Micro-Needling Versus Micro-Needling with PRP

What is Micro-Needling?

The Micro-needling procedure, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, uses a small tool with a varying number of microscopic needles, usually 15 to 25, each smaller than the width of a human hair. Needle length adjusts, depending on the treatment area. When applied to the skin, it creates controlled, microscopic wounds that are invisible to the naked eye. The micro-injuries to the skin initiate the skin’s repair process which includes naturally producing collagen to the affected area. Even when the procedure includes no topical treatment, the rush of collagen and elastin to heal these microscopic wounds improves the skin’s appearance and reduces signs of aging.

The Advantages of Applying PRP

The micro-needling procedure creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, making it fertile ground for a topical application like PRP. To obtain PRP, your doctor places a vial of your own blood into a centrifuge, separating the platelets from the blood. He or she then places the platelets into the centrifuge to obtain the platelet-rich plasma, proven in numerous studies to speed healing and repair for everything from fine lines to hair loss.

Applying PRP after micro-needling is more effective than direct injections of PRP, as the micro-channels allow even distribution across the treatment area as well as absorption into deeper layers of the skin. PRP’s growth factors go to work in these deeper skin layers, encouraging collagen growth as well as the rejuvenation of collagen cells.

Conclusion

As a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, both micro-needling and PRP work well. However, their true power is unleashed when used together, as benefits are amplified and healing time is reduced.
Visible improvements typically appear about 2-4 weeks from the time of treatment. However, optimal results are noticeable after 6 months with additional follow-up treatments. Therefore, a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is ideal for most patients. Although, some conditions such as; deep wrinkles, stretch marks, and extreme acne scaring could take up to 6-8 treatments for best results.