Microneedling is a procedure used to minimize the signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin. During this process, your provider will use a special roller or other device with small needles on it to prick the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing response, which includes the production of collagen. When your body increases its collagen production, the additional collagen fills in wrinkles and other treated areas to smooth them out and give them the appearance of younger skin.
Some people choose to add platelet rich plasma, or PRP, to their microneedling treatment. PRP is a protein derived from whole blood, with red blood cells removed to create a plasma protein. It can be injected or used topically to improve healing and decrease the duration of redness and swelling after a microneedling treatment. In some studies, PRP has also been shown to improve outcomes for people seeking microneedling to reduce the visibility of acne scars.
Why Use PRP?
Traditionally, microneedling is used to combat age spots, wrinkles, scarring, and certain types of hyperpigmentation. PRP may improve the effects of microneedling and help patients achieve their desired results faster. It can also improve sun damaged skin, skin elasticity, healed burn wounds, and dehydrated skin while decreasing pore size and boosting overall skin tone and texture. In some cases, PRP can also help repair muscles and accelerate healing in injured joints, helping speed up recovery times for people who have had invasive cosmetic procedure. Speak with your doctor or a medical esthetician before scheduling a microneedling with PRP appointment to see if the treatment will benefit your specific beauty and healthcare concerns.
Most people are good candidates for microneedling with PRP, though those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have recently used Accutane, have active acne, scar easily or have certain skin or health conditions may not be suited to this type of treatment. Speak with your doctor before scheduling an appointment to ensure that you will be able to undergo the treatment based on your current health.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Your provider will give you specific instructions to follow before your treatment. Generally, patients are asked to avoid unprotected and excessive sun exposure (including tanning) several days before their appointment. Drink plenty of water in the preceding days, and avoid wearing makeup or moisturizer on the day of your appointment. Arrive at your provider’s office early to finish up any paperwork, ask questions, and provide additional information if necessary.
Before your appointment, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area being treated. Because the anesthetic typically takes 30 minutes to begin working, you may be asked to apply it yourself before coming in to the office to save time.
During Your Appointment
Microneedling appointments have two phases when PRP is involved. First, your provider will draw a syringe of your blood, usually from the arm, and place it in a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from other components of your blood.
While the centrifuge is running, your provider will use a dermaroller or other device to gently prick the skin in the treatment area. This helps begin your body’s healing and collagen production response. The PRP solution is then massaged into the treatment area to begin penetrating the skin and further boosting healing.
Aftercare with PRP Microneedling
Your provider may apply a serum or balm to the treated area to soothe redness and irritation. In some cases, you may be able to apply some makeup if you’d like to further hide these temporary side effects. You can return to your daily activities immediately after the treatment, if necessary, though you may experience various small side effects the day of your appointment and a few days after.
Bruising, inflammation, swelling, and redness are common side effects, which should disappear within four to six days. Avoid sun exposure and harsh skin treatments while your skin heals, and avoid rubbing and touching your face as much as possible. If you have a history of cold sores, you may experience an outbreak after your microneedling treatment. Refrain from applying excessive product to your skin, particularly alcohol-based products, but keep the area clean and moisturized. Most doctors recommend avoiding rigorous activities, such as running and heavy workouts, until the skin has completely healed.
Scheduling Your First Appointment
Reach out to Elume Medspa for more information or to schedule an appointment for microneedling with PRP. Elume’s experienced nurse practitioners and medical estheticians can help you choose the best treatment for your beauty goals and perform each one in a clean, professional environment. The spa offers microneedling with PRP and without, various laser treatments, photofacials, sclerotherapy, Botox, and more, allowing you to customize your suite of treatments to meet your needs.
Ready to Elum-Inate Your Skin?
At Elume Med Spa, we are passionate about helping our customers look and feel their best. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality skincare products that are designed to deliver real results. From cleansers to serums, our online store has everything you need to create an at-home skincare routine that will leave you feeling confident and radiant. Plus, our expert team has carefully selected each and every product to ensure that you are getting the best possible care. Shop now and discover the benefits of our top-rated products for yourself.
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