PRP Microneedling

PRP Microneedling Facilitating Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy was first developed, used and validated for orthopedic surgery with a body of clinical literature accumulated over more than thirty years. In this treatment, the healing platelets from blood plasma separated from a patient’s own blood are re-injected into the body to enhance healing.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that are important in the clotting process. As the clot is formed, the platelets release enzymes that promote healing and play a role in tissue regeneration by attracting stem cells to aid in the repair of a damaged area.

The same process is used in the PRP Microneedling. The patient’s own blood is drawn, treated, and then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the patient’s face. Injections are made into strategic areas to encourage skin healing and renewal through new collagen production and fresh skin cells full of human growth factors. This increase in collagen and growth factors creates a more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearing skin.

As a result of the Vampire Resurfacing treatment, the patient’s skin is naturally refreshed with little downtime.

Treatment Steps

1) Preparation: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared.

2) Targeting injections: Your physician marks the areas on your face that need to be freshened or lifted with a special pencil that wipes away easily.

3) Blood draw: Your physician takes about 2 teaspoons of blood from your arm, in the same way you would have a regular blood test.

4) Isolating PRP: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 5 minutes. This equipment spins the blood at high speed to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of contents of the blood. This isolated platelet rich plasma is “activated” by a special process to begin releasing growth factors that, once injected into the body, will increase collagen production and have other healing effects.

5) Topical anesthesia: If required or requested, your physician will apply a topical numbing cream to your face to keep you comfortable during your treatment.

6) Injection of PRP: The physician injects the separated and activated platelet rich plasma back into your face.

7) Repeat: Best results are obtained after about three treatments spaced about a month apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals.

8) Watch and wait: Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin’s stem cells. The skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This somewhat sneaky process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results will not be immediate, so while you patiently wait a few weeks and even a few months, your skin will begin to transform itself.

How long does a PRP treatment take?

An appointment for a PRP treatment will take about 30 minutes to one hour, though treatment time varies depending on the number of areas you are targeting.

Who is the ideal candidate for the PRP Microneedling?

PRP therapy is autologous, which means it comes from one’s own body. Therefore, in theory, we should all be good candidates for this treatment if we want to improve the quality and appearance of our skin. Specifically, the Vampire Resurfacing can be used to treat:

Crow’s feet
Dark circles around the eyes
Fine lines around the mouth
Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
Sun damaged skin
Acne scarring
Crepey skin in the eye, neck and décolletage areas

This procedure is not recommended for those with blood-related conditions, anemia, or blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterwards according to physician instructions.

Recovery after PRP therapy

The PRP Microneedling requires little recovery time. There may be redness and some tenderness on the first day that appears much like sunburn. Occasionally some bruising may occur. The initial redness will subside on the second day, and some patients then notice some swelling and a sandpaper texture to the skin the day after treatment. By the third day, the swelling should diminish. The sandpaper texture to the skin may persist for up to a week.

Though you may notice these changes, you will not likely have any significant downtime as a result of these symptoms. You can go back to your regular daily activities after your appointment and, with a light make-up application, no one will be the wiser about your procedure.

Results of PRP Therapy: What can I expect?

Within a few days patients begin to see noticeable results. Within 2 to 3 months, when the greatest benefit is seen, individuals report fully refreshed skin that looks and feels more youthful. These results can last between 1 to 2 years afterwards depending on the individual.

Caring for your rejuvenated skin

After your PRP therapy, skin hydration and sun protection are paramount. A daily skin care regime that includes a good quality moisturiser and multiple applications of sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher throughout the day is critical.