A thoughtful skincare routine helps to maintain a fresh, glowing complexion and protect your skin from wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage. But as time passes and collagen production declines, topical treatments may no longer be enough to ward off signs of aging. The clear and naturally radiant skin you once enjoyed can grow dull and lifeless, with imperfections that detract from your best features and take a toll on your confidence.
When the time comes to take bigger steps to revitalize your skin, microneedling with PRP therapy may be the right treatment option. This is one of the latest and most effective advances in aesthetics, and is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after procedures for patients interested in nonsurgical, minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation. Request a consultation at Blue Illusion Beauty today to find out how microneedling with PRP can achieve beautiful skin at any age.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy, restores the skin by stimulating collagen production. During the procedure, a handheld device containing tiny needles is used to puncture the skin and create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis. This process sets the body’s natural healing response in motion, which increases collagen and elastin production and accelerates cellular turnover. In the weeks following treatment, microneedling gradually restores your complexion by evening out skin tone and texture, and minimizing the appearance of lines, acne scars, sun damage and other irregularities. Microneedling also allows topical products to sink deeper into your skin than they normally would, enhancing their benefits.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Many patients are familiar with PRP therapy thanks to its ghoulish nickname: the vampire facial. Although the treatment does involve blood, it is far more advanced than its mythic monster moniker suggests. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a preparation derived from a patient’s own blood that contains a high concentration of growth factors. When injected, these growth factors enhance the body’s natural healing and regenerative processes. PRP is used in cosmetic settings to rebuild essential skin structures. Its applications are also being explored in other areas of medicine, such as hair restoration and treatment for sports injuries.
What Are the Benefits of Combining Microneedling and PRP?
Microneedling is a quick and convenient way to refresh your skin, but when combined with PRP, your treatment can have even more dramatic and longer-lasting benefits. The PRP acts as a natural skin serum that is delivered into the dermis by the microneedling device. The needles drive the growth factors and other essential nutrients deep into your skin, at the depth where they can be most effective in encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. At Blue Illusion Beauty in San Diego, our microneedling with PRP treatments are carefully customized to the needs and goals of each patient. Thanks to this versatility, we are able to address a variety of common skin concerns at the same time.
What Concerns Can Microneedling with PRP Treat?
Microneedling and PRP injections can improve mild to moderate signs of aging and environmental damage, including:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Sagging skin
- Sun spots and age spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne scarring and other shallow scars
- Rough skin texture
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Dull, tired complexion
- Stretch marks
Microneedling is most frequently used to treat areas of the face, but it can also be used on the neck and chest. When you visit Blue Illusion for your consultation, we will discuss the reasons for your interest in microneedling with PRP and design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique skin type and needs.
The Microneedling With PRP Procedure
Microneedling with PRP takes place in the comfort of our office. For the microneedling portion of the procedure, your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic will be applied to ensure you remain comfortable during the treatment. The microneedling device will then be gently applied to your chosen treatment area while the needles create channels in the skin to activate collagen production and tissue remodeling.
For the PRP therapy, the platelet-rich plasma will be prepared by drawing a small amount of your blood (most likely from an arm) and processing it in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the plasma and platelets from other components of the blood. Once the concentrated PRP is isolated, it will be applied to your skin so it can further stimulate your body’s natural reparative and regenerative processes.
What to Expect After Microneedling With PRP
Following a combined microneedling and PRP treatment, you can get back to your everyday routine as soon as you want. Your skin may be slightly red and tender — similar to what you would experience from a mild sunburn — but there is no required downtime. These reactions are normal and usually subside within a day or two. Based on your individual needs, our skin specialists can recommend suitable products to keep your skin nourished, hydrated and protected, and enhance the results of your rejuvenation treatment.
Your Microneedling With PRP Results
Microneedling with PRP proves maintaining a youthful appearance doesn’t have to mean aggressive procedures and long, painful recovery periods. You may notice that your skin has a healthier glow soon after your procedure, but the most remarkable benefits need time to evolve. Optimal results tend to appear around six weeks or so, when your body has had time to respond to the treatment by producing more collagen and elastin and repairing the micro-injuries in your skin. For best results, we suggest starting with an initial series of treatments followed by routine touch-ups. We can recommend a treatment schedule that ensures your complexion always looks radiant and refreshed.
Am I the Right Candidate for Microneedling With PRP?
Most ages and skin types can safely undergo microneedling and PRP therapy.
Because our microneedling device can be adjusted, we can customize the treatment for almost any skin type or concern. And because PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, there is very little risk of adverse reaction. Microneedling with PRP is one of the most natural approaches to skin rejuvenation available today. To ensure optimal results, a consultation is required to determine whether this combination therapy is right for you.
Microneedling With PRP for Skin Rejuvenation
Fine lines, lax skin and other signs of aging can appear long before you’re ready to consider surgical intervention. Fortunately, the number of minimally-invasive options for facial rejuvenation is constantly growing, and these treatments are safer, more versatile, and more effective than ever before. Microneedling with PRP can restore a youthful appearance to your skin, naturally. We invite you to learn more about this innovative microneedling treatment by calling (858) 909-0500 or filling out our online contact form to request a consultation. Our doctors are committed to helping all our patients achieve beautiful, natural results that help them look and feel their best every day.