large pores, uneven skin texture irregularities, and it helps to decrease the appearance of stretch marks. The addition of PRP to microneedling produces superior results over microneedling alone.
Who is a candidate?
Microneedling is safe for all skin colors and types. The procedure is well tolerated with minimal recovery time.
This type of treatment is not recommended in patients with Hepatitis C, HIV or AIDS, any type of blood cancer, or skin cancer on the area to be treated, patients who have used Accutane in the preceding six months, those with wounds or infections, who have undergone radiation in the past year, who are pregnant, or breastfeeding are not considered candidates.
Microneedling Recovery?
Microneedling is safe and effective. The skin is pink in color after the procedure and can remain pink in some patients for 24-48 hours. After that the skin color returns to normal. The skin will feel rough for a few days then it will return to normal in about 1 week. It takes a few weeks to see the results as your body heals. Moisturizer and sunscreen use are essential before and after the procedure for optimal result.