You may be familiar with microneedling as a popular skincare treatment. Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is targeted toward boosting natural collagen levels in the skin. The procedure uses a device with fine needles to prick the skin and promote a clear, smooth appearance.

While many people may opt to undergo microneedling by itself, there is another version of the procedure available. Sometimes referred to as a “vampire facial,” microneedling with PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, has several benefits versus regular microneedling.

PRP Microneedling

Platelets are crucial in wound healing and tissue repair. Platelet-rich plasma not only contains a high level of platelets, but it is also abundant in proteins, growth factors, and cytokines. When the plasma is applied on the skin during microneedling, these cells can help stimulate faster repair without increasing the risk of adverse events.

Some clinics apply serums or creams on the skin during microneedling. However, microneedling with PRP uses your own blood cells as a natural healing source to improve skin restoration. After a sample of your blood is collected, platelet-rich plasma is extracted and added to your face during the microneedling procedure.

Preparation for Microneedling with PRP

Prior to the actual cosmetic procedure, your health practitioner may take around 5 to 10 mL of blood from you. The blood sample is centrifuged, or spun at a fast rate, to separate the PRP from the red blood cells. The preparation of PRP usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. During the preparation process, your cosmetic aesthetician can also prepare your face by applying a numbing cream. This helps ensure that you’ll remain comfortable during the entire PRP microneedling session.

When the PRP and your face is ready, the practitioner will begin using the microneedling device. Tiny needles on the dermaroller will create pores in the dermis ranging in size from 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Your practitioner will then apply the PRP on the microscopic injuries to encourage collagen and elastin production and promote cellular repair.

Benefits over Regular Microneedling

There are several benefits of microneedling with PRP over regular microneedling. Because of the high amount of plasma proteins and platelets, the PRP can promote faster inflammatory responses from the body. This means that once the PRP is absorbed into the skin of your face, the added proteins, platelets, and growth factors will start recruiting more cells to stimulate repair.

Based on studies and observations, microneedling with PRP can often produce better results than microneedling alone. Clients have also reported longer lasting results and greater satisfaction with PRP microneedling versus regular microneedling. In one split-face comparative study, PRP microneedling was found to produce enhanced results and significant improvement of acne scars.

PRP Microneedling Sessions

PRP microneedling may require multiple sessions in order to get the best results. While many people experience visible effects after the treatment, the full benefits are not often seen until after several sessions.

The number of sessions needed greatly varies depending on the severity of the condition being treated. But generally, each session is done on a 4 to 6 week interval. This period allows the skin to fully repair before subjecting it again to injury.

Over time, blemishes, scars, or other types of damage will start to fade. Many people have reported noticeable improvement in less than 6 months after consistent microneedling treatments.

Side Effects

Compared to other procedures, PRP microneedling is considered to be a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure with lower risk of side effects. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this procedure is safe with minimal pain during the procedure.

Recovery is often quick with minimal soreness and tenderness seen right after the treatment. In some cases, there may be mild bruising and redness. However, these effects usually disappear within 2 to 3 days.

In very rare cases, adverse effects may include increased swelling and bleeding. Other serious side effects can include infections and scarring. Because of the risk of these effects, it’s strongly recommended that you only get PRP microneedling treatments from a licensed medical professional.

In order to prevent the risk of serious side effects, you’ll want to follow a pre- and post-treatment care plan. This plan may include avoiding sun exposure and the use of harsh chemicals or exfoliants right after the treatment. If possible, you should also avoid vigorous exercise since excessive sweating may irritate the skin.

Precautions

Your practitioner should assess your medical history and overall condition to see if microneedling with PRP is best for you. Pregnant women as well as people with active acne, eczema, history of bleeding, platelet disorders, and/or an active infection are not advised to have microneedling with PRP.

While you may benefit from the anti-aging effects of microneedling, it’s important to keep your health and safety in mind. If you are ineligible to receive PRP microneedling, your beauty provider can recommend other procedures that will give you the results you want.

Is PRP Microneedling Right for You?

Microneedling with PRP is the latest innovation when it comes to renewing your skin’s natural glow. The minimally invasive procedure induces natural collagen production to erase the signs of aging like sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Compared to microneedling alone, PRP microneedling uses your own blood products to help stimulate cellular rejuvenation and tissue repair.

The procedure is highly recommended for those who are not getting the results they want with the use of skin creams or other procedures. Treatment sessions usually take less than an hour to complete with many people experiencing noticeable results after just a few sessions.

PRP Microneedling at Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic

At Rocky Mountain Skin Care Clinic, we offer PRP microneedling and a range of skincare services to help your skin look more radiant, firm, and glowing. We also provide laser hair removal, Botox injections, and lipotropic injections to support all of your beauty goals.

Try out the vampire facial today and experience all of its skincare benefits. Contact us at (720) 625-8020 or schedule a free consultation online to learn more!