Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) is a minimally invasive treatment to rejuvenate the skin. A device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin, which triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin. Results can include improved texture and firmness, as well as a reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks. Microneedling may also be combined with a topical treatment, like PRP (platelet rich plasma) or another vitamin-rich serum. PRP has many uses and treatments. PRP can be used for hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, hand rejuvenation, neck lines, scar, breast lift, buttock lift and stretch mark treatments.
HOW DOES IT WORK? AND IS THERE DOWN TIME?
The idea behind microneedling or collagen induction therapy is similar to that of many other non-surgical skin-tightening procedures in that it aims to create a controlled injury underneath the skin's surface, thereby inducing the body to respond by producing more collagen in the treated area. The skin plumps and thickens in response to the stimulus, reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and fine lines. The down time would depend on how deep into the skin we would go and how your body responds to the treatment. Usually you want to allow 1 week for redness and swelling to go down. PRP or Platelet rich plasma is using your own blood spun down and applied on the the skin after microneedling or injected into the area. It uses your own growth factors to repair the skin from the inside out. When injected, it can aid in adding lift and volume, increase blood flow, rejuvenate and repair tissue. What can we treat with Microneedling and/or PRP? Face, neck, hands, breast, buttocks, stretchmarks, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, hairloss and surgical scars.
WOULDN'T THAT BE PAINFUL?
It can be painful if too much pressure is used, although some patients describe the treatment as being only "mildly uncomfortable." The devices are available with different needle lengths, which can also affect the patient's comfort level. In addition, many practitioners administer a topical anesthetic before each treatment.
WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO DO THIS?
Among micro-needling with or with out PRP is a great option for improvement of everything from stretch marks, large pores, pigmentation, fines wrinkles and scars (acne, trauma, and even burn scars) to hair loss. It is also said that the PRP is useful in dramatically increasing absorption of topically applied skin preparations.