Skin rejuvenation with microneedling is an effective procedure. It is usually performed on the face, but can also be done on the neck and other areas. The results of microneedling can be greatly improved when done in combination with Growth Factors or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment. The combination of the two techniques offers an anti-aging treatment for all skin types, pigment reduction and plumping up of lines and wrinkles. These are both all-natural, non-surgical procedures which introduce nothing foreign into your skin or system.
Fun Fact: Due to tremendous interest and news coverage, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cosmetic treatments have been come to be known in pop-culture as the “Vampire Facial”.
Microneedling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy) is a non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure for smoothing and refining the complexion. It can be used for skin rejuvenation, evening skin tone and texture, to treat acne scarring, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, lax skin, enlarged pores and more. Dr. Gallacher uses the Rejuvapen microneedling device with tiny, sterile needles. It is used on the face or other areas to create hundreds of microscopic cuts into the skin. These tiny injuries send signals to the body to heal itself. The body then begins the healing process by releasing chemicals and stimulating collagen production (which slows as we age). Revitalized, smoother, more youthful skin is the result.
PRP Growth Factors are essential for new cell generation. They are also needed to create new collagen and the skin’s elastic fibers. For this reason, PRP therapy, when added to microneedling, creates better results than microneedling alone. It would not be useful to add PRP growth factors if they were simply rubbed on the skin. However, Dr. Gallacher can utilize the microscopic ducts that are created during the microneedling process. They create deep access points for the introduction of the platelets taken from your own blood. The deep penetration triggers the growth factors into action. As the skin heals after the combination treatment, there is a higher than normal clustering of growth factors. This stimulates additional new cells and collagen, and increases vascularity. Beautiful enhancement of the microneedling skin rejuvenation procedure results from the combination with PRP therapy.
During the pre-treatment consultation, you may discuss with Dr. Gallacher any areas of concern on the face, neck or hands. (PRP injection therapy can also be used effectively on the scalp for hair regrowth.) During microneedling and PRP application, the doctor can focus extra attention on these areas to create micro-wounds and stimulate healing and new collagen growth.
What To Expect:
Prior to the process of PRP therapy, your blood is drawn in our office. It is then processed to separate the Platelet Rich Plasma. Your own plasma is used in conjunction with microneedling treatment that follows.
Dr. Gallacher applies the PRP to the face or other treatment area immediately prior to and after treatment with the microneedling pen. This portion of the treatment takes about ½ hour. Some patients describe the sensation of microneedling as similar to being swiped with sandpaper or an electric toothbrush on the treatment area. That feeling may be stronger (around the eyes, for example) or more subtle, depending on the sensitivity of the area.
Dr. Gallacher may introduce topical anesthetic onto area to reduce potential discomfort.
Depending on your needs and concerns, you may require more than one treatment. These treatments should be separated by 2 to 3 weeks. Many patients show improvement after healing from one microneeding treatment. Full improvement usually takes about one month.
During your treatment, your skin may become very red and you may have tiny dots of blood in the area. The redness can be covered with make-up after 24 hours and should completely subside after a few days. For 1 to 3 days after, your skin may feel tight and may continue to look as if it is sunburned. After healing, the newly emerging collagen, increased firmness and decrease in lines and wrinkles will last for years.
If you are interested in learning more about PRP and Microneedling combination therapy, Dr. Gallacher would be happy to discuss treatment options with you. Contact our office today!