How Does Micro-Needling with PRP Work?
What is Micro-Needling?
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure popular with patients seeking younger and softer skin. The procedure often includes topical treatment, as the channels created through the micro-needling process allow the patient’s chosen treatment to penetrate deeply into the skin. That being said, not all Micro-Needling treatments are created equal.
Depending upon the technique used and the topical treatment, results will vary significantly. As an example, Micro-Needling with Platelet Rich Plasma, or “PRP,” has garnered lot of media attention due to its powerful skin rejuvenating properties. To back this up, there have been several scientific studies proving its efficacy in treating a wide variety of skin conditions.
How does Micro-Needling work?
Micro-needling introduces controlled, microscopic holes into the skin of the neck, face, and body. The device’s needle length is adjustable, allowing for pinpoint accuracy (no pun intended). Additionally, each needle is thinner than a strand of hair. With the micro-needling treatment, we are able to introduce thousands of microscopic holes, not visible to the naked eye, into the upper layers of your skin. This stimulates your body’s natural healing process. Collagen and elastin rush to the upper layers of the skin, repairing damage and improving the skin’s appearance and elasticity.
What is PRP and do I need it?
PRP which is also referred to as Platelet Rich Plasma, is a concentrated form of skin growth factors that are derived from the patient’s own blood. The PRP is produced by getting a small sample of the patient’s blood. The blood is then spun down at a very rapid rate using a device called a centrifuge, which serves to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood.
Does Micro-Needling work better with PRP?
In short, yes, micro-needling is more effective when it is combined with PRP. Immediately following the micro-needling treatment, the patient’s pre-prepared PRP is applied topically to the skin, where the microchannels formed during the micro-needling treatment allow the PRP to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Combining these two procedures provides a more even distribution of the PRP, greatly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Using platelets from the patient’s own blood sample significantly influences healing. Researchers have proven the effectiveness of micro-needling with PRP to treat acne, atrophic scars, stretch marks, and even hair loss.
What Results Should I Expect from Micro-needling with PRP?
Since the procedure uses the patient’s own PRP, side effects of this procedure are minimal and typically confined to mild swelling and redness lasting one to two days. Some patients may experience light bruising, typically lasting less than a week – this is typically more common in patients that take blood thinners such as aspirin or Motrin. There may be mild discomfort during the procedure, but no pain during recovery.
Patients notice visible improvement in their skin within two to four weeks.
Scar reduction
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Glenn Vallecillos MD FACS serves clients from all across the globe and has a practice emphasis on minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation surgery and revision surgery of the nose and breasts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have you been a practicing plastic surgeon?
My first year out of residency was in 2005
Describe your philosophy and approach to cosmetic enhancement and treatment of patients
Philosophy: Superior advice predicated upon evidence-based medicine, innovative insight, and efficient execution.
Treatment goals: Create a natural-appearing, balanced aesthetic enhancement that complements the patient’s unique features.
What’s most important to you when treating patients?
Comfort and security: We strive to achieve the ultimate customer experience. In surgery, much like professional sports, talent typically prevails. Championships however, are won by the teams who subscribe to organizational excellence. Accordingly, with good surgical planning and sound judgment, the majority of routine surgeries follow fairly predictable outcomes. Hence, customer service makes the experience complete. That’s what ultimately differentiates you as a surgeon from the masses. And that is our goal: to exceed our clients expectations.
What does a consultation with you entail?
Initially, patient information is gathered including photographs, salient medical history, and aesthetic goals. Next, I perform a comprehensive consultation utilizing videos and interactive patient education software. Following the consultation, the patient reviews the surgical procedure, peri-operative plans, and financials with the surgical consultant.
What steps does your office take to augment comfort?
We offer several features to augment comfort: A VIP waiting area, complimentary beverage menu, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and complementary usage of iPads.
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