PRP Microneedling
Microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the hottest aesthetic treatments today. When used individually, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma stimulate new collagen development in your skin, called neocollagenesis. When used together, they become an elite choice for boosting collagen and elastin production, stimulating neovascularization and rejuvenating your skin from the inside out. We’ve seen beautiful results from this treatment at Sophia Michelle Aesthetics and are excited to offer it to our Dallas clients.
What Role Does Collagen Play in Youthful Skin?
Collagen, along with elastin, is a critical component of skin that is resilient, healthy and youthful. When you’re young, your body produces an ample supply of collagen to support your skin. This keeps your skin firm and supple and helps it bounce back when it sustains damage. As you get older, collagen production diminishes and existing collagen fibers weaken and break down. This is when you start to see many of the hallmark signs of aging and environmental damage, like wrinkles, large pores, lax skin and patches of pigmentation. New collagen must grow at a faster rate than it is breaking down in order to maintain the health and beauty of your complexion.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling restores your skin by stimulating collagen production. During the procedure, a device containing tiny needles is used to gently pierce your skin at various depths, ranging from 0.1mm to 2.0mm. The optimal depth depends on the location of the treatment and your required level of collagen stimulation. When your body recognizes the micro-injuries created by the needles, it sets a natural healing response in motion, which increases collagen production and accelerates cellular renewal. Microneedling has the additional benefit of allowing topical products to sink deeper into your skin than they normally would, enhancing their efficacy.
Several different types of microneedling devices are available; however, many of the tools scrape the face, increasing the risk for infection and injury. Other devices have needles spread too far apart and do not allow for optimal stimulation. PA Sophia Michelle believes using the correct equipment is one of the most critical elements in the success of the procedure, which is why she only uses tools that do not cause scraping and that ensure multiple micro-injuries are provided in each area.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma is a highly concentrated autologous serum taken from a single tube of blood drawn just prior to your procedure. The blood is processed in a centrifuge, separating the platelets and plasma from the other cells in the blood. The resulting PRP serum contains growth factors that encourage the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin, leaving you with healthy, supple, younger-looking skin.
Adding PRP to a microneedling treatment achieves more significant and longer-lasting benefits. The PRP acts as an all-natural serum derived from your own body, while the microneedling pen is an advanced delivery mechanism that ensures the PRP penetrates the skin to the depth where it will be most effective in stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin. With these two powerful techniques in one treatment, we can address a variety of common skin concerns at the same time.
What Can PRP Microneedling Accomplish?
The combination of microneedling and PRP can improve mild to moderate signs of aging and environmental damage, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Rough skin texture
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun spots and age spots
- Acne scarring and other superficial scars
- Dull, lifeless complexion
- Stretch marks
Where Can Microneedling Be Done?
Microneedling is most commonly used as a facial rejuvenation treatment, but it can also be done to improve skin imperfections on the body. We can adjust the depth of the needle penetration to match the thickness of the skin in the area you wish to target. Possible areas of treatment include:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Thighs
What Can I Expect From My PRP Microneedling Treatment?
The first step of any cosmetic treatment is a consultation. During this one-on-one meeting, we will discuss your goals and evaluate your skin to confirm that microneedling with PRP will be an effective solution for your concerns. We will also use this information to design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique skin type and needs.
The next step of a PRP microneedling treatment is obtaining the platelet-rich plasma. We will draw a small amount of blood and place it in a centrifuge for processing. When the PRP is ready, the microneedling pen will be moved gently across your chosen treatment area while the needles rapidly oscillate in and out of the device, creating hundreds of tiny, evenly-spaced punctures in your skin. These micro-channels will allow the PRP to sink deep into your skin, where they will enhance your body’s natural healing and regenerative processes over the coming weeks.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
PA Sophia Michelle and her expert team aim to make every treatment as comfortable as possible. A topical anesthetic is used to numb your skin before microneedling begins. Although the sensation of microneedling can feel unusual, most clients tolerate the treatment well. Many are pleasantly surprised to find that microneedling sounds more painful than it actually is. Areas of the face with less natural “padding” — such as the forehead and jawline — can be more sensitive than areas that have more cushioning between the skin and the bone.
What Does Microneedling Aftercare Involve?
Microneedling downtime is minimal — in fact, you may need none at all. Following a PRP microneedling treatment, you are free to go about your day with few restrictions. You may experience some mild redness, swelling and tenderness akin to a sunburn, but these effects will resolve on their own within one or two days. It’s best not to apply makeup after microneedling. Sun exposure and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Once the recommended period has passed, you may resume cosmetics use and all activities. You will receive complete microneedling aftercare instructions before you leave our Dallas medical spa.
When Will I See My Microneedling Results?
PA Sophia Michelle tells every client that while microneedling offers beautiful results, it requires an initial series of sessions, as well as maintenance. You may notice that your skin looks and feels healthier and has a beautiful glow soon after a session — but the treatment’s more profound improvements need time to evolve. Your most dramatic microneedling benefits will be seen as your body produces new supplies of collagen and elastin that remodel your skin. The texture, firmness and quality of your skin can continue to improve for up to six months.
The number of initial treatments in a series will be dependent on the condition of your skin and your progress during the series. Most patients require a minimum of three sessions and some need as many as eight. Maintenance treatments can range from every two months to every six months, with an average of around four months. We will design a personalized treatment schedule that fits your lifestyle and ensures your skin looks youthful and radiant year-round.
Am I a Good Candidate for PRP Microneedling?
Microneedling is an appropriate treatment for most ages and skin types. Needle depth, speed and number of sessions can be adjusted to address your specific skin type, concerns and desired results. Because the procedure can be customized, it is safe and effective for a wide variety of patients. Additionally, because PRP is derived from your own body, there is very little risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Overall, these factors make microneedling with PRP one of the most natural methods of skin rejuvenation available today.
Microneedling should not be conducted in patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, inflammatory dermatosis, any type of skin lesion or growth under the skin in the region of treatment, active cancer or a history of herpes simplex virus in the perioral area. Absolute contraindications for microneedling include clotting disorders, scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, current infection and any immunosuppression condition or therapy. A consultation is required to confirm your suitability for this treatment.
Microneedling Dallas: Meet the Skin Experts at Sophia Michelle Aesthetics
A devoted skincare routine helps you maintain a glowing complexion and ward off the signs of aging and sun damage. But eventually, no matter how committed you are to your skin, collagen production declines and topical treatments may no longer be sufficient. The taut and vibrant skin you worked so hard for can become dull, lax and peppered with imperfections that detract from your best natural features.
When it’s time to take stronger measures to revitalize your skin, PA Sophia Michelle and her staff of specialists are here to help you discover your unique path to aging gracefully. Microneedling with PRP therapy is one of the many powerful and proven skin treatments available at our boutique aesthetic medical practice. We invite you to call 214-500-9287 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about achieving beautiful skin at any age with Sophia Michelle Aesthetics.
BEFORE & AFTERS
Before
After
Patient 1