What is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combines two procedures to promote healing and rejuvenation. First, microneedling uses tiny, fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen production. Next, PRP, which is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from your own blood, is applied to the skin. The PRP helps accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture, making the treatment effective for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and enhancing overall skin tone and firmness.
What to Expect Before and After the Treatment:
Before the Treatment:
- Avoid Certain Products: To minimize the risk of irritation, avoid using retinoids, exfoliating products, or anything that might cause skin sensitivity for about a week prior to the treatment.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before the procedure to keep your skin hydrated. Proper hydration can help with healing.
- No Alcohol or Blood Thinners: Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain supplements like fish oil) at least 24-48 hours before your procedure. These can increase the risk of bruising and interfere with the PRP’s effectiveness.
- Plan for Downtime: Expect some redness, swelling, and potential mild discomfort after the treatment. Plan for some downtime post-treatment, typically a few days of mild to moderate recovery.
- Blood Draw: You will have a small amount of blood drawn during the procedure to create the PRP. This takes just a few minutes, and the PRP will be prepared using a centrifuge.
During the Treatment:
- Numbing: A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The numbing typically takes about 20-30 minutes to take effect.
- Microneedling: Once numb, the microneedling device is gently rolled over the skin to create tiny punctures. This process typically lasts 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
- PRP Application: After microneedling, the PRP is applied to the skin. The tiny micro-channels created by the microneedling help the PRP penetrate deeper into the skin, where it promotes healing and collagen production.
After the Treatment:
- Redness and Swelling: It’s normal to experience redness, swelling, and mild irritation immediately after the treatment. This usually resembles a mild sunburn and fades within a few hours to a day. Some people may also experience slight bruising or pinpoint bleeding.
- Post-Treatment Care:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: For the first few days after the procedure, avoid direct sun exposure and always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Gentle Skincare: Use only gentle, hydrating skincare products for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid any products that could irritate your skin, such as those with retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh acids.
- No Makeup: It’s best to avoid wearing makeup for the first 24 hours to allow the skin to heal and prevent infection. Afterward, you can wear makeup, but it’s crucial to use non-comedogenic, gentle products.
- Avoid Sweating and Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy exercise, sweating, or activities that can cause irritation for 48 hours. This helps to prevent further irritation or infection.
- Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.
- Healing Process: Over the next few days, your skin will naturally begin to heal, and you may notice a slight tightening effect. Any swelling and redness should subside within a few days.
- Results Timeline:
- Immediate Results: Your skin may look fresher and more radiant right after the treatment due to increased blood flow and the healing effects of PRP.
- Long-Term Results: Full benefits are typically visible within 3-6 weeks as collagen production continues to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Multiple treatments (usually 3-4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart) may be recommended for optimal results, especially for concerns like deep wrinkles or scarring.