Microneedling
Microneedling with Protein-Rich Plasma
Microneedling is a term widely used for various types of skincare treatments ranging from at home options to devices used only in medical practices. I will make a separate post comparing different types of microneedling, but first let’s understand the type of microneedling that is reserved for medical professionals only.
LETS BREAK IT DOWN.
At Tailored Aesthetics, we are proud to use the SkinPen as our instrument of choice for microneedling treatments. SkinPen is currently the only FDA approved device in the United States. This device is reserved for medical professionals ONLY. We are privileged to have the ability to appropriately adjust the needle to DEEPER settings providing the patient improved results they are seeking. As medical professionals, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses all have the ability to use this device and have the option to add PRP or PRF (as opposed to a gel) maximizing results with your body’s OWN growth factors. We use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) because it is unique to each patient. It is designed to heal the body and is commonly used in surgeries to speed recovery. PRP increases the growth factor by FIVE TIMES during the bodies regenerating process.
Microneedling is generally safe for all skin types and can dramatically improve textured skin, scars, and pigmentation issues. Currently, it is the number one treatment for acne scars. The treatment is administered with a pen like tool that uses single-use needled tips (no cross contamination here!) to create micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. The wound healing process consists of three phases; inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. To put it simply, the treatment causes controlled trauma to the skin and encourages new collagen growth, repair of scar tissue while minimizing cellular damage. Ultimately resulting in smoother, brighter skin! Continued improvement of skin by way of collagen growth can continue three months or more after your treatment.
The process begins with prepping your skin with medical grade skincare for minimally 2 weeks before your first appointment. Before starting your session, we will apply a topical numbing cream. Next, we draw the blood that is used to provide the plasma for your treatment. It is recommended; patients drink plenty of water the day before and day of their treatment. It is advised to avoid greasy and processed foods for 7 days leading up to your appointment. This will ensure the best plasma for your treatment! You will wash off the numbing cream and we will prep your skin for the treatment. The treatment itself takes approximately 20 minutes.
Although you will leave the office with dried blood and plasma on your face, microneedling involves minimal down time compared to many treatment alternatives. Most patients are comfortable resuming their daily activities the next day. You can expect to look red, as if you have a sunburn, the day after your treatment. Many patients report peeling slightly during the healing phase. This healing phase typically lasts 3-4 days.I recommend each patient begin with a series of three treatments scheduled four to six weeks apart. Severe cases may require additional sessions. After completing their initial three to six sessions, many patients opt to move to a maintenance schedule and will return anywhere from every 3 months to once a year.
After working with the SkinPen for the past few years, I have seen incredible skin transformations. Witnessing these improvements not only in my patient’s skin, but in my own, there was zero hesitance to have this effective treatment available to our patients.
My own skin journey, February 2018 on the left and February 2021 on the right.
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