PRP Microneedling
The Secret to Vampires’ Eternal Youth
Would you like to inject your own blood into your face to fight aging? Platelet-rich plasma therapy has become a popular procedure in the beauty industry. One of the first celebrities to publicize this method was Kim Kardashian, who tried the procedure on her reality TV show.
What is a PRP Microneedling?
PRP microneedling is a procedure in which platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s blood is injected into the patient.
The plasma therapy technique is not new and has long been used in orthopedics, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery, and now we can use the advantages of this technique in cosmetology.
How is the PRP microneedling performed?
1. To start the blood facial, the aesthetician will use a needle and vile to withdraw approximately 5 and 15ml of blood, from a vein in the arm. The vial is then sealed, ready for the next step which takes place directly afterward.
2. The blood sample is then placed in a centrifuge (a machine that places an object in rotation around a fixed axis). The machine isolates the platelets, forming the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentration.
Platelets are activated to release the growth factors during this process, stimulating their normal function properties for the healing of tissues. The centrifuge process typically takes place within approximately 15 minutes while both the practitioner and patient wait.
3. In the meantime, a patient’s skin will be cleansed, and ready for the treatment application process. A light numbing cream or ointment is applied to a patient’s face before the microneedling device is used.
The device (DermaPen) gently creates tiny needle wounds (holes) in the skin. The aesthetician will gently glide the device over the area to be treated, in order to penetrate the outer layers of the skin (epidermis), approximately 2mm deep. It is this needling and the depth of it that results in the redness and swelling of the skin, which will require a handful of days to normalize (although any inflammation and swelling experienced is generally mild).
The process of needling before applying the serum activates the build-up of collagen beneath the skin being treated. The stimulation of collagen quickly improves fine lines, skin texture, and scars, priming the treatment area for the next step.
4. The areas being treated (face, neck, décolletage, etc. which can all be safely done in one session if desired) will be coated with the now-developed PRP concentration, through a re-needling back into the skin. It is not a painful experience.
The growth factors get to work quickly, stimulating multi-potent stem cells which already exist in the skin. This ‘tricks’ the cells into ‘thinking’ the skin surface is injured (triggering an acceleration of the healing cascade) and the generation of new tissue. The skin responds to this acceleration action by plumping up and thickening, getting to work on those wrinkles, lines, or scars.
Skin will begin to feel tighter shortly after the session as its texture, color, and tone start to adjust. Skin will feel softer too and will progressively improve in the weeks to come.
Who is a good candidate for PRP Microneedling?
Plasma facial is ideal for people who want to improve the condition and color of their skin. PRP is suitable for all skin types, the procedure helps to eliminate wrinkles, revitalize the skin, improve the condition of the skin after acne, and also speed up the recovery processes after peeling. The procedure is preferred for patients who choose natural methods of rejuvenation. Most often, plasma-lifting is used in areas subject to solar radiation and premature aging – cheeks, the middle third of the face, the zygomatic zone, and sagging skin of the neck, back, arms, and décolleté.
It is recommended to carry out a cycle of 3 procedures with an interval of 4-8 weeks. Noticeable results in the form of an improvement in the structure of the skin should be expected during the first month, then there is an increase in the formation of new collagen by the third month. The skin condition continues to improve for up to 12 months and the results last for 1.5-2 years.
Are there any side effects of the PRP Facial?
Since platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s own blood, its use does not cause rejection, infections, or allergic reactions. The skin may appear slightly tanned during the first 2 days and with little to no discomfort. Slight swelling may last for 3-7 days, and redness and bruising disappear within 1-3 days.
After the treatment, it is recommended to monitor skin hydration and be sure to apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more.
Not recommended after this treatment
It is recommended not to use any type of makeup for a couple of days after the PRP microneedlingv treatment as the entry of bacteria into the wounds can lead to inflammation. Pools and beaches should also be temporarily limited to reduce the risk of infection. Visits to baths and saunas are highly not recommended, as exposure to high temperatures can lead to complications.
During the rehabilitation period after the PRP microneedling facial, sports should be abandoned (due to excessive sweating, the risk of skin irritation increases). You must not sunbathe for 2 weeks before and after the procedure and you must use a high-protection sunscreen afterward. Following these guidelines is important to avoid negative side effects caused by solar radiation.
It is forbidden to drink alcohol before and after the procedure. In addition, it is required to limit products that contain caffeine for 3-7 days. This substance affects the state of blood vessels and blood. After completing the session, it is also better to give up coffee and energy drinks for several days.
With proper implementation of these rules and skin care, you can reduce the number of wrinkles, including in the area around the eyes. Flabbiness of the skin disappears and age spots are eliminated, the pores narrow, the inflammatory process disappears. Scars, including acne scars, become less obvious.
PRP Microneedling benefits
The positive effects of the procedure can be divided into biological and external, which are visible to the naked eye.
Biological effects:
- skin revitalization;
- slowing down the aging process;
- increased local immunity;
- improvement of metabolism in skin cells.
External effects:
- reduction in the number and depth of wrinkles, while it should be borne in mind that the procedure is not able to get rid of deep wrinkles;
- moisturizing the skin, increasing its elasticity;
- alignment of skin color;
- reduction of puffiness under the eyes and dark circles;
- smoothing scars and acne scars;
- fights acne and post-acne;
- elimination of hyperpigmentation, and age spots;
- skin texture is evened out.
Skin care after the treatment
It is necessary to take care of the skin after the procedure by gently wiping the wounds with an antiseptic. A balanced diet and drinking enough fluids help speed up recovery.
Many patients are interested in whether it is possible to do a facial massage after PRP microneedling. Massage can be done only after the puncture sites have completely healed. With proper restoration, the complexion after the procedure improves significantly, pigmentation is eliminated. Wrinkles become less obvious, the aging process slows down, and skin tone increases.
It is possible to correct the oval of the face and eliminate scars and acne scars. The results are visible after the first procedure, but several sessions are required to achieve the desired effect.
