Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. Why would we do this to ourselves? To improve our skin texture.
Good skin texture is soft and smooth and is very closely related to the collagen in your skin. Microneedling encourages the skin to produce new collagen and remodel old deforming collagen, that is associated with wrinkles, acne scars, scars, large pores and stretch marks.
Although this procedure involves penetrating the skin, it is minimally invasive, and with repeated treatments it produces great results. While not as effective as laser treatments, it is less expensive. Many people, particularly the younger, prefer to start with this method to improve the texture of their skin, reducing acne scars and/or pore size.
An additional benefit to micro-needling is the ability to open the skin for the reception of vitamin rich ointments or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for improved skin health and healing.
PRP
Skin rejuvenation with microneedling is a great procedure. However, the results can be greatly improved with Platelet Rich Plasma or Growth Factors. Microneedling alone increases the skin’s new collagen and remodels old deforming collagen which is found in scars and wrinkles. Old frayed deforming collagen is associated with wrinkles, acne scars, scars, large pores and stretch marks. Microneedling makes facial skin look youthfully thicker and reduces signs of aging, i.e. wrinkles, large pores, skin laxity and facial scarring from acne.
The use of Growth Factors and Platelet Rich Plasma with Micro-Needling improves the results of microneedling. The reason is this; growth factors are important for new cell generation and cellular functions, such as creating new collagen and elastic fibers. Growth factors come in many different varieties and are extremely abundant in our platelets. (These are the small cellular particles in our blood that stop up small blood vessels when we get cut.) Each platelet has 3 different granule types which are released when they are activated. These 3 granules have a wide assortment of growth factors and factors that attract stem cells to the area. (You could write a book about these fascinating little platelets.)
Microneedling will create access for platelets to enter the skin (usually 30 cc of your blood is draw and processed to get 3 to 4 cc of platelet rich plasma). The platelet growth factors nor any other growth factors would be of no benefit if just rubbed on the skin. Once the platelets are deep in the skin their granules are activated and wonderful things start to happen.
As your skin is healing, although this procedure has minimal downtime, the growth factors in a higher concentration that would normally be found induce extra collagen, new cells and increased normal vascularity of the skin. This has a profound effect on the look of our skin.
Typically, a series of 4 microneedling sessions are performed and Platelet Rich Plasma or a single growth factor can be used. (A growth factor is commercial available if you are squeamish about giving blood.) Each is performed every two to three weeks. Remember the downtime is really small. Most people are using make-up by the second day. By stacking these needling in a series of every 2-3 weeks there is an additive effect in collagen production and collagen contraction. Usually 8 to 12 weeks after the series is complete the results is seen. I recommend performing a single maintenance needling every 4 to 5 month. It is best to perform microneedling at least 2 weeks after you have had a Botox treatment. I feel this enhances the healing of wrinkle lines. The constant movement of the muscles that cause the wrinkles will only impede new collagen production and remodeling deposition in these areas.
