For my medical spa patients in London, Ontario, anti-aging treatments are a big focus. My career as a cosmetic dermatologist has familiarized me with the many skin issues people face as they age. Our DermEffects staff uses numerous different techniques to correct signs of aging such as laxity, dullness, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
But there’s one solution some patients overlook: combining treatments.
When it comes to healing skin, teamwork can often be your best option. One of my favorite therapy combinations? Microneedling with PRP.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) is a procedure mainly used to minimize the signs of aging. It is high intensity focused RF (Radio Frequency) technology, delivering thermal energy deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen production for impressive results.
How is microneedling with PRP different?
Traditionally, microneedling is used to treat anything from wrinkles to acne scars. Adding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
The treatment involves isolating and concentrating the platelets from your own blood into platelet-rich-plasma that, when applied to other areas such as the skin, can promote healing and regeneration. By isolating platelets and injecting them into damaged or aging skin, we can harness their growth factors to promote collagen development and improve skin texture.
Who is an ideal patient?
Microneedling with PRP can improve:
- Wrinkles and sagging skin
- Age spots and sun damage
- Acne scars
- Dark under eye bags
The procedure might not be a good fit if you:
- Are pregnant
- Use Accutane for acne
- Have a bleeding disorder or low platelet count
What can you expect during treatment?
Our staff starts by applying a topical anesthetic, so you stay comfortable during the procedure. A small amount of blood will be drawn as the anesthetic sets in. After placing the blood in a centrifuge to isolate and gather the platelets, we inject PRP with a fine needle just under the skin (dermal layer of the skin) to ensure good penetration by the platelets.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated.
What is recovery like?
Recovery time depends on the areas being treated, but most patients only experience redness or minor bruising for 2 to 3 days. Patients can return to daily life as soon as they like. For best results, patients often schedule a series of microneedling sessions, spaced several weeks apart.
Because PRP involves using the patient’s own blood, it tends to be very well-tolerated by the body. It is a versatile treatment that can easily be combined with other procedures.
If you’re interested in fighting aging and skin damage with a PRP microneedling session, request a consultation online or call our office at (519) 472-8686.
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