MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP: BENEFITS, SIDE EFFECTS, RECOVERY

Microneedling is a non-surgical rejuvenation therapy whereby tiny needles are used to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and reduce fine lines. The procedure helps to stimulate collagen production without negatively affecting the skin. The process is also known as “collagen induction therapy” when it is combined with PRP. The pros of micro-needling with PRP are that it is noninvasive and there is minimal risk of side effects while the cons are that the treatment is temporary, has limited results, and multiple treatments might be needed.

Many people are not willing to accept wrinkles and sagging skin as part of the aging process. Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a way to improve your appearance and rejuvenate your skin. During microneedling, a device with tiny needles is moved over the skin to create puncture wounds. The body will create new collagen when it attempts to heal the skin. Microneedling isn’t harmful and it is wonderful for the skin. 

PRP therapy has diverse medical applications and the platelets in the blood contain proteins that help in the growth of new tissue and stimulate healing. Platelet-rich plasma can repair torn tendons, heal joints, and speed up the healing process. With PRP, you will get smoother and tighter skin than if you use micro-needling alone. PRP helps in boosting collagen production. 

Microneedling with PRP can improve conditions such as:

• Wrinkles 

• Acne

• Crow’s feet

• Forehead lines

• Loose skin

• Sunspots

• Uneven pigmentation 

• Fine lines

• Surgical scars

• Large pores

• Aging skin 

• Laugh lines

• Chickenpox scars

• Stretch marks

• Uneven skin texture

Microneedling with PRP promotes the production of elastin and collagen. It encourages the body to repair damaged skin cells and rejuvenates skin beauty. 

• Facial skin laxity: The procedure tightens the skin by contributing to the production of collagen and elastin

• Uneven skin tone: The procedure helps to recycle hyperpigmented collections

• Wrinkles and fine lines: The procedure stimulates elastin and collagen

• Uneven skin texture: The procedure destroys dead or damaged skin cells

• Stretch marks: The procedure promotes the growth of new cells and it breaks down old cells

The benefits of microneedling with PRP include:

• It improves skin radiance

• It is minimally invasive

• No risk of burning skin or overheating 

• Minimal downtime  

PRP can help reduce acne scarring and pigmentation when it is used with microneedling. The process involves using a person’s blood to isolate platelets. Allergic reactions are minimal as the blood is from the patient. PRP contains factors that help activate and regulate cell migration. They also stimulate collagen and elastin production. 

Most patients recover from the procedure within five days though they may experience dryness, redness, or skin flaking during the healing process. Patients should limit sun exposure and avoid strenuous activity while healing. 

Microneedling uses the blood of a patient to rejuvenate their skin. The addition of PRP in micro-needling will make it more effective. Microneedling with PRP can take some time to show results but be confident that it will work. Microneedling can be safely done on all skin colors. 

Recovering from micro-needling is quick though certain side effects might occur after treatment such as:

• Tenderness

• Soreness

• Swelling

• Oozing

• Acne

• Milia 

There are risks involved in micro-needling as the process may introduce bacteria into the skin. Anyone who experiences side effects after the treatment should immediately see a medical professional, medical laboratory services, or clinical labs. Microneedling may not be suitable for people with pregnancies or certain conditions such as:

• Blood  disorder

• Acne

• Eczema

• Rosacea 

• HIV

• Chronic illness 

• Herpes 

Persons with the conditions above should see a medical professional, medical laboratory services, or clinical labs before using micro-needling with PRP. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that persons consider certain factors before engaging in a cosmetic procedure. Factors such as:

• Find out how regularly the dermatologist carries out the cosmetic procedure

• Ask to see photos of patients treated by the dermatologist

• Check if the dermatologist is certified.

• Check if the dermatologist is qualified.

• Confirm that the dermatologist has ample experience

• Discuss the results of the micro-needling with PRP