If you've dealt with acne scars, wrinkles, or sun damage, you've likely come across microneedling, a treatment that utilizes controlled micro-injuries to trigger the skin's natural healing process.
Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), often dubbed the "vampire facial," takes this treatment a step further by incorporating your own blood's healing cells to enhance skin tone and address imperfections. Despite its eerie nickname, it's gained popularity, thanks in part to endorsements from celebrities like Kim Kardashian
What Skin Conditions Can Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treat?
Microneedling, with or without PRP, can effectively address various skin concerns, including:
Acne scars
Age spots
Wrinkles
Sun damage
Scarring from burns or injuries
Hyperpigmentation
Even if you don't have these specific issues, microneedling with PRP can enhance your skin's tone, texture, and overall appearance.
How Does Microneedling with PRP Work?
Following a small blood draw, your clinician will apply a topical anesthetic to your face. Using a microneedling pen they'll create tiny punctures in your skin, stimulating its natural healing processes and establishing channels for the PRP. These micro-injuries also promote collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, aiding facial rejuvenation by reducing wrinkles and scars.
The microneedling process typically lasts about 30 minutes, allowing time for the blood sample to be centrifuged into PRP. Subsequently, the PRP is gently massaged into the treated areas, ensuring deep penetration for optimal rejuvenation.
To soothe any redness or irritation, a balm is applied post-treatment. With minimal downtime, the entire procedure usually takes less than two hours, with many patients returning to their regular activities the following day.
The treatment is generally well-tolerated by adults, with minimal side effects such as temporary irritation. For optimal results, it's recommended to avoid direct sunlight and limit the use of personal skincare products during the initial days of recovery.
POST TREATMENT:
Immediately after treatment, expect redness, pinpoint bleeding, and a sensation similar to a fresh sunburn or windburn. Common side effects include mild redness, localized swelling, and dryness. Pinpoint scabbing may occur the following day, with darkening and flaking within one week. Anticipate 2-3 days of social downtime.
Clean anything that comes into contact with the treated area.
Avoid picking or exfoliating and let dead skin flake off naturally.
Refrain from makeup for at least 24 hours, using only mineral makeup afterward.
Avoid sun exposure until fully healed, along with sweating-inducing activities like exercise, jacuzzis, saunas, and hot showers
Change your pillowcase and treat your face as an open wound until fully healed, then resume your regular skincare routine.
For optimal results, consider a series of 3 to 6 treatments at 4-6 week intervals.
Follow the post-procedure skincare regimen and ensure clean hands before applying any product:
Apply the refrigerated PRP serum once hourly for the first 4 hours post-treatment.
The morning after treatment, gently cleanse your face and apply the refrigerated PRP serum and moisturizer with a physical sunscreen.
In the evening, cleanse your face again and apply the refrigerated PRP serum and moisturizer.
Continue this regimen until your skin is fully healed, approximately 5-7 days.
Healing Process Overview: Microneedling triggers your skin's natural healing response by creating micro-tears, stimulating collagen production, and promoting cellular turnover. Initially, you may experience redness, swelling, and sensitivity, similar to a sunburn. Dry, itchy skin is common, followed by peeling as your skin undergoes renewal. The full recovery period typically lasts 5-7 days, during which your skin gradually returns to its normal state.
After-Care Tips: After microneedling, it's crucial to keep your skincare routine simple and gentle to avoid further irritation. Opt for products that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free to minimize the risk of sensitivity. Hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid-based serums to maintain moisture levels and support the healing process. Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially during the initial healing phase. Avoid skincare products containing certain ingredients that may exacerbate sensitivity, and prioritize hydration with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, and peptides.
Trust The Process: While you may notice some immediate improvements after a single microneedling session, achieving your desired results often requires multiple treatments. Consistency is key, so schedule sessions every 4-6 weeks to allow your skin to heal and regenerate between treatments. By following these after-care tips and trusting the process, you can maximize the benefits of microneedling and achieve healthier, more radiant skin over time.
