Microneedling is a process in which hundreds of tiny injections are made using a handheld “pen”. After applying the PRP on the skin, the pen creates tiny injection points, allowing the nutrient rich PRP to enter the skin at a deeper level. The result is an increase in collagen and elastin production, leaving the skin looking youthful and glowing.
- No anti-inflammatories for 5 days prior to treatment. This includes ASA, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and similar.
- For 12 hours before treatment:
- No applications of Retin-A products
- No auto-immune therapies(please consult with the physician first)
- For 24 hours before treatment:
- No sunburns or extended sun exposure
- Skin must be clean and free of makeup or other products
- Use a mild cleanser for several days after treatment, then you may return to your regular skin care routine.
- Avoid direct high heat (e.g. blow dryer, sun, sauna, steam room, very hot shower, hot yoga, strenuous exercise, etc.) until the morning after treatment.
What Can PRP With Microneedling Treat?
PRP with microneedling can address several common signs of aging and skin damage by encouraging the skin’s natural renewal process. The treatment creates controlled microchannels in the skin, then applies platelet-rich plasma to support healing and collagen production.
PRP microneedling may help improve:
- Fine lines and early wrinkles
- Uneven or rough skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Mild skin laxity
- Uneven skin tone
- Overall skin smoothness and radiance
Because results develop gradually as the skin produces new collagen, improvements may continue to become more noticeable in the weeks following treatment.
Candidates for PRP With Microneedling
PRP with microneedling may be a good option for adults who want to improve skin texture, tone, fine lines, acne scars, or early signs of laxity without undergoing a more invasive procedure. It can also appeal to patients who prefer a treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma derived from their own blood.
You may need to postpone treatment if you have an active skin infection, open wounds, a significant acne breakout, or irritation in the treatment area. Certain medical conditions, medications, pregnancy, or recent procedures may also affect candidacy, so a consultation is important before scheduling treatment.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
PRP with microneedling is most commonly performed on the face, where it can address concerns such as uneven texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, and acne scars.
Depending on your goals and treatment plan, it may also be used on areas such as:
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Jawline
- Other areas with visible texture changes or mild skin laxity
Your provider can evaluate the areas you would like to improve and determine whether PRP with microneedling is appropriate for each location.
PRP Microneedling vs. Microneedling Alone
Traditional microneedling, including treatments performed with SkinPen, creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin, which can improve texture, fine lines, pores, and certain types of scars.
PRP microneedling adds platelet-rich plasma to the treatment. PRP is prepared from a small sample of your own blood and contains platelets and growth factors that are part of the body’s natural healing response.
When PRP is applied during or immediately after microneedling, the microchannels created by the SkinPen allow it to contact the treated skin directly. This combination may support the healing process and enhance overall skin rejuvenation. The best option depends on your skin concerns, goals, and treatment history.
What to Expect During a PRP Microneedling Appointment
A PRP microneedling appointment typically involves several steps designed to keep the treatment comfortable and efficient.
First, a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, which separates platelet-rich plasma from other blood components.
While the PRP is being prepared, a topical numbing cream is usually applied to the treatment area to help minimize discomfort. Once the skin is numb, the provider passes the SkinPen device over the skin, creating tiny controlled microchannels at an appropriate depth.
The provider then applies the prepared PRP to the skin so it reaches the newly created microchannels. The entire process is typically completed during the same appointment.
Immediately afterward, the skin may appear red, flushed, or mildly swollen, similar to a sunburn. Some patients also notice temporary tightness or sensitivity. These effects generally improve as the skin begins its natural healing process.
Why Us?
Choose Essex Medspa for PRP with microneedling, a cutting-edge treatment that combines the rejuvenating power of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with microneedling. This innovative procedure harnesses your body’s natural growth factors to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin texture, promoting a youthful appearance.
Experience the synergy of PRP with microneedling at Essex Medspa, where our skilled practitioners deliver personalized care and advanced techniques to achieve remarkable skin rejuvenation results. Trust our expertise to help you achieve smoother, firmer skin and a radiant complexion, tailored to your unique aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRP with Microneedling?
PRP with Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment using microneedling to push PRP, platelet-rich plasma, into the skin. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate collagen production and remodeling, promoting a more youthful appearance.
How is PRP obtained?
PRP comes from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn and prepped to obtain a serum rich in growth factors.
How often should PRP microneedling treatments be scheduled?
PRP microneedling treatments are commonly spaced about 4-6 weeks apart to give the skin time to heal and begin producing new collagen between sessions. Many patients start with a series of 3-4 treatments, followed by maintenance sessions every 6-12 months, depending on their skin concerns and goals.
How long do PRP microneedling results last?
Results can last 6-12 months or longer, especially after completing a recommended treatment series. Because natural collagen production gradually slows with age, periodic maintenance treatments can help preserve improvements in texture, tone, fine lines, and firmness.
How long does the treatment take?
A PRP microneedling appointment typically takes about 60-90 minutes from start to finish. This includes the blood draw, PRP preparation, topical numbing time, microneedling treatment, and platelet-rich plasma application.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. A topical numbing cream is usually applied beforehand, so you may mainly feel light pressure, vibration, or a prickling sensation, particularly around more sensitive areas such as the forehead or upper lip.
When will I notice the results?
Some patients notice brighter, smoother-looking skin within 1-2 weeks, but collagen remodeling takes longer. More noticeable improvements in texture, fine lines, scars, and firmness often develop over 4-12 weeks, with results continuing to improve after a series of treatments.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is usually minimal. Redness, mild swelling, sensitivity, and a sunburn-like appearance are most noticeable during the first 24-48 hours, while mild dryness, flaking, or roughness can persist for 3-5 days. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a day or two, although they may need to avoid makeup, strenuous exercise, and excessive sun exposure for a short time.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
There may be temporary swelling, redness, bruising, headache, or local discomfort. Rarely, there may be a mild lowering of the eyelid. This is temporary and resolves in a few weeks. Some patients may have an uneven or incomplete response to Botox®.